Untamed Devotion

by Danielle Stewart

  She gritted her teeth and looked over her shoulder down the hallway where Buckley would surely be pacing around. “Fine.” She gave in with a helpless shrug. “But I’m not waiting to be dismissed. If I want to leave, I’m leaving.”

  “By all means, sweetheart.” Monroe grinned widely. “But most women fight to get into my hotel room. You’re luckier than most.”

  “Lesson number one,” Aria said, sauntering in with the sass he’d seen when she’d first called out to him in the hallway. “I am not like most women.”

  Chapter 2

  Aria was the first to admit her big mouth had gotten her into plenty of trouble over the years. It was in fact what landed her in this job in the first place. But today might be a new record. Bitching openly about her job to a guest at the resort was grounds for immediate reprimanding. Something that would completely ruin her.

  Now as she stood in his hotel room, the man who could easily get her punished was looking at her with blazing green eyes, full of expectation. He’d been arrogant, demanding, and dismissive. But she couldn’t ignore the fact that he also happened to be well-built, powerful and gorgeous. She’d noticed it when he joined her the first time to flip the couch over but had written it off as just another sap who’d been pulled into a job he didn’t realize would be hell on earth. Sure he was good looking and must work out a ton, but she didn’t have time for any kind of nonsense.

  Now the tables had turned. He was a man who had the means to secure himself the presidential suite. His steely glances weren’t some misplaced confidence he hadn’t earned. It was likely that he was a successful rich man who now wanted to play some kind of game with her. She’d be a toy he’d use up and throw away as it pleased him. If nothing else this job had made her keenly aware of how people with money saw someone like her. If they bothered to look at all.

  Even knowing the chasm between their circumstances, it was impossible to ignore the draw she felt toward him. When her hand rested on his bicep after he flipped that couch, she could feel the tightness of his muscle against her skin. She buzzed with the idea of slamming that door shut and making use of the couch he’d turned right side up. If he could move furniture that effortlessly, just think what he could do to her.

  Shaking off the images she tried to focus back on the problem at hand. Her job, her future, was in the balance and he was the one with the control. Aria would have to forget the tingling pulsing through her body and deal with the risk he truly posed.

  “So tell me more,” he said as he made his way over to the wide selection of Scotch and poured some into the glasses she’d regularly had to replace. She’d been in this room plenty of times but never with a guest. Never with a man she couldn’t stop drinking in and picturing in very compromising ways. Would he strip her down by the piano? Would they linger in the enormous walk in shower? Her thoughts derailed as he kept ruining things by speaking. “How long have you been working here?”

  “What’s your angle?” she asked, eyeing him skeptically. “How do I know this isn’t going to come back to bite me? This is my life we’re talking about.”

  “I give you my word,” Monroe said, raising his fingers up, implying Scout’s Honor was somehow binding. He smirked when she rolled her eyes. Damn he had that smirk down perfectly. Women must have been lining up to fall for his very convincing act.

  “I’ll need a little more than that,” she scoffed, fighting to keep her cheeks from burning red every time their eyes met. “I don’t know you, but you’re expecting me to unearth something much bigger than me and my job. I’m not ready for that. I want to see more of who you are first. The real you. Not these cute little smirks and sly remarks.”

  “Should I start stripping?” Monroe asked, his fingers wrestling with the top button of the uniform shirt. “This uniform is like sandpaper. I’ll be happy to get out of it and show you all of me if that helps.”

  Her mouth went dry at the thought of him shedding all of his clothes. Mustering a rebuttal, she tipped her chin back confidently. “You’ve seen one you’ve seen them all,” Aria dismissed, pretending to be unimpressed by the width of his shoulders and the way his biceps fought against the snug uniform shirt. “I’m a very good judge of character. If I spend enough time around you, I’ll know if I can trust you.”

  “I’m pretty good at my job too, and while you seem to be the easiest route to get what I need, you certainly aren’t the only one.” His arms were folded across his chest now, and a smug smile crept over his lips. As much as she wished this had never happened, she wasn’t entirely ready to walk out of here either. Being with him in here made her feel almost human again. Nearly worthy of the conversation they were having.

  “Fair enough.” Aria shrugged, making her way out, praying he’d stop her. “I’d like to say it was nice meeting you, but I think lying is an awful habit.”

  Aria had ignored plenty of lessons in her life. She’d turned her nose up to good advice. One thing she’d learned: nothing was more enticing to a man than the woman who left him. The one who got away had an allure that couldn’t be ignored. All she had to hang on to was the hope that would ring true in this moment.

  “Really?” Monroe asked, a shocked urgency in his voice as she passed. “You have no idea who I am or what you might be walking away from.”

  “Or what I might be walking into,” she countered, glad to be the one wearing the smug grin now. “You’re making my point. I have this process for figuring people out. It’s foolproof. I’ve been tricked, lied to, and taken advantage of. I found a way to identify who is most likely to do that to me again. But it’s not something I can do on the spot.”

  “Some kind of formula? A math equation to know if someone is good or bad?” Monroe mocked, but Aria didn’t falter. She knew what she was doing and she knew it worked. For the past few years it was the only way to protect herself here and she wouldn’t abandon that now.

  “Exactly. You can either stick around long enough for me to figure out if I trust you, or you can deal with someone else. I don’t have time to stand around and be mocked though, so if you’ll excuse me.”

  “It’s a big resort.” Monroe shrugged, but his face still showed concern. “I’m sure I can do what I came to do without your help.”

  “Then I would keep that itchy uniform on. You’re underestimating the reality of fear. If you hadn’t been parading around in that uniform, there’s no way I’d have said anything to you. You can expect everyone else here will do the same.”

  “I wasn’t parading,” Monroe cut back, furrowing his brows. “Trust me, I didn’t ask for a tray of food to get dumped on me.”

  “I have to go.” Aria sighed. “Have a good night. Enjoy your stay, and if you need anything at all, just call. We’re always on duty.” She practically sashayed out of the room and down the hallway. It wasn’t about leaving; it was about making an exit.

  As she made her way toward the back of the property where her bunk was, Aria half expected him to come racing up behind her. But Monroe was clearly a strategic man. He had the forethought not to correct her when she thought he was a new staff member and wanted her to talk freely to him. But he’d come. One way or another he’d show up and play by her rules.

  Chapter 3

  Monroe half expected a knock on his door and a sheepish look on Aria’s face. But that didn’t happen. He was still half aroused by the encounter and it was killing him to know she’d actually taken off on him. He’d been in high-powered business acquisitions with billionaires, and Aria’s performance topped any bravado he’d seen. He was intrigued by what she’d eluded to in their first conversation, but he was far more interested in the kind of woman it took to walk away from him and his offer.

  When his phone rang he shook off thoughts of Aria and remembered the issue at hand.

  “Asher, man, where the hell have you been?” He launched into his questions before either of them bothered with a greeting.

  “I know,” Asher replied, about as close to apologetic a
s a man like him could get. “I’m dealing with some family issues right now.”

  “You asked me to put all my energy into this. I pulled out of other projects,” Monroe reminded him, dismissing the idea that family trumped an epic business opportunity. “This joint venture has unlimited opportunity for growth and would greatly diversify both our dealings.”

  “It’s not going to be a joint venture,” Asher replied coolly. “At least not with me. I’m well aware of the opportunity I am walking away from. I get it. But when this goes down, you’ll need to move fast. I can’t commit to that. I’m going to be out of pocket.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Monroe scolded. “I flew down here to figure out what we’re working with.”

  “And no one is better at that than you,” Asher said, a blatant attempt at flattery to soften the blow. “You’re like a pig searching for truffles. No one roots out vital information like you.”

  “Are you done?” Monroe asked, calling him on the bullshit.

  “I am,” Asher sighed. “The timing’s off. I’m out.”

  “You know the price tag on this,” Monroe reminded him. “It’s a joint venture for a reason. If you pull out I’m left on the hook.”

  “I have a guy who’s interested in investing. He’ll take nearly all of my half of the deal. Do you know James West?”

  Monroe thought for a moment. “The oil guy who got nailed for bad business practices?”

  “No,” Asher corrected. “That’s Senior. I’m talking about James West Junior. He’s taken over West Oil. He and his current organization are solid. Anyone who can save a sinking ship like that is worth talking to.”

  “I can reach out to him,” Monroe groaned. “You’re walking away from something with enormous potential here.”

  “Trust me”—Asher grunted—“I know. It’s killing me, but I have to stay focused on what’s happening with my family right now. I’m glad you’re interested in talking to James. He’ll be there in two days.”

  “What?” Monroe barked. “He’s coming here? I haven’t said I’m interested in working with him yet.”

  “I may have implied you were ready to roll,” Asher replied with a chuckle. “If the word gets out about the impending tax changes on the island, you know property is going to be snapped up quicker than we can keep up with. This is a power play, and you know better than anyone how quickly you have to move to be successful.”

  “There might be a snag down here,” Monroe said flatly. “I’m still a pig rooting out the truffles, but I’ve heard some rumblings at the resort. I’m not doing anything until I find some answers.”

  “You just got there.” Asher laughed. “Do you already have a source giving you information?”

  “I haven’t validated it yet,” Monroe cautioned.

  “I’d try to work it out before James gets there,” Asher suggested. “There’s a pretty big price tag on this deal. He’ll want to know that you have your arms around any issues.”

  “Thanks,” Monroe bit out sarcastically. “I appreciate the extra gasoline you poured on the fire I’m trying to put out.”

  “Anyone else and I’d feel bad,” Asher replied. “But I know you. You’re not happy unless there’s an impossible challenge in the mix. This deal was probably feeling too easy, so you’re welcome.”

  “Whatever you have going on with your family must be pretty important if you’re willing to walk away. I’d put my own mother’s calls to voicemail if a deal like this was on the table.”

  “Save the bravado for someone who doesn’t know you bought your mother a house and car with your first million. You may have a tough as nails reputation, but I know better.”

  “Good luck with your family stuff, whatever it is,” Monroe offered reluctantly, anxious to change the subject.

  “I hope this deal pans out,” Asher said, seeming distracted by something on his end of the phone. “We’ll get the next one.”

  When they disconnected Monroe dropped into the leather chair in the corner of the luxurious suite. He’d worked his ass off for the life he had. Nothing was handed to him. It was built inch by inch, mile by mile. But this deal, securing property prior to a change in the tax code, it would be his biggest success yet. And the key to that success might be Aria.

  The light knock on his door was enough to temporarily shake the image of Aria from his mind.

  “Mr. Redson,” Buckley said, still a thread of apology in his voice, “we’ve found your luggage.”

  Monroe pulled the door open and eyed Buckley closely. He was a wiry man with deep set wrinkles and a scowl. He hated him. He wasn’t sure why. He just did.

  “I wanted to personally deliver it to you,” Buckley said haughtily, looking like a puppy who’d just performed a trick. But Monroe wasn’t handing out treats. He raised the handle of his suitcase and wheeled it through the door into his room. He was done with this guy. Well, all except one thing.

  “I want to get back in touch with Aria, Monroe demanded, watching a look of worry wash over Buckley’s face. His new favorite hobby was making this guy squirm. It was too damn easy and so fun to watch.

  “Uh,” Buckley stuttered, looking uncharacteristically unprepared. Monroe could tell he was the kind of guy who liked to have all the answers. “I can have a housekeeper come up. Is there an issue with your room?”

  “I don’t want a housekeeper; I want Aria.” Monroe looked expectantly at him as though Buckley should spring into action, but the man didn’t budge. His eyes went wide and his mouth pursed shut as he thought over what Monroe was aksing.

  “I understand,” Buckley said flatly, giving a tiny nod. “You should know Aria has been here for some time, and I can assure you she isn’t the type of woman you’d have any interest in. We have guests here, some lovely women with appropriate pedigrees. There’s going to be a mixer tomorrow night in the ballroom. I would be happy to have some women there for you to speak with. Lovely women who don’t work here.”

  “I want Aria,” Monroe repeated, setting his jaw angrily. “Send her up.” He stepped back from the door and closed it in Buckley’s surprised face. Asher had been right, Monroe had the capacity to be a nice guy, but he was always sure to hide it well. Assertiveness was a mask, a very effective one.

  A few more seconds passed before Monroe heard the footsteps disappear down the hallway. He’d get what he wanted. It wouldn’t be long now.

  Chapter 4

  Aria was downright strolling back up to Monroe’s room. A real skip in her step. She’d expected that the next time they crossed paths he’d have changed his mind. The island was loaded with skepticism, a language barrier, and many secrets. He may have been able to navigate his way to whatever truth he was looking for, but she was the road map that would get him there quickly. She heard an urgency in his voice and she was counting on that. However, she didn’t think she’d be summoned back to him like this.

  “Don’t give me that look,” he began as he pulled the door open and gestured for her to come in. “Smug doesn’t look good on you.”

  “You rang, my lord,” she said, bowing to mock him. His cologne filled her nose and sent shock waves through her. How could you miss a man you don’t even know? “Buckley looked thoroughly disgusted with the idea of you wanting me up here, so I’ll admit that part was nice.”

  “I want to know more about what you were saying earlier,” Monroe said, opening his laptop and looking ready to take notes. Aria couldn’t figure out exactly what Monroe was getting out of all this, but he clearly wanted to get down to business. She held the power.

  “I laid my terms out for you,” Aria replied coolly. “We spend some time together, and then I decide if I can trust you.”

  “If you’re so desperate for a date—” Monroe started, but her cackling laugh cut him off.

  “Maybe I won’t need much time at all,” she dismissed, tossing her hair off her shoulder. When Buckley came to her bunk and told her Monroe had requested she return to his room, she had to move
fast. She slipped the elastic out of her hair and tried to quickly smooth it down. Out of her uniform, she’d thrown on a cranberry sundress that she normally saved for special occasions. Which was next to never.

  “Why are you making this so difficult before you know what’s in it for you?” Monroe asked, narrowing his eyes at her. “You haven’t heard what I’m willing to give you in return.”

  “Words,” Aria said, letting her face show how unimpressed she was by his potential offer. “Promises. I’ve heard it all before. Water is great. We all need it, but don’t you want to know the source? You can get a big bucket of it, but what if it just passed through the sewer pipe.”

  “What am I in that analogy?” Monroe asked, looking mildly amused. “Am I the water or the sewer pipe?”

  “Let’s go to dinner,” Aria asserted. “I don’t want your promises. I don’t want to make a deal. I want to see what kind of man you are, and then I’ll decide if I share the truth with you.”

  “You can do that over dinner?” Monroe laughed. “If that’s the case, you’re part superhero and clearly in the wrong line of work.”

  “It’s more than dinner. Dinner is the start.” She never wavered in her confidence.

  “You’re very bossy,” Monroe huffed, raising a skeptical brow at her. “I’m not usually into that.”

  “I’m not bossy,” Aria corrected as she headed for the door and waited a beat to see if he’d follow. “I’m smart. I’m calculated. But I know the concept of a strong woman can be dizzying. It’s like yawning.”

  “Yawning?” Monroe asked, looking thoroughly exasperated by the conversation.

  “Yeah, we all do it. Yet it’s still a puzzling phenomenon. It’s contagious, but no one knows why. It’s perplexing. Just like strong women. We exist but no one seems to know what to make of us.”