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 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 got to my room, the first thing I did was strip off my ruined shirt, and then I took a long, hot bath to get rid of the stench and stress from the day.

The bath eased off 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's 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 move out of my room, crossing the hallway to his and knocking on his door softly. I don't get a response, but the door's slightly ajar, so I push it open and step inside.

The strong scent of his cologne fills the space, attacking my nostrils as I walk further into the room.

Look around but I don't spot him inside, so I decide to just leave the jacket on his bed and slip out. But as I turn to leave, 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.

I stand frozen, shamelessly ogling the fine specimen in front of me. 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 rooms, checking them out?" he asks, snapping me out of my daze. His brows are raised, amusement dancing in his eyes.

I hadn't even noticed him approaching me.

I remain silent, words fleeing out of my head by the second.

Say something, Hailey!

I feel my cheeks heat up under his stare.

"Uh—I... I came to return your jacket," I finally manage.

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

My eyes are immediately glued to the area, my mind reeling with so many possible scenarios where I could see what lies beyond the towel.

I don't realize how badly I'm staring until he clears his throat, bringing me back to awareness.

"Sorry!" I squeak, walking past him to get out of the room before I embarrass myself any further.

I don't go far before I find myself slipping on droplets of water on the ground. My heartbeat quickens and I shut my eyes, readying myself for the fall.

But it doesn't happen. Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me against a hard wall of muscle.

He steadies me, but his touch remains. The heat coming from the contact between our bodies makes a shiver of desire run through me.

I notice the neckline of my shirt has shifted, revealing the swell of my breasts. He notices it too, his gaze lingering on the exposed skin, pupils dilating.

And as if something in him snaps, he retracts his hand and steps back, rubbing the back of his neck. He doesn't look at me as he says, "You should go get some sleep."

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 didn't close it completely so I didn't have to take my key card, and now I'm locked out.

This day just keeps getting worse.

I go to the reception to request a new one, but the desk is empty. So I hang around, waiting for the receptionist to return. Fifteen minutes pass and the desk remains unoccupied. I sigh and retreat to my room, being left with only the option of sleeping by the hallway.

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

I spend the entire elevator ride upstairs inwardly talking myself into spending the night on the floor.

At least this isn't some cheap hotel, right?

As I finally work up the courage to do just that, a shadow falls over me. I look up to find the biker. "What the hell are you doing?"

I suppress a groan.

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

He cocks a brow, his voice 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? Book rooms in expensive hotels just to sleep on the hallway floor."

A full grin breaks out on his face. "You can just join me in my room." Then he eyes me, his expression turning 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.

I don't know his true intentions, but there's no way I'm passing up the offer to have a somewhat comfortable rest tonight.

He turns and begins walking back. Without hesitation, I jump to my feet and follow behind him.

He is shirtless, giving me a free pass 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.

And I'd seen the way he was looking at me. I know he probably wants to have sex with me. And maybe, just maybe, if he makes a move, I'll let him.

In my thoughts, I don't notice he has turned, so I end up colliding with his chest. He holds me, his hands low on my waist. Just a small movement and he'll be cupping my ass, and I have a feeling he has every intention to do just that.

"I could feel your eyes burning circles on my back, sweetheart."

Once again, I'm lost for words in front of this man.

"You... you were in front of me. I was just making sure I didn't bump into you."

He smirks knowingly. "Is that it?" 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 mouth a short distance from mine. Just a tilt of my head, and we'll be kissing.

"You look like you're thinking hard about something."

My nipples harden from the heat of his breath against my face.

He cranes his head, his mouth 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.

Being confronted with the actual deal, my resolve from earlier starts to fade. But before it can completely dissolve, and I back away, my mind flashes back to the scene I'd walked in on hours ago. To the fact that Jake and I hadn't slept together in over three months. To their betrayal, and the fact that they're probably celebrating not having to hide from me any longer.

Every ounce of hesitation sheds at the remembrance. And with a renewed resolve, I stand on the tip of my toes, my lips just a breath away from his.

"I'm thinking of you fucking me all night," I whisper, closing the distance between our lips.

He doesn't hold back, kissing me back immediately with more passion than I'd ever had anyone kiss me with.

He lifts me into his arms, and I wrap my legs around his torso as he carries me to his bed.

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