The Wrong Room

Eva's POV

I dragged my feet with effort up the short stairs to my apartment. I was weak and weary from everything today.

My phone beeped and buzzed for probably the fiftieth time since noon. I didn’t need to check. It was Luke. Another attempt to have me rescind my decision as his wedding planner, when I had no plans of doing that.

I pushed the door into my modest home, stepping into the familiarity of everything around me. Everything that reminded me of Luke’s betrayal. A leathered couch by the wall reminded me of how Luke would cuddle me while we lay on the sofa watching football.

I jerked my eyes from the little portrait of him on the TV stand. I reminded myself to find a befitting trash bin for it later, along with any other pictures of him I had.

I strolled into my tiny bedroom and headed immediately to the bathroom for a shower. Thoughts of Luke and his betrayal still preying on my mind. I came out later to find my phone buzzing continuously. I hesitated, believing it was Luke again. On second thought, I picked up the phone.

The new message was from Lucy Radcliffe, and it said, “Show up at my house in two days. I want us to discuss your ideas and plans in detail. Be punctual. I don’t condone lateness.”

The message was devoid of the fake friendliness she showed me today. It bore more of the rude and unkind Lucy Radcliffe the media preached about.

*****

I arrived at the address that accompanied Lucy’s text in two days. It was the Radcliffe’s estate. One of the biggest in the state.

A brawny guard led me through a field of manicured gardens and past a garage filled with fleets of expensive cars for the porch. The difference between Lucy and me became clear to me, as much as night and day. Lucy represented not just the security of Luke’s inheritance but also a platform to climb higher in the social ladder. I represented an extreme drop down.

The guard let me into the mansion, and finally to Lucy. I followed quietly, refusing to steal glances at the luxuries around me. I didn’t want to embarrass myself before Lucy did that to me. I had a feeling that was what this meeting was about.

Lucy stared at me over the rim of a cup of coffee and gestured for me to take a seat. Although she smiled, even the blind could tell it was fake.

She consulted her wristwatch. “You came early, Eva,” she smiled. “Fifteen minutes early”

I just smiled as a response, since that wasn’t quite a question. An elegantly dressed lady. Another product of affluence came down the stairs. She sashayed to me and thrust her handbag at me.

“Take it to my car. It is the purple Porsche in the first garage.” She said, while her eyes demeaned me. “You know a Porsche, right?” She took another irritated look at my overwashed blazer and pants and pushed the bag further into my face.

I pushed the bag away from my eyes. “Sorry, ma’am, I am not a maid here. I am an event planner planning Miss Radcliffe’s wedding with Luke Hayes," I said calmly. Underneath, I was struggling with my boiling temper.

The lady didn’t push again. She turned to Lucy, perhaps for guidance.

“Stop embarrassing my guest, Chloe,” Lucy scolded feebly, feigning concern and innocence.

The lady suddenly spat out a guffaw. “I didn’t know you were Lucy’s guest,” she said between her laughs. “I couldn’t help but mistake you for a maid because of your clothes.” She gifted me another condescendingly flutter of her lashes and retreated to sit beside Lucy.

“You are welcome,” I replied with a bite of sarcasm. I wouldn’t let her relish the thrill of ridiculing me.

“Why should you embarrass my guest, Chloe?” Lucy cried sorely.

“I am fine, Miss Radcliffe. Let’s discuss the business that brought me here… your wedding.”

“Sure. We are going to do that, but let’s do that someplace quieter and over some nice cups of coffee."

Before I could voice my opinion, she and Chloe were on their feet, moving deeper into the mansion.

“You are my fiancé’s ex, and I am hoping I get to know more about Luke from you,” she said over her shoulder to me.

“She is Luke’s ex,” Chloe faked a gasp, stealing a quick glance at me. “Little wonder Luke was dying to be with you. I bet he realized he could do better than that thing in rags."

Lucy threw a gentle jab at her, pretending to scold her again.

I turned away from them, still seated. I could see through their flimsy script. Whatever lay in store for me beyond this room was nothing short of further humiliation. I would have forgone this job if I didn't desperately need it to elevate my portfolio to the roof.

I stood up after them. But they were nowhere in the hall again. I threw my eyes around in search of them, ambling carefully to the stairs.

“Lucy! Chloe!” I called and got nothing but silence.

I heard a giggle from upstairs, and I climbed the stairs. Still, there was no one, not even a maid or a guard. Now I was sure the ladies were deliberately messing with me.

“God!” I grunted with effort. My body heating up with rage.

A noise came from a door to my right. Now terribly annoyed, I ran to it and pushed it open without a second thought.

“This is very wrong, Miss Lucy—” My words were cut short when my eyes fell on a man. He had just stepped out of a bathroom and had a towel around his waist. Water dripping from his sleek body.

He turned to me instantly, realizing company. His eyes hooded with question. “Who are you, lady?" he demanded.

I drew a quick breath. He was terribly handsome. No, he was… gorgeous. I found my eyes straying to the thick, showy squares of his packs. With the water dripping from his body and the soft lighting of the room, he looked ethereal, like a god. I just had to stare.

“Who are you?" I heard his sensual voice again. His voice had dropped a shade softer. His gorgeous face calmed in a dangerous smile.

His smile, though harmless, sent chills rippling through every inch of me. The smile took on a seductive twist as he approached me. Prancing forward like a predator stalking a prey.

That brought my senses reeling back in, and I dragged my eyes from his mesmerizing body. “Sorry, it was a mistake," I stammered, swallowing hard, flushed with embarrassment. I pulled the door to leave.

“Wait!” He reached for me, and his towel came undone. I paused, gasping, my knuckles folded tight on the doorknob. Staring at me was a massive cock.

The towel didn’t stop him from reaching for me. He caught my wrists and pulled me back gently to the room. He kicked the door shut behind me with his foot.

Then he pinned me to the door with his massive build. His deep blue eyes swept my face carefully, brightening with interest. My heart hammered on my chest as I looked upon his face. I dare say he was the most gorgeous man I had ever seen. Even Luke just didn’t come close.