Enemy Beloved

13 | tease

★

C L A I R E

"Good evening, welcome to Le Lion. How may I help you today?" The receptionist greets Vaughn when we reach the counter of the luxurious hotel.

"I have a reservation. It's under the name of Jackson," Vaughn tells him while I place my elbows on the counter, cupping my face.

This place feels nice. The entrance is very decorative and the marble flooring shines, adding to the posh atmosphere of the place. I vaguely wonder what our rooms will be like.

"Yes, Mr. Jackson. We have reserved a room for you for two nights with the cost of food and travel included, is that right?" The guy types fast as he speaks to Vaughn and the latter nods in turn.

David follows behind us with our luggage. Vaughn told him to leave us alone and that he could manage by himself but David was adamant about ensuring that Vaughn doesn't have any trouble settling in. I am starting to like this big guy. He is very serious about his job which I have no idea what it is supposed to be.

"Mr. and Mrs. Jackson." The receptionist reads from his computer screen. "Room 215. Here you go, monsieur." The young man takes out a key from his drawer and forwards it to Vaughn. "Should you have any requests or questions, please dial 0 from the phone in your room. Have a wonderful stay."

"Only one room?" I ask, looking at the receptionist and trying to get a peek at his computer. "Where will I stay?"

"It's our honeymoon, honey." Vaughn holds my elbow and squeezes. "One room is enough, I think."

"But that's not fair!" I whine, pulling my arm out of my husband's grasp.

His jaw ticks as he looks at me with disappointment in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, madame. But all the other rooms are booked," the receptionist informs, his gaze moving between Vaughn and me.

"Nah, Mr..." Vaughn pauses as he looks at the name tag on the receptionist's suit. "Mr. Allard...you see my wife here is a little upset and intends to punish me by keeping me deprived of her. I'm sure there's no other trouble. Do give us the key so that I can get a room to..." He moves his eyes to me and stresses upon his next words. "Apologize."

I roll my eyes, biting my cheek to stop myself from laughing. I forgot how much fun it was to rile Vaughn up. He gets pissed off within seconds.

"Here you go, sir." The receptionist hands Vaughn the key to the room and signals a bell boy to take the luggage from David. "Charlie here will show you the way."

"Thanks," Vaughn murmurs and when he sees me about to open my mouth again, he quickly grabs my hand to pull me along with him to follow Charlie.

"You have decided to terrorize me today, haven't you?" he leans to whisper in my ear.

"What can I say, honey?" I shrug. "I love it when you get all 'Don't mess with me, blondie'. You look cute."

I imitate his body language and flick the tip of his nose. He shrinks in disgust, making me laugh out loud.

David hands the luggage to Charlie and after making Vaughn promise to call him if he needs anything at all, leaves.

We reach our room after a long elevator ride where Charlie explains to Vaughn the history of the hotel. Disinterested in the conversation, Vaughn just pretends to be listening as the bellboy speaks nonstop.

Our room is at the far end of a corridor and as soon as Vaughn unlocks the door, I am left amazed by the interior of the room.

It is even better than I imagined it to be. Everything is either the color of royal green or polished black. There is a huge king-sized bed right at the center and towards one end of the room, there's a door to the bathroom. There is even a huge cupboard and a couch. The ceiling lights above give the room a warm glow and it is decorated with flower vases around every corner. I love pretty things and this is by far the prettiest I have ever seen.