Chapter 38.1

"Elliot Allister, what are you doing here?" In an instant, she hissed at me.

"Love, why would I not be here?" I said, matter-of-factly, "I own this property. This is my hotel."

She stood up and gathered her belongings; she didn't want anything to do with me. "Fine," she remarked, "I'll leave."

"Ari, let's talk." I said, after taking a deep breath to calm myself down and pacify my raging emotions at her actions.

"Are you unable to listen and understand, Elliot? How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not interested in talking to you? I want to get away from you as much as possible. So, just leave me the hell alone."

Hearing her say those words made me lose the last thread of my patience and tolerance for her. "We're going to talk, Ariella," I said, blocking her way and trying so hard not to touch her for fear that I might hurt her in my frustration. "And this is not a request; you will speak with me whether you like it or not."

"Fine!" Ariella sighs, her forehead scrunched a