As Hayley trailed behind CEO Ryan, her eyes fixed on the broad expanse of his back, she couldn't shake off the feeling of awkwardness. The soft carpet beneath her feet seemed to muffle her footsteps, making her feel like an intruder in his luxurious world. Ryan, sensing her unease, turned to offer a reassuring smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. The gesture, though small, put Hayley at ease, and she followed him into the opulent hotel room.
The space was a symphony of luxury, with plush silks, soft carpets, and sparkling crystal chandeliers harmonizing in perfect unison. Hayley's eyes widened as she took in the majesty of the king-size bed, its majestic canopy a testament to the room's regal ambiance. The marble bathroom, with its rainfall shower and royal tub, seemed like a sanctuary, beckoning her to indulge in its luxurious offerings.
"Pure luxury," Hayley breathed, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own heartbeat. Ryan's eyes sparkled with amusement as he caught her awestruck expression. He shook his head, a low chuckle rumbling in his throat, as he began to arrange his belongings.
Thirty minutes passed, with Hayley settling into the plush armchair, watching as Ryan immersed himself in a journal. The knock on the door broke the silence, and Ryan's deep voice boomed, "Come in!" The door swung open, admitting a tray laden with exotic dishes, their aromas wafting up to tease Hayley's senses.
As they ate in silence, Hayley's gratitude was palpable, her eyes meeting Ryan's in a fleeting moment of connection. The meal concluded, the cleaners arrived to whisk away the remnants, leaving the room spotless.
Hours passed, with Hayley retreating to the bathroom to indulge in a relaxing bath. As she emerged, wrapped in a tiny towel that barely covered her curves, Ryan's eyes snapped toward her, his gaze burning with intensity. His chiseled features froze, his jaw clenched, and his lips pressed into a thin line.
For a moment, time stood still. The air vibrated with tension, like the seconds before a storm unleashed its fury. Ryan's eyes roamed over her, shamelessly drinking at the sight of her toned legs, smooth skin, and a tantalizing glimpse of cleavage. His face was a mask of restraint, but his eyes betrayed him, darkening as he struggled to contain the primal urges that threatened to surface.
Hayley, oblivious to the turmoil she had unleashed, asked for a spare towel, her voice husky and unaware of the effect she had on the powerful man standing before her. Ryan's response was low, gravelly, and measured as if he was carefully choosing each word to conceal the turmoil raging within him.
As Hayley retreated to the bathroom, Ryan's eyes never left the spot where she had stood, his mind reeling with the implications of his reaction. He knew he had to leave the room, to clear his head and regain control over his primal urges. The wolf within him was restless, its presence stirring, like a waking giant.
Ryan strode out of the room, his feet carrying him to the poolside, where the cool night air enveloped him like a soothing balm. He closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the night wash over him, but his tranquility was short-lived. A howl pierced the air, and Ryan's eyes snapped open, his head swiveling towards the sound.
Leon, his beta, emerged from the shadows, his expression grim. "Alpha Ryan," he greeted, his voice low and respectful. Ryan nodded, his eyes locking onto Leon's, as he reached out with their mind link. The connection was tenuous, filled with pain and anguish.
"Alpha, we've lost Damon and Enzo," Leon's voice was laced with sorrow, his eyes downcast. Ryan's face remained impassive, but his eyes flashed with anger. "How?" he asked, his voice deceptively calm.
Leon explained, his words tumbling out in a rush, as Ryan listened intently. From how they went hunting in the woods to the description of the rogue wolves, with their silver fur and light green eyes, who attacked them out of the blue sent a shiver down Ryan's spine. He recalled the wolves he had saved Hayley from, and his eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications.
With a grim expression, Ryan dispatched Leon to warn the pack, scheduling a meeting for two days. As Leon departed, Ryan stood there, lost in thought, the weight of his responsibilities settling heavily on his shoulders.
The night wore on, and Ryan finally returned to the room, his eyes adjusting to the dim light within. Hayley slept peacefully, her back turned towards him, her shallow breaths a soothing melody. Ryan moved quietly, taking care not to disturb her, as he settled into the bed that could size up to 10 people, his eyes drifting toward the
tattoo on Hayley's back.
And as he moved closer to get a better look, his eyes widened in shock!