See You Never

"There's no need to trouble yourself. It's on the table."

Assuming she was looking for contraceptives to run out and buy, Gideon lifted his chin toward the bedside table. A small courtesy basket sat next to the lamp, openly displaying an assortment of premium condoms.

Cora froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. Since when did luxury hotels become this attentive? Her flimsy excuse evaporated into thin air.

"O-Okay. I'll go take a shower, then," she stammered. She pushed past his imposing frame, her heart hammering against her ribs.

She could sense what his intent was. *Damn it*, she thought, bolting into the bathroom and shutting the door behind her. She leaned her forehead against the cool tiles. *I was clearly the one leading him on. So how did I end up becoming the sacrificial lamb here? Has he been playing dumb this whole time just so he could take advantage of me?* She shot a suspicious glare at the frosted glass.

Out in the suite, Gideon took in her flustered retreat. He read her racing thoughts with ease. Plenty of women would kill to take her place in this bed, yet she was the first one who seemed desperate to flee. It was an interesting change of pace.

The night passed in a blur, slipping rapidly into a quiet dawn.

When morning light filtered through the thick curtains, Cora woke up safe in his bed. She turned over, her breath catching as she found Gideon sleeping soundly right beside her. Without the icy glare in his dark eyes, his sharp features softened. He looked less fearsome, resembling a lion in deep slumber, temporarily stripped of his lethal aura.

Leaning closer over the mattress, she studied him in the quiet room. Her gaze traced his flawless jawline, the faint shadow of rough stubble on his chin, and the long lashes resting against his fair skin. A flare of petty jealousy hit her chest. It was unfair for a man to be this attractive.

As if sensing her blatant stare, Gideon’s brow furrowed in his sleep.

Cora panicked. She flattened herself against the sheets, instantly holding her breath. Fortunately, he made no further movements, settling back into a slow, steady breathing rhythm.

One of his arms rested across her waist. Moving at an agonizingly slow pace, she carefully lifted his warm hand and shifted it aside. She had zero desire to face the awkward aftermath when Gideon finally woke up.

Seizing the perfect chance, Cora slipped out of bed and hurriedly threw on her clothes. Before bolting for the door, she dug into her purse, pulling out every cash bill she had on her. She slapped the pile of money onto the table as an insulting tip and scribbled a mocking message on a hotel notepad.

Ten minutes after the heavy suite door clicked shut, Gideon opened his eyes.

Unsurprised to find the other side of the bed empty, he calmly threw off the silk covers and got dressed. As he fastened his cuffs, a splash of green on the table caught his attention. He walked over.

A stack of cash sat pinned beneath a folded note.

Gideon picked up the paper, reading the messy handwriting: *Uncle Gideon, I enjoyed myself last night. I left you some money, and I wish you good luck. See you never!*

"See you never?" Gideon snorted, a dry laugh escaping his throat as he skimmed the disrespectful message. He tossed the insolent note into the trash bin and casually pocketed her cash.

Right on cue, his phone buzzed. It was Tobias Mercer, his personal assistant.

"Mr. Lockwood, your flight tickets are confirmed," Tobias reported smoothly. "If you're busy today, I can reschedule the flight for tomorrow."

"It's fine. I'm heading over right now."

After a brief hesitation, he instructed, "By the way, come to the hotel and investigate the woman from last night."