four

Hailey's POV

The stranger had driven me back to the hotel in comfortable silence. Coincidentally, he happened to be staying here too, and in the room opposite mine.

When he first dropped me off and followed me to the elevator, I thought it was for my safety. But it turned out he was just trying to get to his own room.

I still don't know his name though. I couldn't find the courage to ask, and he seemed like wasn't going to share it either - the excuse I gave myself for not asking.

When I get to my room, the first thing I do is strip off my ruined shirt, then I take a long, hot bath to get rid of the stench and stress from the day.

The bath eases the physical tension, but the memory of the assault is still firmly imprinted in my mind. Although the biker had called the cops, it still feels like the man would suddenly appear in my room to finish what he started.

Speaking of cops, I can't believe I thought he was one. A smile tugs on my lips. I should have known from his outfit and the way he handled the situation in a manner that wasn't standard policies protocol.

A sigh escapes my lips, the tiredness from my day finally settling in. As I move to lie on my bed, I notice his jacket, draped over the armchair. I had forgotten to return it.

I should do that now.

'But what if he is already asleep?'

I push the thought aside, making up my mind to give it back tonight, just in case I don't see him again.

I knock on his door softly. When I don't get a response, I push it open, as it wasn't completely shut. The strong scent of his cologne fills the room.

I don't spot him inside, decide to just leave the jacket on his bed and slip out. As I turn, I am met with a sight that leaves my mouth dry.

He just stepped out of the shower, water droplets clinging to his perfectly sculpted body, the only covering a white towel wrapped low around his hips.

It's like my eyes are stuck on him. I can't tear my gaze away. The glistening moisture on him makes his muscles ripple, and he looks even sexier.

"Do you just walk into random men's room, checking them out?" He asks, his brows raised, amusement dancing in his eyes, snapping me out of my daze. I remain silent, words leaving my head.

I feel my cheeks heat up. "Uh-uhm. I-I came to return your jacket," I stammer.

He folds his hands across his chest, the movement causing the towel to slip lower, giving me a perfect view of his v-line.

'Hailey, snap out of it. You just broke up with your boyfriend today,' I scold myself.

With my head down, I walk past him to leave, but end up slipping on the droplets of water. My heart skips a beat, as I feel myself falling.

Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me against his hard chest.

At his touch, a shiver, not of fear, runs through me. Desire, maybe? My mind fills with other scenarios where his hands could also be wrapped around me.

I notice the neckline of my shirt has shifted, revealing the swell of my breasts. His gaze lingers on the exposed skin, his pupils dilating. But before anything happens, he helps me regain my footing, clearing his throat. "You should go get some sleep," he says, his voice hoarse.

I let out a shivery breath. "Yeah. Goodnight.

I scurry out of his room, a mixture of disappointment and embarrassment swirling in me. He would have been a good distraction for me.

On reaching the door of my room, I try to push it open, only to discover it locked. Of course. I left it ajar, so I didn't have to take my key card.

I go to the reception to request a new one, but the desk is empty. It leaves me with only one option, sleeping by the hallway.

It's official. This is the worst day of my life.

I brace myself, preparing to lie down. A shadow falls over me, and I look up to find the biker. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Uhm, preparing to sleep?" I reply, my voice flat.

He cocks a brow in interest. His voice is laced with amusement as he asks, "And what was the thought process behind that?"

"I locked myself out," I mumble, my cheeks burning.

The corner of his lips tilts upward. "Must be nice."

I shrug. "Yeah, it is. I do stuff like this for fun, y'know?"

A full grin breaks out on his face. "You can just join me in my room." Then he eyes me, his expression turns serious. "I don't think you should be out here alone, not after what happened."

He makes mention of the assault, reminding me of just how much of a shit day I've had. In one day, I went through a breakup and became homeless, almost got raped, and then got locked out of the place I managed to find.

Without hesitation, I follow behind him. He is shirtless, allowing me to admire his broad, muscular back.

I imagine how good my fingers digging into his back would feel. Jake was on the rather lean side, so I couldn't enjoy such simple pleasures whenever we got intimate. I can't even remember him being good enough in bed, to have me holding on to him tightly.

Suddenly, he turns and I collide with his chest. He steadies me, his hands lingering on my waist. "I could feel your eyes burning circles on my back, sweetheart."

Words seem to fail me at the moment, and I wonder when I became so tongue-tied. "You... you were in front of me, and I was just making sure I didn't bump into you."

"Is that all?" His voice is deep and dangerously low, sending moisture pooling at my core.

I feel the distance between our bodies close. "Yeah," I breathe.

He dips his head to my level, his breath fanning my face. My nipples harden with each action. "You look like you're thinking hard about something."

He goes even lower, so his mouth is at my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "Tell me what you're thinking of," he whispers seductively, "and I'll give it to you."

He lifts his head, his dark eyes locking with mine.

'I guess it's now or never.'

I stand on the tip of my toes, bringing my lips close to his. "I'm thinking of you fucking me all night," I whisper against his lips.

My response seems to work, as he kisses me. He lifts me into his arms, and I immediately wrap my legs around his torso, as he carries me to his bed.

Whatever happens from now, I'm blaming it on all the alcohol I had earlier.