Chapter 5 Where The Hell Were You Last Night

However, Cheryl knew if Zoey saw her inside that room, things would go downhill fast.

This kind of hookup wasn't meant to be seen. If word got out, Shane could easily deny everything and walk away like nothing happened.

And Rodger? He would throw Cheryl under the bus in a heartbeat if it meant keeping Zoey happy.

Cheryl let out a quiet sigh and rested against the wall, slipping into the role she knew all too well. She was the secret girl who was supposed to stay hidden and out of sight.

Shane looked over at Cheryl. Her lips had a soft pink tint, and her eyes were lowered, giving her a quiet, almost too-innocent look.

Cheryl felt his stare and looked up with a hint of nervousness showing in her eyes.

A smirk tugged at Shane's lips, so subtle that it was almost missed, but not by Zoey. She noticed right away. Her cheeks flushed, and she took a small step forward, wearing a shy, hopeful smile.

Shane, however, lifted an arm, effortlessly blocking her path. "Now's not a good time."

Zoey's blush faded, and for a moment, her face tensed. Not wanting to upset Shane, she tried to sound playful. "What, hiding someone in there I'm not supposed to see?"

Shane looked at her calmly. Although he didn't say a word, his commanding presence made her feel uneasy.

Goosebumps prickled along Zoey's skin before he finally answered, "Anything else, Miss Blake?"

Zoey froze. "No," she muttered, biting her lip. As the door started to close, she forced another smile. "Shane, it's been so long. When can we catch up?"

Shane gave her a polite nod. "Book a time with my secretary."

Zoey looked like she wanted to say more, but before she could, Rodger gently tugged her arm. And just like that, the door shut in her face.

Rodger watched her struggle to keep calm around Shane. He swallowed back his own irritation and said softly, "Zoey, I'll take you home."

Zoey pulled her arm out of his grip. "Don't act like I'm stupid. I know what you and Cheryl are up to. If either of you gets any idea about Shane, you're finished."

She stormed off in her heels, and Rodger followed behind, looking clearly annoyed.

Back inside the room, Cheryl's dress was barely hanging onto her shoulders. Shane stood behind her and pulled her into his arms.

His lips left red marks and bite trails along her neck, warm against her skin.

Cheryl trembled in his arms, her face flushed, and that tiny mole near her eye looked even more inviting under the soft glow.

"You're smoking hot," Shane said with a low laugh in his voice.

For a second, Cheryl felt like he was a predator and she was his prey.

Her body told her to run, to break free. But Shane held her tight, steady, and sure until she gave in and stopped resisting.

...

When Cheryl woke up, the room was dark and still warm and messy from last night.

Shane was already gone.

She got up and walked to the bathroom, stepping under the shower. In the mirror, her body was covered in marks, clear proof of what had happened.

Memories from last night rushed back all at once, making her cheeks flush with heat. "What a jerk," she mumbled to herself.

Shane acted polite on the outside, but in bed, he was completely different. He was rough, intense, and full of hunger.

She could still hear his low voice in her ear from last night. "You've got a body to die for. I'm into it."

Staring into the fogged-up mirror, Cheryl took a good look at herself.

She knew she had a beautiful face and a stunning figure. And if last night proved anything, it was that Shane couldn't keep his eyes off her.

Back in the room, her phone was buzzing nonstop on the floor.

Wrapped in a towel, Cheryl picked it up, saw the caller ID, and answered before tossing it on the bed.

Rodger's voice burst through. "Cheryl, where the hell were you last night?"

Cheryl started putting on the clothes left on the nightstand. At least Shane had been thoughtful enough to send her something to wear. He must have known that tiny dress wasn't going to cut it after everything.

As she buttoned up, Rodger kept ranting on the phone, but she barely listened. All she could think was if she didn't want anything from Shane, he might actually make a good fling.

"Cheryl, are you even listening to me?"

Cheryl picked up the phone again. "Roddy, I'm really sorry. I panicked last night. I was scared Zoey would find out you were the one who asked me to get close to Shane, so I just ran off."

Rodger cut her off, sounding nervous. "What are you talking about? When did I ever tell you to get close to him?

His voice dropped like someone else was nearby. "I'm at Glory Restaurant. Come here now."

Even without him saying it, Cheryl could hear Zoey's voice in the background.

Ten minutes later, Cheryl found his private room at the restaurant. She took a deep breath, fixed her expression, and pushed the door open.

"Roddy, I'm here..."

Before she could finish speaking, a heavy glass tumbler came flying at her. She ducked on instinct, and it crashed against the door with a loud bang.

Bits of glass scattered everywhere, and one sharp piece nicked her earlobe, leaving a small cut that stung a little.