stranger danger

Chapter three

The mattress beneath me was too soft and unfamiliar.

My eyes fluttered open slowly bright leigts forcing them back shut.

For a moment, I didn’t remember where I was. Then the events of the night crashed into me all at once.

The engagement.

The announcement.

Sheila.

The stairs.

I pushed myself up quickly and froze. Where was I??

This was not my father’s house.

This was not Elio’s penthouse.

This was not my apartment either.

The room was enormous with muted gold lighting and floor-to-ceiling curtains.

A chandelier that looked like it belonged in a palace.

My heart began to race.

Where was I?

“You’re awake.” a voice called out.

The voice was calm and deep and controlled.

I turned toward the sound.

A man stood near the window with his back facing me, phone in his left hand.

He didn’t explain, apologize or introduce himself.

He simply typed away like there was no one there. When he was done he turned to me slightly.

“Do you make a habit of falling down stairs,” he asked evenly, “or was last night a special performance?” he asked ever so casually

My jaw tightened.I didn't even know the man.

“Where am I?”

“A hotel.”

That was all he offered and it pissed me off even more.

“ Why did you bring me here and what do you want” I ask trying to be composed.

“ That's not a good way to say thank you but I'll take it” he replied looking back at his phone.

I pulled myself out of the bed with shaky legs.

“ You've faced enough humiliation to last a month, miss Moretti. Going out looking like that isn't going to help your image.” the stranger said again with so much nonchalance, it bothered me.

I ignored him and went to the suite and like he said, I did look a mess. My hair was all over the place, a band aid on my forehead and stains on my dress. I certainly couldn't leave here like this.

I tried to look presentable but the stains on my dress were definitely not going anywhere. I needed a change of clothes. First I need to find my phone.

I walked back into the room to find the man sitting on the bed, legs spread. He looked familiar. I just couldn't remember right now.

“ I need my phone,” I said.

He looked at me with raised brows.

I looked at him for a while confused. He didn't say a word to reply.

“ Please,” I added. My voice came out low and pleading.

He pointed to the chair where my heels and purse sat.

“ I already got you change of clothes if that's what you need”

He added watching me like I was his prey. I paused and looked at him, really looked at him.

Well sculpted face, chiseled abs that his white shirt fit properly, long legs clad in designer dress pants and shoes and millions of dollars sitting subtlety on his wrist in the form of a watch.

If these were better circumstances, he would be attractive.

“ Why did you bring me here?” I gestured to the room.

“ It's my guest suite,” he offered, again nonchalantly. It pissed me off

“ What exactly do you want from me?” I tried again. I refused to believe he brought me here just out of good will. Men like him never did things for free.

He stood up, walking slowly towards me, I subconsciously took a step back till the wall stopped me. I stood straight trying to avoid cowering in front of him. That won't be a good sight.

He looked at me for a while then smiled before saying the last thing I imagined him saying.

“ Marry me.”