Hero

Chapter 13 - "I think you bruised a rib or something..."

My throat tightened and I gasped, dropping my duffle bag on the ground.

“What, what’s wrong?” Justin asked.

“He’s here!”

Just as the doors were inches from closing, Justin thrust his hand out; stopping them and making the doors open once again. “Where?” He knew what I was talking about and looked around the room with urgency. I nodded over to the check in desk, where the small girl that used to be helping us spoke to a man in a trench coat. He had silver hair and blue eyes – definitely not Robert. “Rhylee, I think you’re just tired; come on.” Justin stuck his head back into the elevator and let the doors close. Once they did, I was pushed into silence, left to think about the two haunting images I just saw. Robert was there; that was a totally different man. I know what I saw, and it was no trick of the mind. It was too…vivid.

An arm snaked around my shoulders, making me jump. “Calm down, it was nothing.” Justin soothed. I nodded and leaned into his side, enjoying the warmth he provided. A moment passed before the doors opened again, sending us down a long hall with only three or four doors. Justin walked to the very end, sliding a plastic card in the door knob. With a small click we entered the very large penthouse room. “Isn’t this a bit conspicuous?” I asked.

There was a living room; complete with a couch, two end chairs, tables, and a very large flat screen TV mounted on the wall. To our left was a door that led to the large bathroom, while further into the room to our right was the bedroom. Without bothering to look around the room, Justin made his way to the bedroom. I followed, and saw there was only one, very large, bed. “I hope you don’t mind the sleeping arrangements. I could take the couch if you aren’t comfortable?” He offered.

I turned on my heel and dropped my bag, avoiding eye contact as I replied. “No, that’s fine, I don’t care.” My blushing face said otherwise.

“I can order some dinner to be taken up to our room. I think it’s safe to say we won’t be going anywhere for a while; at least not for pleasure.” He continued talking as I walked out of the bedroom, wandering around the rest of the penthouse. Everything was so pristine; as if no one had ever stepped a foot inside. I knew that wasn’t true, but still, I felt special. I’d never been in a hotel like this before… I suspected it was only first of many if I were going to be with Justin.

Just as I was opening the small fridge and looking inside at all the cool snacks, Justin walked in after me. “There aren’t enough towels, I’m going to call them and tell them to bring more. Do you need anything?” He asked, reaching for the silver cordless phone on the desk next to me.

“Uh, no, I’m fine with what’s already here…” I rolled my eyes.

He saw and sat down the phone before dialing. “What was that about?”

“You’re a brat, aren’t you? You don’t settle, do you?”

He shrugged and took a step forward. The close proximity of our chests made my breathing harder to accomplish. He leaned in a little closer, making my breath stop altogether. His piercing green eyes bore into my gold eyes, sending absolute chills up my spine. “What can I say; I always get the best.”

Heat rose to my face, causing him to chuckle. “As I said, I’m going to call the front desk and ask for more towels. What do you want for dinner?” His voice was light again as he stepped back, reaching for the phone.

“Uh…um…b-burger.”

Robert

The frosty blue glare that came from the many screens in front of me laid across the room, being the only light in my hotel room. A small grin spread across my face. I saw her; seeing her was the best feeling. For months now I’ve wanted to tell her how I truly feel about her; hearing her tell me she loves me was the happiest moment of my life. She’d be mine again soon, and I’d tell her every day.