Chapter 352

AURORA

Ugh, Dane is unbelievable! Why is he acting so childishly? I looked at him, sleeping, and sighed, my shoulders slumping. Why can’t he see that I can’t tell him right now? I need to handle this alone, without interference. When the time is right, I’ll let him know. I will tell Dane everything when Alina is ensnared in her own lies.

“Dane?” I called, but he ignored me. “I don’t have an appetite either. Can you tell the waiter not to bring any dishes?”

Dane shifted his leg. “The phone’s there; call them yourself,” he said coldly.

I rolled my eyes, got up, and dialed the number. “Hello, we’d like to cancel all orders.”

I dropped the phone. Reaching a mirror, I noticed my dress and jewelry—lovingly chosen by Dane. I glanced at him, lying there, a heavy sigh escaping me. I had hurt his feelings on a day he’d gone out of his way to make special.

I licked my lips, taking off my earrings. “This is a sacrifice for Piper and Warrick,” I whispered. I removed my shoes and dress, placing them in the wardrobe.

“Did you bring nightwear?”

I turned at Dane’s voice. I shook my head.

His eyes raked down my body; I was in just my lingerie. He gritted his teeth, then looked back at my face.

“Is that how you want to sleep tonight?” he asked.

I nodded, walking toward the bathroom. “Why all these questions?”

Dane shrugged. “I was just saying, it might be cold, but I don’t care anyway. Do your thing.”

I furrowed my brows as he closed his eyes again. His tone was furious, yet he still cared and asked about my comfort in the cold.

I smiled, biting my bottom lip. “Well… I think your body is huge enough to keep me warm tonight.”

Dane opened his eyes, stared for a moment, then closed them again, saying nothing.

I closed the bathroom door and took my bath. Once the door was shut, I thought about that man with the tattoo… how is he here? I somehow knew coming to this hotel would solve the mystery. I clasped my hands and said a short prayer for help.

I walked out of the bathroom and saw Dane lying in bed, face up, eyes closed, legs and arms crossed. I walked naked to the mirror, towel in hand, wiping my hair. I glanced at Dane in the reflection. He had his eyes open, staring at me.

“Can’t sleep?”

He turned to face me. “How can I sleep when you’re here… like this?”

I looked down and smiled. “Aren’t you used to seeing me this way?”

“I can never get used to this.”

I took the hair dryer and started drying my hair. “That’s not my fault then.”

He sighed, closed his eyes, and I continued drying my hair. After drying my hair, I put on my lingerie and climbed into bed. “Dane?” I called, but he didn’t respond. I covered myself with the duvet, rested my head on the pillow, and closed my eyes, hoping for sleep. I took a deep breath as I sank further into the bed. Dane was right; it was cold. I picked up a pillow and hugged it tightly. I felt Dane shift, and before I could turn, he wrapped his arms around me. I smiled at the warmth of his body.

“You’re cold… come here.”

I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

“Aurora… Aurora, wake up… go downstairs now!” A strange voice called out, like a trance.

I blinked, opening my eyes slowly. I turned to Dane; he was sound asleep. I looked around the room, wondering who had spoken. I removed Dane’s arm, swung my legs off the bed. “Go downstairs?” I asked myself. “Who said that?”

I sighed and walked to the wardrobe. I opened it and saw my dress. I can’t wear that now. I kept it and took Dane’s shirt, putting it on. The sleeves were too long, the shirt reaching my lower thigh. I put my hair in a messy bun and walked to the door. I turned to Dane, sleeping soundly. I took a deep breath, opened the door slowly, and quietly slipped out. I didn’t want to wake Dane. Looking out of the room, I felt a force pulling me outside.

I closed the door gently and walked down the hallway, lined with antique portraits. I reached the elevator. As it opened, a young man stepped out, and I stepped in. He whistled, his eyes running down my outfit, giving me a wink before the doors closed. I took a deep breath and headed downstairs.

The elevator stopped, and I looked around the reception before slowly stepping out. I noticed a large wall clock; it was 3:30 AM.

“Ma’am, may I help you?” a young woman at the counter asked.

I shook my head, turning around, my eyes scanning for details, even though I didn’t know what I was looking for.

I started toward the exit and noticed someone. I quickened my pace, and as I reached the exit, I recognized him.

“It’s the cleaner,” I said, rushing after the man as he walked away.