Chapter 5

I pressed my keycard against the lock of my hotel room and it opened with an electronic click. It had been quite exciting sneaking Chiguo past security, but the less people knew about him being here, the better. And it wasnt like I really wanted to explain the situation to him either, he must already be wondering about what was going on after my swift exit from the bar.

Nerves and excitement jittered through me as the door closed behind us. This wasnt something I normally did, and that was only adding to both in a way that I wasnt used to.

Nice hotel room, he remarked as he shrugged off his blazer. His shirt stretched over his muscles as he did, momentarily distracting me. What did you say you did for work again?

I didnt, I replied. Would you like a drink? I dont have much, though. Theres a minibar.

Chiguo smiled. Ill have whatever you have.

I have an open bottle of champagne, I said, grabbing it from the mini fridge next to the uncomfortable couch.

Thats fine, he said, still looking around. Hotel rooms are very soulless.

I snorted, covering my mouth with my hand in an attempt to hide the unflattering sound.

Amusement passed over Chiguos face, but he didnt look the slightest bit annoyed by my response.

I handed him one of the glasses of champagne, our fingers brushing against one another as he took it and sending a thrill of promise through me. I couldnt agree more. The bedroom is even worse.

He raised an eyebrow and took a sip before setting his glass down on the coffee table. All monochrome?

Oh worse, its sea-themed.

Do you not like the sea?

I prefer the forest. At least the view is nice, I said, gesturing out the large wall of windows. I drank some of my champagne, but the bubbles were nothing compared to how his touch had felt.

Do the doors open? Chiguo asked, making his way over to them.

I think so, but I havent had a chance to try them yet. Id mostly been too exhausted to try, and there was nothing lonelier than looking out at a foreign city all alone.

He pulled the latch and the door slid open. Shall we? He gestured to the door.

I smiled and made my way past him, moving a little closer to him than I needed to.

The smell and sounds of the city filled the air as we stepped outside. I marvelled at the vast array of colourful lights and miniature people going about their evening. They were too far away, but that wasnt unusual. I was always on the outside.

Chiguos hand grazed against my lower back, reminding me I wasnt alone for once. I felt the heat of his touch even through my dress and I leaned into it, enjoying having him here with me. Even if it couldnt last longer than one night, I had a feeling it would be one to remember.

Its a great view, he said.

I turned around, only to find him looking at me and not the city. I raked my gaze up and down him. It is, I agreed.

He stepped forward, placing one hand on the railing of the balcony. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, forgetting that he had no idea what I was until his gaze latched onto the pointed tips of my ears.

Youre xian, he remarked, sounding a little surprised.

I am. Is that a problem?

Not at all. One of my dearest friends was xian.

I leaned closer to him. Now you know what I am. What about you?

Chiguo let out a soft hum. Im nothing exciting. Your ears are really cute. Ive always been curious, are they ticklish?

Depends whos touching them, I said, extending an invitation.

He moved closer and brushed his finger along the shell of my ear. The gentle friction tingled in a pleasant and I reached up, threading my fingers with him and holding his hand against my face. It felt strangely intimate for someone Id only met earlier today.

Youre so beautiful, he murmured, looking at me with stars in his eyes.

Heat stirred in my belly and I let out a soft sigh that drew him in even more. I knew what was going to happen before it did and I was eager to let it play out. His lips touched mine and the world around me disappeared. He kissed me so gently, it made my heart yearn for more.

He pulled back slightly, his face remaining close. Was that okay?

It was wonderful, I whispered,

His other hand brushed my hair away from my face. He was so close that I could feel the heat radiating from his skin, and every inch of me was aware of his presence. I reached out and put a hand on his chest, trailing my hand over his shirt and wishing that it wasnt in the way. I knew next to nothing about him, other than the few things Id gathered through our initial conversations on Jinx, and yet I felt like wed known one another forever.

His free hand touched my waist, pulling me to him. I looked up, meeting his gaze and noticing just how full of desire they were. For me. But not the same me that people normally wanted me for. He wanted me for Mei. Or who he knew as Mei.

Not wanting to waste any time, I went up on my toes and pressed my lips against his again with more urgency and less restraint. He kissed me back immediately, the intensity and the heat building with each second of contact. Something simmered away within me, desperate to break free.

His hands remained firmly around my waist like a gentleman but that wasnt enough for me. If I was only going to have one night with him before I had to leave the city, I wanted to sear his touch into my memory for when I was lonely and on the road again.

I brushed my hair off my shoulders, hoping it would draw attention to my bare skin there. I was a little out of practice when it came to seduction, but it seemed to be going well. I bit my lip and his gaze fixated there. Liking the way his attention made me feel, I repeated the gesture.

A soft growl came from the back of his throat and he bridged the distance again, clearly unable to resist. He captured my lips with his, pulling me in closer. His grip on me was firmer now and I could feel the desire in his touch.

I slid my hand down his chest and deepened the kiss, enjoying the way he was looking at me, like there was nobody else in the world.

Would you like to see the sea-themed bedroom? I breathed, pressing myself more into him.

Chiguo nodded, his voice reduced to gravel. If youre sure?

Yes, Im sure. This was going to get me just what I needed. One night where nothing mattered but me.