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MOUNTAIN'S CAPTIVE
By
Michelle M. Pillow
© copyright August 2004, Michelle M. Pillow
Cover art by Eliza Black, © copyright August 2004
New Concepts Publishing
5202 Humphreys Rd.
Lake Park, GA 31636
www.newconceptspublishing.com
This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author's imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.
Chapter One
"Devon, I'm here." Chloe Masters looked dazedly around the Las Vegas hotel lobby. The brilliant lights of the strip glared through the hotel's massive front windows but she hardly noticed through the dark lenses of her designer sunglasses. From her place on the phone booth floor she could see the feet of numerous tourists sauntering past. Not one of them distinguished her as the drunk, miserable woman who crouched in the corner of the small cube. "I made it."
"What took you so long? Your flight got there four hours ago. I know because I called the airport to check."
Chloe flinched as Devon Wentworth's sobering voice boomed out of the phone. Devon had a way of talking too loud when she was agitated.
"Devon, you have to understand. I wanted to enjoy my last night of freedom," answered Chloe with a slight slur, as she closed her eyes against the overbearingly bright lights that peeked through the edge of her glasses. "I walked around the casinos trying to regain my composure. You wouldn't have me making a bad impression, would you?"
"Why, what are you wearing?" Devon's authoritative voice inquired sharply. "Please tell me it's not sweatpants. I was afraid that you were going to do something like that. That is why I bought you that little white dress."
"What does it matter?" Chloe snapped in return. "I don't care what he's wearing."
"It matters because this is going to be your new life." Devon softened her tone before continuing. "Chloe, I went to a lot of trouble arranging this for you, despite what it might do to my reputation if it was found out. I would be scorned out of every prestigious law firm in New York. My career would be over. We have been through this. I can't change your father's will."
"I know, Devon. Believe me, I know. It wouldn't be his if you could," Chloe interjected. "You're a good friend to me."
"I gave you every chance to back out and you said that you were confident that you wanted to go through with it." Devon sighed in frustration. Chloe could hear the honking of horns behind her friend's voice.
"Tell me again," Chloe paused and gulped, "about him."
"He's everything you requested--adequate looking, smart, and by his background check we know him to be loyal and discreet. He also comes from old money, so he won't have a use for yours. Though I don't know how much he's worth exactly. His financial information is well protected." Devon's voice cut out. "Damned cellular phones! Chloe are you there?"
"Yeah, I'm here," Chloe slurred.
"Hmm. The best part is he also agreed to the prenuptial." Devon's stout voice vibrated in her hand. She was using her most professional courtroom tone. "You haven't been drinking, have you? You know you can't hold your liquor. What will Paul think if you go to him intoxicated?"
"I just had a little on the plane." Chloe gave a short laugh as she set down her glass of scotch and soda. "And a few in the casinos."
"Stop. I can hear the ice tinkling in your glass. You're going to need your wits about you. You don't want him to think you are a lush and back out, do you? He's your only chance."
Chloe moved her head away from the phone to make a childish face at the receiver. She readjusted herself on the floor and blinked heavily when a group of tourists wearing bright yellow jackets passed too close.
"Chloe, are you listening to me?" Devon sighed again in exasperation.
"Yeah, I'm here." Chloe took another drink, this time crunching on an ice cube as she reached the bottom of the glass. A piece of her wayward blond hair fell over her eyes. As she swatted at it, her watchband got caught in a tangle. "Damn it."
"Chloe?" Devon's voice cut out again. "What'd you say? I didn't hear you."
"Nothing."
"Fine," Devon huffed before lowering her voice and slowing her words. "Now, Chloe, I want you to dial Paul's room and tell him that you're there. Then I want you to finish what you went there to do. Ten years will be over before you know it. When it is, you'll have your freedom back and this nightmare will be over. Until then, maybe you could come to an arrangement with him."
"Yeah, I know and with the right plastic surgeon I won't look half bad in ten years." Chloe set the empty glass on the ground. "I'll call you tomorrow with the horrible details."
"Fine. Remember, it's room three, five, eight. Got it? 358." Devon sighed, refusing to dignify her friend's ill humor with a comment. "Congratulations and good luck."
"Yeah," Chloe mumbled against the phone and hung up.
"Yeah, good luck," she mumbled to herself. Chloe shook her head and hugged her knees to her chest.
She took a deep breath before ambling slowly to her feet. The liquor had taken more of an effect on her then she had realized. She was drunk and didn't care. Somehow, she knew that it was one of the reasons why she had picked Vegas--free liquor. The other reason was the quick and painless ceremonies offered by the numerous chapels.
Pausing for a moment, she let the numbing effect of the liquor take over her mind. She closed her eyes, wishing that Devon would call her back and tell her she didn't have to go through with it. But she knew it would never happen, just as she knew that she couldn't turn back.
Chloe made a beeline through the blur of the crowd to the white courtesy phone. She stared at it, wondering if she should run and get on a flight back to New York. If she did, no one would know of her selfishness. Well, no one but herself. Taking a deep breath, she realized that there was no other choice. She had to do it. There were a lot of people depending on her.
Chloe picked up the phone and held it to her ear. She tried to punch the buttons, but her fingers shook so badly that she dialed the wrong number. Hanging up she cursed. "Come on, Chloe. Three, Five, Eight. Time to be a big girl."
She picked up the phone and tried again.
"Hello," an irritated masculine voice answered.
Chloe gasped at the low rumbling sound. Shivers racked her spine as she pulled the phone back to look at it in stunned amazement. Paul sounded nothing like she had imagined. That one word echoed bravely in her head, capturing her voice in her throat. Swallowing over the lump that formed behind her tongue, she breathed heavily and put the receiver to her ear.
"Room service?" the voice questioned sharply.
Chloe closed her eyes as the sound fell over her like a stirring caress. She didn't know what to say. Her breath came out in uneven pants as she tried to speak. Her body felt like it was on fire.
"Hello?" the voice asked in growing curiosity in response to the nearly obscene breathing. Chloe could almost hear the interested smile in his reverberating tone, as he whispered, "Who's there?"
"Yes, it's me. Sorry I'm late. I'm in the lobby now waiting for you. I need you to come down so we can do this." Closing her eyes to the hollowness that threatened to consume her, she ignored the pleasure she derived from hearing his voice. Chloe swallowed hard. "I'm wearing a white dress."
She hung up the phone with a decisive clink so she couldn't back out. Almost falling to the ground in uneasiness, she narrowed her eyes and turned to the elevators. Spotting a waitress passing through the lobby, she absently waved her over and swiped a drink from her tray, not caring what it was.
Downing it in three large gulps, she set the glass back down with a thud. The waitress looked at Chloe in confusion, but smiled when the woman drunkenly threw a fifty-dollar bill on her tray and grabbed another drink.
With a wave of her liquor-laden hand, Chloe dismissed her. But the glass never made it to her lips. Looking across the lobby dimmed by dark sunglasses, she froze.
Gasping, she set the glass down by the phone, untouched. She tugged insecurely at the tightly fitted hem of her short skirt. A disturbingly piercing hazel-green gaze met her from across the crowded hall. She suddenly felt very exposed. Lifting the glasses from her eyes, she winced as the light hit her vision. The sounds of the busy lobby faded completely, as she started toward the closing elevator door. Her heart raced, beating a fearfully erotic rhythm through her veins.
"This can't be Paul," she muttered under her panted breath. She suddenly wondered why she didn't insist on seeing a picture first. "He's too big."
Dazedly, her hand moved to the dip of her exposed cleavage. She could feel the rounded tops of her own breasts and quickly pulled her hand away. Unable to stop her feet, she took a hesitant step forward. Cocking her head to the side, she stumbled to a stop and waited for him to come to her.
Paul's stride was relaxed and sure as he confidently came through the crowd to reach her. He wore a business suit, very appropriate for what they were about. His brown hair was neatly pulled back into a ponytail, falling to his shoulders in soft waves. A smile curled on his lips as his eyes dropped over her in appreciation. His penetrating gaze exuded sexual prowess and intent. Chloe shivered, never having been looked at as if she were about to be devoured.
As he stopped in front of her, she swallowed audibly and tried to smile. Paul towered above her head so she was forced to lean back to look at him. Instantly, her eyes found his parted lips--firm and inviting. Drunkenly she swayed. Her knees weakened.
"Oh, hey," he said with a short laugh. "Are you all right?"
Chloe shivered and briefly closed her eyes. He put his hand on her elbow to keep her from falling over.
Yes, she thought when she heard the disarming voice from the courtesy phone. This is definitely Paul.
When she opened her eyes, she noticed how close he had drawn to her. She could see the beginnings of evening stubble on his strong jaw. Breathing in his earthy scent, she answered weakly, "Yeah, I--"
Paul suddenly grinned, a naughtily delectable movement. His voice drew into a low, husky murmur, as he asked carefully, "Are you here about the contract?"
"Yeah," Chloe sighed in relief. She was glad to have her mind on something she was able to comprehend. The emotions fluttering though her brain were causing too much havoc. "I was afraid you weren't the right man."
"No, I'm afraid I am," he stated with a smile. "You're not disappointed are you?"
Chloe saw in his eyes that he already knew she was anything but. Glancing over his shoulder, she shook her head and mumbled, "No, of course not. Though, you're not what I expected."
"So, where do you want to do this?" His eyes daringly dipped over her form.
"I have a car waiting outside if you like," she returned. He smiled and nodded his head. Looping his arm through hers, he kept her steady as he led her outside. Belatedly, she added, "We could go there."
Chloe felt his heat soaking into her skin like a sudden blaze of tempestuous fire. Her midsection lit with liquid heat in response. Suddenly, she became all too aware of the heady desert air on her breasts and legs.
"I must admit I have never done this before," he said. "I mean over a paid contract."
Chloe laughed lightly in confusion and pointed at the awaiting limousine. "Well, Paul, I…."
"Everest," he interjected.
"Oh," she frowned, confused. "I'm sorry, I…."
"Don't mention it," he dismissed her mistake easily with a wave of his hand.
Paul Everest Lucas, thought Chloe. She couldn't help herself as her eyes strayed to his athletic backside. He leaned over to open the limousine door for her. Interesting name for a very interesting man.
As the car began to move, Everest leaned over her seat and hit the window button to block out the driver. Chloe tilted her chin in surprise. His thick neck came close to her cheek and she saw the steady beating of his pulse under the smooth texture of his skin. Then, as he sat back, he began to remove his jacket. Chloe watched in avid interest. The car jolted over a bump and she gasped in surprise.
"You don't mind if I get comfortable, do you?" he asked. Setting his jacket aside, he took off his tie. His lips lined with a devilish smirk and his eyes glittered with promise. "I've been in business meetings all day."
"No. Of course not," she answered. Turning to the mini-bar, she poured them each a glass of champagne and handed one to him. Drinking it a little too quickly, her gaze stayed boldly on him as he undid the top button on his shirt.
"I have to tell you that I have had a little too much to drink tonight," he admitted. "So you must forgive me if I'm not too chivalrous."
"Yeah, me too." The limousine bumped and champagne spilled over her chin and down her throat. Chloe licked her lips, watching as his mouth parted in moist offering.
"Come over here," he said, finishing off his drink with one swallow. The glass slipped from his fingers onto the floor. With a low rumble coming seductively from his throat, he motioned her to him.
Captured by his penetrating gaze, Chloe obeyed the command. Opening her mouth, she was about to speak as she sat next to him. She had no time for words. His mouth crushed passionately to hers. Chloe gasped in surprise as she felt his tongue instantly in her mouth. She could taste the stout hint of expensive whiskey on him. His hands grasped her shoulders to keep her from backing away.
"You're a damned sexy woman," he growled against her mouth, as he continued with his deep kiss.
Her fingers shook at the admission, loosening their hold on her champagne glass. Small drops of liquid dripped onto his back before the glass fell to the car floor. It noisily clanked into his discarded glass as the car started and stopped. Everest didn't even notice.
Forcefully, he pushed her to lie back on the seat. His tongue traced over her teeth, exploring her and demanding she explore him with a returned kiss. Discovering the taste of champagne on her neck, his mouth followed the delicious trail. His hands found their way to her legs. Running his fingers over her calves, he massaged them gently before working his way up to her inner thigh. "Those lawyers must know what they're doing, for the moment I saw you I wanted to rip your clothes from you. I'll have to remember to thank them."
"I," Chloe began, but couldn't finish. She was too drunk to think straight and his confident hands felt way too nice against her skin. Everest urged his hardened arousal against her. She was helpless against the firm press of his body, under the slanting of his mouth. Moaning, she ran her hands into his shoulder length hair, pulling it free of its tie.
He chuckled in careless enjoyment against her lips as he broke off the kiss. His hand strayed to her neck to pull the thin dress strap from her shoulder. Tugging it down over one arm, he unveiled her lacy white bra.
Everest groaned in masculine contentment and lightly traced a line over the curves of her breasts. When she sighed in approval, he circled her nipples into hard peaks, leaving them behind lace as he continued lower. Staring mischievously into her aroused eyes, he inched his hand up her skirt. The material bunched around her hips and he growled in delight. His eyebrows rose slightly as he found the matching white panties.
"Mmm," he licked his lips. He rubbed his fingers over the white lace covering her hot center. Chloe jolted in surprise. Chuckling, he nuzzled his face near the top of her breast. Tracing his tongue in a hot wave along the edge of her bra, he murmured hoarsely, "How about we take off our clothes?"
With an expert shift of his hips, his raised manhood was firmly placed against her inner thighs. Chloe moaned as he skillfully thrust himself along her in a slow, controlled stroke. Her hands found his masculine chest. Every inch of him was hard, unrelenting muscle. She fumbled to unbutton his shirt, moaning when she discovered his smooth, bronzed chest.
Giving up on the buttons, she was about to unzip his pants when the car lurched unexpectedly to a stop, startling them with a surprising jolt. Everest rolled off of her and landed on the floor with a thud, barely missing the glasses. Chloe sat up in astonishment, trying to cover herself.
"Are you all right?" she questioned when she had regained her wits.
Before he could answer, the limousine's driver lowered the window between them. Completely aware of what he had interrupted, he said with a chuckle, "We're here, ma'am."
Chloe nodded, taking a deep breath. Glancing longingly at Everest's protruding member pushing against his pants, she uttered, "Can you give us another minute?"
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I have another client to pick up later tonight. You only have about fifteen minutes here before I have to take you back to the hotel. They're waiting for you inside." The driver turned and stepped out of the car.
Quickly, Chloe covered herself. With a blush fanning her delicate features, she closed her eyes.
Everest growled as he crawled back up on the seat. Leaning to her, he stroked his thumb over the racing pulse at her slender neck. Reluctantly, he mumbled, "Well, I suppose we had best get business over with. Though, you'll be coming back to the hotel with me, right?"
Chloe nodded. Swallowing hard, she said, "I have nowhere else to be."
"Good," Everest sighed in relief. Then, taking a deep breath and then another, he asserted, "I need a drink if I'm going to be forced to wait."
He grabbed a bottle of hard liquor from the bar. Taking several gulps, he swallowed it to combat his raging desire. Then, handing the bottle to his companion's outstretched hand, he watched as she followed suit.
* * * *
The evening passed in a drunken haze as they left the limousine. Hastily, and with barely concealed carnal appetites, they rushed through the chapel ceremony. As the driver finally pulled up in front of the hotel, Chloe drew her lips back far enough to urge, "Take me to your room."
Everest complied with a throaty growl. He swept her up into his arms to carry her across the lobby. Ignoring the stunned faces of those they passed, he strode straight onto an empty elevator. Everest set her down only to claim her mouth with his.
"I haven't made out this much since high school. If I don't get you alone soon, I think I'm going to explode," Everest whispered with savage intensity. He trailed kisses to her neck as he grabbed a handful of her breast. Chloe groaned. It was the only response her heated body could manage. He continued in a drunken frenzy, "Damn, woman, you're driving me insane. I want to be deep inside of you so badly. I haven't been this hot in a long time."
As if to prove his point he ground his hardened erection into her softer belly. Everest fumbled unsuccessfully to unlatch her bra. Finally, the elevator door dinged and opened. Grabbing Chloe about the wrist, he pulled her down the hall. They ignored the gasps of dismay as they passed an elderly couple.
"That was a prostitute!" the woman shot to her husband. Then turning around to the disarrayed pair, she shouted, "You should be ashamed of yourself!"
"I would defend your honor," Everest began, stopping as he reached his door. Pressing his keycard into the lock, he pushed it open before saying, "But it would take too long. Hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," Chloe ignored the couple as Everest nearly flung her into the room before him. Not bothering with the lights, he narrowed his eyes to stare at her through the dimness.
"How about letting me see that sexy bra and panties again?" he asked with an insistent smile. He kicked the door shut behind him. Then, tossing his jacket from his body, he ripped open his linen shirt without bothering to unfasten it. Little white buttons scattered soundlessly to the plush carpet. His eyes found Chloe as she pulled her dress to her waist.
"Keep going," he encouraged. Licking his lips, he dropped his shirt on the floor.
Chloe shivered with desire as his fingers found his belt. His tanned, muscled chest gleamed in perfect masculine form like that of an Olympian god. His broad shoulders flexed with power. She knew that if she was dreaming, she never wanted to wake up.
Pulling the dress over her head, she spread her stance slightly. Her heeled shoes pressed into the floor. His eyes roamed heavily over her slender form. He took in her trim stomach and the pleasing effect of the push-up bra.
"I want to fuck you," he mumbled dirtily. He kicked off his shoes as his pants fell around his ankles. He then pulled off his cotton boxers to unveil his aroused manhood. "I want to fuck you so bad."
Chloe looked with wide-eyed awe at his proud form. She had never felt so free in her life. Too drunk to think about what was coming over her, she uttered, "Where do you want me?"
"Everywhere," he growled.
And in two steps he was next to her. Grabbing her breasts, he flicked her nipples out over the top edge of her bra so that he could take them in his mouth. Sucking hard against her flesh, he devoured her trembling skin.
Chloe ran her hands over his thick arms. She could feel the hard strength in him demanding her complete submission. Moaning loudly, she hollered, "Oh, God, yes!"
Noticing the nearby table, Everest knelt down before her. His hands glided over her hips to the thin sides of her panties. She caressed his hair as he slid the panties down her legs. Smiling at her trimly kept mound of hair, he could not help himself as he dipped his mouth forward to taste her.
Chloe jolted in pleasure as his tongue slipped between the lips of her slick opening. Groaning into her core, his mouth closed around her center nub to suck passionately at her sensitive femininity. Her hips bucked against him as she began to tremble. Her breasts ached as they arched forward. Beginning at her heeled shoes, his hands moved over her legs and hips.
"This," he began with a grunt that held much promise, "I will have to finish later."
Chloe moaned in protest as he stood. But soon her disappointment was forgotten as she looked into his commanding eyes. Eagerly, he whipped her around to face the table. He pushed her forward until she was standing before it.
"I've got to have you," he shot passionately, smacking her backside lightly before running his hand over her creamy skin. Reaching in between her thighs, he encouraged her legs apart. Persistently, he commanded in a coarse whisper, "Bend over. Now!"
Chloe did as he ordered. Her hands flung to the side, digging into the wood of the table for support. Her loins pulsated with the burning need for fulfillment. She didn't have to wait long. Everest grabbed onto her hip as he took himself in hand. Guiding his very ready manhood to her tight opening, he massaged himself into place, gliding easily in her natural hot fluids.
"Ah," Chloe panted, breathless in anticipation.
"Argh!" Everest hollered as he thrust his hips boldly into her. His manhood slid effortlessly within her tightened hold.
Chloe trembled as she felt his large shaft embed itself boldly inside of her. The muscles of her body lurched and clung around him in a soft, velvety caress. There was no escaping the hands on her hips. Everest controlled her movements, compelling her to his whim as he pushed himself in as deep as his body would go. She was helpless against the pleasure of his onslaught. She gripped the edge of the table as he moved with aching precision.
"Oh yeah, baby," he grunted as his hips found a fast, hard, thrusting rhythm. "That's it. That's what I want."
Chloe's breath came out in panted moans. Everest ground his hips in a furious tempo, mindless to everything but the driving need to end the torment she had put him through all evening. Her sexy body, her skin, her smell--all of it, combined with the invigorating day spent drinking stout liquor--was more than he could fight or control. He needed release. He needed to find release. He needed to get deeper--oh, yes, deeper....
"That's it, baby!" He groaned as he slammed himself against her willing body. His buttock muscles tensed with each bold thrust.
Chloe screamed as the passion built inside of her. Her blood pounded into a fervent pitch until all she could do was feel the power of the dominating man behind her. Never had she been so controlled. Suddenly, she tensed. Her core exploded with a violent force of gratification. Everest gritted his teeth as he held her fast to his member. Her moist center violently trembled all around him, kneading him past the point of sanity. With a loud, claiming growl, he released himself heavily inside of her.
As the savage climax subsided, they were left with the pleasing tremors of its aftermath. Leaning his head against her back, Everest placed his hands on the table next to hers and sighed in contentment. His member still lodged inside of her, he looked down over her back shadowed in darkness. The bright city light coming from a crack in hotel curtains outlined the curve of her buttocks. Slowly, he watched himself withdraw. The scene was just erotic enough to begin stirring his heated blood once more. He smiled wickedly.
Chloe stood. Turning around to face him, she was met with his satisfied grin. His eyes dipped possessively over her frame--past her dislodged bra to her high heeled shoes.
"You don't have to be anywhere tonight, do you?" he asked in a low tone.
Chloe let a catlike grin curl her features. She shook her head in denial.
"Good," he stated, before asking with a promising smirk, "Can I get you a drink?"
Chloe nodded, wondering at his glinting eyes.
"You might need it, because this is going to be a long night." Everest headed toward the suite's mini-bar setup next to a long mirror.
Chloe watched his naked backside and licked her lips. Already her body was urging her to go to him again and the bar, with its numerous bottles just waiting to be poured over his skin, looked to be as good a place as any. With a dazed shake of her head and a lustful glint in her eye, she followed eagerly behind him.
* * * *
A slight groan rumbled from Chloe's parted lips. She felt the soft caress of satin against her restless legs as her mind struggled to wake up. Her whole body was deadened from the neck down. It was as if she had just completed a marathon and someone had forgotten to tell her to train for it. Considering the amount of alcohol she had consumed the night before, she was doing remarkably well. She had half expected not to wake up at all this morning.
She opened her eyes to see the gold leaf ceiling. Closing them, she grunted in disapproval. Only in Vegas would there be a ceiling that gaudy. She took a deep breath and again forced her eyes open. This time she ignored the golden cherubs staring down from above and turned her head to the pillow beside her. It was empty.
Chloe glanced around the room in surprise. Finding that it too was empty, she sat up slowly and edged her way to the side of the mammoth heart-shaped bed. Her head pounded in protest. She had a lot to drink the night before. In fact, that was all she could remember doing the night before. It took her a moment to realize that she not only had a hangover, but she was also naked.
"Oh, no," Chloe groaned silently. "We didn't. Not like this."
She stood up and pulled the sheet around her aching body. She tried in vain to remember what Paul looked like and couldn't do it. For an instant she got a flash of a delectably solid chest and chiseled abdominal muscles, but the image was too hazy and definitely too masculine in its fantasy-like qualities to be real.
The hotel suite was quite elaborate--too elaborate for Chloe's tastes. She never found it advantageous to waste money on such luxuries. The suite had a living room, kitchen, partially stocked bar and full size bathroom. It had to be an expensive room, much more than she could justify spending. It could only mean that she was in Paul's suite.
"Paul?" Chloe's voice cracked and she cleared her throat. "Paul, are you there? Hello?"
No answer.
"Paul?" she tired louder.
Still she got no answer. Not that she had expected one. The room was too quiet.
Chloe took a deep breath and made her way to where her white dress was folded neatly on a table, along with her undergarments. She knew that she never would have folded her own clothing into such a neat stack. On top of the pile was a note.
"Thank you for an enjoyable evening. I had to leave early for a meeting. I believe the arrangements would have been taken care of beforehand. Feel free to take a shower and order room service." Chloe read the note out loud and then turned it over. That was it, not even a signature.
"Wonderful," Chloe laughed in amazement. "Just wonderful. Our first day of marriage and he's already abandoned me."
She decided to take the note's advice to take a shower, but declined to order food. Chloe rarely drank and was afraid that after last night if she tried to eat her insides would come out of her throat.
Tossing the note on the table she dropped the sheet and walked naked to the bathroom. She couldn't miss the irony that she wouldn't be able to recognize her husband's face if she was to try to pick him out of a crowd of two.
* * * *
"Devon Wentworth's office, please," Chloe said into the hotel room's phone. She drummed her bare feet lightly on the plush carpet. She had to give it to the people of Vegas--they sure knew the meaning of comfort. The shower she had used had been big enough for five grown men with spouts coming out at every angle and everything around her was soft and covered in velvet. "This is Chloe Masters."
"One moment please, Miss Masters."
Chloe pulled the pink towel off of her wet hair. She held the phone with her shoulder as she brushed through her shoulder-length tresses with nervous fingers.
"Chloe?" Devon questioned immediately, sounding upset. "Where are you?"
"I'm in the hotel suite." Chloe frowned at the woman's worried tone. Devon had been one of her roommates in college. She was a good friend, but lately she had been getting overprotective. "The real question is--where's Paul?"
"What do you mean, where's Paul?" Devon sounded shocked.
Chloe stood up and walked over to her clothing. "He left me this note. It says I had to leave, order room service. And the funny thing is I can't really remember what he looks like."
"What are you talking about a note?" Devon queried. Her voice was puzzled and Chloe could imagine the frown that would be marring her perfect brow. "Paul has been calling me frantically all night. He said that you never got a hold of him. He thinks something happened to you. He's really quite worried."
"What are you talking about?" Chloe scratched her head in confusion. Spotting her oversized purse on the floor she picked it up and set it on the table next to her clothing. "I am in Paul's room right now. We spent the night together."
"You're in Paul's room?" Devon's tone was disbelieving.
"Yeah, only he isn't." Chloe sighed as she slipped on her underwear with one hand.
"What do you mean you spent the night together?" Devon questioned, her voice growing even more skeptical.
"All I know is that I woke up this morning naked and not in my room." Chloe sighed. Then, sheepishly, she added, "If you must know, I can tell. I haven't been this sore in a long time. It's as if I was doing gymnastics in bed. And there were more condoms in the trash can--and shower--than I care to admit to."
"Oh, no." Devon started to laugh despite her concern. "Chloe, that's not right."
"What?" Chloe asked, confused.
"Chloe, honey, listen to me very carefully." Devon took an audible breath before stating in a firm tone, "You didn't spent last night with Paul. He hasn't met you yet. In fact he said you never called him. He's still in his room as we speak."
"But, that's impossible." Chloe's knees weakened and she sunk to the floor. "Then, who?"
"Honey, I don't know. Can't you remember anything?"
"I remember calling Paul and telling him to meet me downstairs. Then I woke up alone this morning with a cheap metal band on my finger, which looks as if it came out of a toy machine." Chloe picked herself off the plush carpet and began searching her purse for an aspirin. "Devon, I had a lot to drink."
"Paul doesn't have to know a thing. I'll tell him my secretary gave you the wrong hotel name. You can still meet him today and get married. Everything will be all right." Devon tried to sound encouraging. "We'll just chalk last night up as a girl bachelor party."
"Yeah, you're right." Chloe laughed halfheartedly. Inside she trembled with uncertainty. "I just wish I knew where I was now. What if I am not even at the same hotel?"
"What room number are you in? Check the phone. It should be printed on the side. The hotel's name should be there, too." Devon turned to her professional calm. Being a top-notch attorney, she was used to dealing with high stress situations.
"Well, it's the same hotel. It says so on my robe. Just give me a second and I'll look up the room number. I'm trying to find my aspirin first." Chloe turned her purse over, dumping the contents on the table in frustration. She picked through the mess and found the bottle. "Got it."
"Well?" Devon questioned sharply.
"I meant I got the aspirin." Chloe started to move to the phone when she spotted a piece of newly folded paper amidst her belongings. "What's this?"
"What?" Devon's voice demanded. "What's wrong, Chloe?"
Chloe fingers quivered violently as she unfolded it. "Oh, my God.
"Chloe?"
Chloe stared at the paper as if it would start fire and disappear. "Oh, Devon. Your plan is not going to work. I'm married and it's not to Paul."
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