Page 5 of A Veteran’s Obsession

“You didn’t come down to dinner last night.”

It’s a statement, not a question, and I wonder how he knows. Does he keep track of all his guests?

“I ordered room service and took a bath.”

My neck heats as I remember what I did in the bath while thinking about him.

I glance down at my plate and am grateful for the dark glasses so he doesn’t see my expression. Hopefully I’m coming across as badass and in control, not awkward and flushed.

The waitress returns with fresh coffee and a plate of pastries.

“Here’s your breakfast, sir.”

She puts them on the table and glances at me before scurrying off. We’re drawing the attention of his staff, and I don’t like it.

“I have to get back to my room.” I push my chair back, and before I can stand up, Axel’s hand shoots out, and he captures my wrist. Heat flares up my arm, and I gasp at the strength in his fingers. His cuffs ride up, and the tendrils of his tattoo snake enticingly up his sleeve. I can’t tell if it’s a serpent or a vine or a tribal design.

“You haven’t finished your breakfast. Please sit.”

I glance around the room, and now the staff are really staring. I should push him away, but my skin throbs where he touches me and his eyes bore into me with an intensity I can’t ignore. After living half my life online, his realness is captivating.

I sink into my seat.

“My staff are discreet,” he says, as if reading my mind. “We get a lot of guests who come here for its remote location. You won’t be bothered, Miss Bennet.”

I swallow hard. He hasn’t used my real name even though he knows it, and he’s offering me sanctuary. For the first time since I left my apartment yesterday, I feel like I’ve landed safely.

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

He smiles slightly, and it looks good on him.

“And thank you for honoring my reservation yesterday. You didn’t have to do that.”

Axel tilts his head. “Whatever it is you’re running from, Miss Bennet, you will find sanctuary here. But I can’t have you confined to your room. I’m giving you after-hours access to the spa, so you can enjoy it without fear of running into our other guests.”

My jaw drops open. “But I didn’t pay for the spa package.”

He smiles. “It’s on the house.”

“Why would you do that?”

He steeples his hands. “Let’s say I have an interest in your welfare. One good human to another.”

And here I was thinking there were no good humans left. Turns out when you get offline, there are some.

“Thank you.”

“I can’t have you dining alone every night. Tonight you’ll dine with me in my private suite.”

And here it is. This is why he’s giving me the attention. He thinks I owe him something. Even though my body screams that I’d love to do what he’s offering, my mom would turn in her grave if I even considered it. She brought me up to have more self-worth than that.

“No, thank you.”

My tone is clipped, and this time when I stand up, I step away so he can’t reach me.

He has the audacity to look puzzled, as if he’s not used to a woman turning him down.

“I’m not going to sleep with you because you paid for my room and are giving me free spa access. If that’s the price, then I’ll pack up my bags and leave.”