The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 14

The valet took the keys to park the car. Ondine followed Seth like a silent shadow. As they entered the grand lobby, doormen on either side bowed. “Good morning, Mr. Thorne.”

It was nearly six a.m. It was an odd time to be checking into a hotel, but the staff were discreet, keeping their eyes lowered. The receptionist greeted him warmly, but Seth bypassed the front desk and headed straight for the elevators.

Ondine followed, wondering why he didn’t need to check in, but she didn’t dare ask.

Inside the elevator, Seth pressed the button for the top floor.

Ondine watched the red numbers climb, her heart starting to beat faster. This was the first time she had ever been to a hotel with a man. She trusted that Seth was a gentleman and had no ill intentions, but she couldn’t help feeling nervous. It was also the first time she had been this close to him, alone. The small space felt like it was closing in, and she found it hard to breathe.

Finally, the elevator chimed and the doors slid open. Ondine took a deep breath of fresh air and followed Seth out. The entire floor consisted of a single suite.

Seth swiped a key card and the door opened. “This is my suite,” he said. “There are three bedrooms. Besides my master bedroom, you can choose either of the other two.”

Ondine was still trying to process everything. She was actually in a hotel with Seth. It felt completely unreal.

“Oh… okay,” she stammered.

Inside, Seth placed a new pair of slippers on the floor for her.

The image of him emerging from the pool flashed in her mind—his perfect face, his defined abs. It was the first time Ondine had ever felt such a potent, visceral attraction.

“Yeah, he’s good-looking,” she’d said, trying to sound casual.

“Right?” Zaria had said, munching on chips. “Looking at his perfect face every day has totally raised my standards. No normal guy can even catch my eye anymore.”

“Mmm,” Ondine had hummed, her eyes still on the math problem, but the solution had completely vanished from her mind. After a moment, she heard herself ask, her voice feigning indifference, “With so many girls after him, is he dating anyone?”