Chapter 22: Nine Floors Up

Hallie's POV

At midnight the lobby of the Whitbread Grand was empty.

The chandelier was dimmed to a low gold, and the night manager had sent the desk clerk to the back.

He met us at the revolving door with a key card in an envelope, and shook Kip's hand.

"Ninth floor," he said. "Nobody's staying in it."

I walked out onto the marble.

My heels clicked in the quiet.

I walked straight across the spot where the orchids had stood, and I stopped there.

Kip stayed a few steps behind me and did not say a word.

It was only floor.

It was cold and smooth and shining, and nobody was looking at me.

I stood there until I was sure of that.

Then I turned around and held out my hand, and Kip took it.

"Come on," I said.

The suite had a king bed, a deep couch and a wall of glass that looked down at the whole lit city.

I dropped my coat on the couch and walked to the window.

I could see the river, and a red light blinking on top of a bridge.

"Hallie," Kip said behind me.

"Don't say anything for a minute."

I took off my sweater.

I unhooked my bra and let it fall.

I stood bare-breasted in front of the glass with the city under me.

I heard him breathe out.

"I came here to be taken apart in this building," I said, without turning.

"I've never said anything out loud that I wanted.

"I want you to fuck me in the one place she thought she owned."

"Tell me how."

I looked at his reflection in the dark glass.

"Take your clothes off first.