Suite surrender, p.14
Suite Surrender, page 14
Fay simply drew back and shook her head.
‘Well, that settles it then. I’m on my own.’
With that, she opened the door and walked out hoping Fay would call her back, but the silence was deafening.
Chapter Thirty-Two
He waited in the shadows, his eyes fixed on Rain’s flat, watching for any sign of movement. Minutes turned to hours as he stood there, his patience wearing thin. Just as he was about to give up, the door opened and Rain stepped out, her keys jingling as she locked up behind her.
This was his chance.
As soon as Rain was out of sight, he moved quickly, keeping to the edges of the building until he reached her door. With a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure no one was watching, he knocked loudly, his heart pounding in his chest.
The door swung open, revealing a shocked Fay standing on the other side. Her eyes widened in recognition and fear, and she stumbled backwards into the flat, trying to slam the door shut, but he was too fast, his foot jamming into the gap as he forced his way inside.
‘Where is it?’ he growled, his voice low and menacing as he advanced on her. Fay backed away, her hands held up in front of her as if to ward him off.
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ she stammered, but he could see the lie in her eyes.
He lunged forward, grabbing her roughly by the arm and dragging her into the bedroom. Fay struggled against his grip, but he was too strong, his fingers digging painfully into her skin.
‘Don’t play games with me,’ he snarled, tossing her onto the bed as he began to tear through her belongings, searching everywhere. Drawers were upended, clothes strewn across the floor as he searched with growing frustration.
Fay watched him with wide, terrified eyes, her body trembling as she curled in on herself. ‘Please,’ she whispered, ‘I don’t have it. I swear.’
He turned to her, his face twisted with rage. ‘You’re lying,’ he spat, grabbing her once again and hauling her to her feet. ‘And I’m going to make you tell me the truth, one way or another.’
Fay let out a choked sob as he dragged her out of the flat and into the waiting car, her pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears. As the engine roared to life and they sped off into the night, one thought consumed him – he would get it back, no matter the cost.
Chapter Thirty-Three
An hour later, Rain found herself standing across the street from the hotel, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. She knew she couldn’t just waltz in through the front door, not after being suspended. She needed to find another way in, somewhere she could slip in unnoticed by the staff and security.
Then it hit her. The service entrance. She had used it countless times during her stint as a chambermaid, and she knew for a fact that the security camera had not been working for weeks, something management had been dragging their feet on fixing.
Pulling up the hood of her jacket, Rain made her way around the back of the hotel, keeping her head down and her steps quick and purposeful. Her heart was in her throat as she approached the service entrance, half expecting to find it locked and bolted. But to her surprise and relief, the door swung open easily, and she slipped inside without a hitch.
The hallway was deserted, and Rain let out a breath she hadn’t even realised she had been holding. She made her way to Sydney’s office, her senses on high alert, her eyes peeled for any sign of recognition or suspicion from the staff she passed.
When she finally reached Sydney’s office door, Rain hesitated, a sudden wave of doubt washing over her. What if Sydney didn’t believe her? What if she thought Rain was just trying to save her own skin, to weasel her way out of the consequences of her supposed actions?
But then she thought of Fay, of the fear and desperation in her sister’s eyes, of the very real danger she could be in. That was enough to steel Rain’s resolve, to give her the courage to knock on the door before she lost her nerve.
‘Come in,’ Sydney’s voice called from inside, crisp and business-like.
Rain stepped into the office, closing the door softly behind her. ‘Ms. Thompson? I’m Rain, I—’
Sydney looked up from her desk, her eyebrows raised, her expression unreadable. ‘I know who you are.’
Rain swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. By the look on Sydney’s face, it didn’t seem like her reputation preceded her in a good way.
‘Oh, right.’
‘You’ve got a nerve showing your face in this hotel after what you’ve done.’ Sydney’s expression hardened, her eyes flashing with anger and accusation. ‘Do you have any idea the damage you’ve caused? A guest nearly died. He’s still in the hospital, in critical condition. Because of you!’
Rain flinched at the venom in Sydney’s words, the weight of the accusation hitting her like a physical blow. But she forced herself to meet Sydney’s gaze, to stand tall and hold her ground. ‘I know that’s what I’ve been accused of, but it’s not true. I swear to you, I had nothing to do with it.’
Sydney leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed, her expression sceptical. ‘And why should I believe you? You may have my sister fooled, but I’m a lot less trusting, especially when it comes to my hotel and my guests.’
Rain’s heart sank, a sense of despair washing over her. She had been afraid of this, of the uphill battle she would face in trying to clear her name and uncover the truth. ‘I know how it looks. But please, just hear me out. I care about Lauren, deeply. I would never do anything to hurt her, or to jeopardise your family’s business.’
Sydney was quiet for a moment, her eyes searching Rain’s face, as if trying to gauge the sincerity of her words. Finally, she let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders sagging almost imperceptibly. ‘All right. I’m listening.’
Rain took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. She launched into her story, telling Sydney about the drugs circulating among the guests, about her suspicions that Alex had been the one to accuse her of dealing because Rain had caught her in the act.
‘So why didn’t you say something at the time?’ Sydney asked, her brow furrowed in confusion and suspicion.
‘Because . . . because she threatened to out me by telling Lauren that Fay is my sister.’
Sydney’s eyes widened, shock and disbelief written all over her face. ‘Fay! Are you joking? Jesus, this just keeps getting worse. You need to leave. Now!’
Sydney rose from her chair, her body tense, her expression fierce as she moved towards Rain. ‘Go, before I call security and have you escorted out.’
But Rain stood her ground, her chin lifted in defiance, her eyes blazing with determination. ‘Call them then, because I’m not going anywhere until I find out what the hell is going on. Why is my sister talked about like she’s some kind of villain?’
‘Have you ever thought that maybe it’s because she is?’
Sydney picked up the phone, her fingers poised to dial, but Rain’s next words stopped her in her tracks.
‘Look, Fay says she’s in danger, and I believe her. If Lauren was in trouble, wouldn’t you move heaven and earth to help her?’
Sydney froze, the phone halfway to her ear, her eyes locked on Rain’s face. Slowly, she lowered the phone back onto the cradle, her expression thoughtful.
‘What danger? You make it sound like we’re in some kind of mafia movie. For Christ’s sake, Rain, we’re a five-star hotel—’
‘With a massive drug-dealing operation going on right under your nose,’ Rain finished, her voice firm and unwavering.
Sydney sighed, rubbing her temples, the weight of the situation evident in the slump of her shoulders. ‘I don’t know what to believe anymore.’
‘Fay’s in over her head, Sydney. She doesn’t know how to get out, how to untangle herself from this mess.’
Sydney’s eyes searched Rain’s face, as if trying to read the truth in her expression. ‘And you think you can help her how? If this is as dangerous as you say, why shouldn’t I just call the police and let them handle it?’
‘Do you really want the press to get wind of this? The scandal it would cause, the damage it would do to the hotel’s reputation?’
Sydney sank back into her chair, her expression conflicted. She was quiet for a moment, obviously weighing her options, trying to decide on the best course of action. Finally, she let out a long, slow breath, her decision made.
‘All right. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, for now. But if I find out you’re lying to me, or if you’re involved in any way—’
‘I promise, I only want to help. I want to keep Lauren safe, and I want to get my sister out of this mess.’
Sydney nodded, a look of grim determination settling over her features. She leaned forward, her elbows on the desk, her eyes locked on Rain’s. ‘So, what’s your plan?’
Rain hesitated, the realisation hitting her that she didn’t really have one, not yet. ‘I’m not sure, to be honest. I was hoping you might have some ideas, some insights. You know the people that work here better than anyone.’
Sydney thought for a moment, tapping her pen against her lip, her brow furrowed in concentration. ‘I do. Okay, let me have a think about it?’
‘Great. I will help in any way I can.’
‘Okay. I’ll be in touch soon … and Rain? I think it’s best you tell Lauren the truth yourself about Fay. I’m telling you where she is because you’re right, I would do anything for my sister, except lie or keep secrets from her,’ Sydney said, scribbling something on a piece of paper.
Rain took the piece of paper Sydney held out to her, her heart swelling with gratitude. ‘Thank you for believing me and giving me a chance to make this right.’
As Rain left Sydney’s office, the piece of paper clutched tightly in her hand, she felt a renewed sense of purpose.
Sydney’s expression softened, just a fraction. ‘I don’t know if I believe you yet. Don’t make me regret it.’
‘I won’t.’
Chapter Thirty-Four
Rain sat in an empty carriage, watching the countryside whizz by in a blur of green and gold. Her brain was working overtime, trying to figure out how the hell she was going to break the news to Lauren. How was she going to tell the woman she was crazy about that her own sister was mixed up in some seriously shady business.
As the train pulled into the station, Rain grabbed her backpack and hopped off, flagging down the first taxi she saw. The driver, a chatty old guy with a shock of white hair, kept trying to make small talk, but Rain was too lost in her own thoughts to pay much attention.
‘You all right there, miss?’ the driver asked, glancing at her in the rear-view mirror. ‘You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders.’
Rain forced a smile, shaking her head. ‘Just got a lot on my mind, that’s all.’
The driver nodded sagely. ‘Ah, I know that feeling. But you know what they say – a problem shared is a problem halved. Sometimes it helps to talk it out.’
Rain chewed on her lip, considering his words. Maybe he was right. Maybe if she practised what she was going to say to Lauren, it wouldn’t feel quite so daunting.
She started to talk, the words tumbling out in a rush. She told the driver about Fay, about the drugs, about the danger they were all in. She even told him about her feelings for Lauren, how she was terrified of losing her just when they were starting to get close.
The driver listened intently, nodding along and making sympathetic noises in all the right places. When Rain finally ran out of steam, he let out a low whistle.
‘Sounds like you’ve got yourself in quite a pickle there. But you know what I think? I think you’re doing the right thing. Honesty is always the best policy, especially when it comes to the people we care about.’
Rain felt a sudden rush of gratitude towards the kind stranger. ‘Thanks,’ she said softly. ‘I needed to hear that.’
The taxi pulled up outside Lauren’s cottage, and Rain paid the fare with shaking hands. As she walked up the path, her heart hammered so hard she thought it might burst right out of her chest.
She raised her fist to knock, but before she could make contact, the door swung open. Lauren stood there, her eyes wide with surprise and something else Rain couldn’t quite read.
‘Hi, your sister—’
But before Lauren could finish her sentence, she pulled Rain into a tight embrace, Lauren’s lips crashing against hers in a desperate, hungry kiss.
Rain froze for a split second, caught off guard, but then she melted into the kiss, her arms coming up to wrap around Lauren’s waist, pulling her closer.
The world around them faded away as they lost themselves in each other, weeks of pent-up longing and desire pouring out in a tangle of lips and tongues and roaming hands.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless and flushed, Lauren rested her forehead against Rain’s, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
‘I wasn’t expecting that,’ Rain murmured, her voice husky.
Lauren laughed softly, nuzzling her nose against Rain’s. ‘I couldn’t help myself. I’ve been thinking about you non-stop since I left.’
Rain’s heart swelled at the admission, but then reality came crashing back in. She pulled away slightly, her expression turning serious.
‘Lauren, there’s something I need to tell you. Something important.’
Lauren’s brow furrowed in concern, but she nodded, stepping aside to let Rain into the cottage.
As the door closed behind them, Rain took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation to come. She knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but she also knew that Lauren deserved the truth.
No matter how painful it might be to hear.
‘It will have to wait,’ Lauren said, taking her hand and leading her into the living room.
Rain followed Lauren into the cosy space, her heart pounding with nerves and anticipation. The cottage was warm and inviting, with a fire crackling in the hearth and soft music playing in the background.
Lauren turned to face her, a tender smile on her face as she reached out, her fingertips grazing Rain’s cheek with a feather-light touch. Rain’s breath caught in her throat at the contact, her skin tingling where Lauren’s fingers had been.
Slowly, almost hesitantly, Lauren leaned in, her lips brushing against Rain’s in a whisper of a kiss. Rain’s eyes fluttered closed, savouring the softness, the sweetness of the moment.
Lauren pulled back slightly, searching Rain’s face for any sign of hesitation or discomfort. When she found none, she smiled, her hand coming up to cup Rain’s cheek.
‘Is this okay?’ she whispered, her thumb stroking Rain’s skin.
Rain nodded, leaning into Lauren’s touch. ‘More than okay.’
This time, when their lips met, there was no hesitation. The kiss was slow and deep, filled with all the longing and tenderness they’d been holding back for so long.
Rain’s hands tangled in Lauren’s hair and she marvelled at the silky strands sliding between her fingers. She’d always known Lauren was beautiful, but feeling her like this, being this close to her . . . it was beyond anything she’d ever experienced.
Lauren’s hands slid down Rain’s back, pulling her closer until their bodies were flush against each other. Rain gasped at the contact, heat spreading through her like wildfire.
They stumbled backwards, lips locked in a passionate embrace, their bodies pressed together as if trying to meld into one. The kiss was deep and urgent, tongues dancing, exploring, tasting. Rain’s hands roamed over Lauren’s back, feeling the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her shirt.
The back of Rain’s knees hit the edge of the bed, and they tumbled onto the airbed in a tangle of limbs. The sudden fall broke their kiss, and for a moment, they stared at each other, breathing heavily. Lauren’s eyes were dark with desire, her lips swollen and pink. Rain felt a surge of heat course through her body at the sight.
Without a word, they began to undress each other, fingers fumbling with buttons and zips in their haste. Clothes were tossed aside haphazardly until they both lay naked, skin against skin. The cool air of the room raised goosebumps on their flesh, a stark contrast to the heat building between them.
Rain’s gaze roved over Lauren’s body, drinking in every curve and dip. She cupped Lauren’s breast, revelling in its softness, its weight in her palm. The warmth of Lauren’s skin sent a ripple of excitement through Rain’s body, igniting a fire low in her belly. Lauren arched into the touch, a soft moan escaping her lips.
Unable to resist, Rain lowered her head and took Lauren’s nipple in her mouth. She swirled her tongue around the hardening bud before gently gripping it between her teeth. The sensation drew a deep, throaty groan from Lauren, the sound sending a jolt of arousal straight to Rain’s core.
Rain smiled against Lauren’s skin, pleased with the reaction. She kissed her way back up to Lauren’s mouth, capturing her lips once more in a deep, sensual kiss. Their tongues met and retreated, a slow, sensuous dance that left them both breathless.
As they kissed, Rain’s hand began to explore, sliding around the curve of Lauren’s breast, fingertips trailing lightly over the soft skin. She traced the dip of Lauren’s waist, the swell of her hip, before moving inward across her abdomen. Lauren’s muscles quivered under her touch, anticipation building with each passing second.
Rain’s fingers dipped lower, threading through the soft curls between Lauren’s legs. As the tips of her fingers met Lauren’s clit, a gasp tore from Lauren’s throat, her hips bucking involuntarily. The sound and movement sent a fresh wave of arousal coursing through Rain’s body, her own clit throbbing in response.
Lauren’s reaction was intoxicating. Rain could feel the heat emanating from Lauren’s centre, the slick evidence of her arousal coating her fingers. She began to move her fingers in slow, deliberate circles, watching Lauren’s face intently. Lauren’s eyes fluttered closed, her lips parted as soft, breathy moans escaped her.
