She shrugged. “You’re the one who believes there’s a real threat out there, not me. This is all going to blow over. Just wait and see.”
“Maybe you’re right. But I’m getting paid either way and since you’re not the one signing my paycheck just zip your lip and sit tight.”
She jerked her gaze away from him with a delicate sniff of annoyance and he had to stop himself from chortling. Why was he baiting her? He’d never acted like this with a client. Not even with the snobbiest, but for some reason he just couldn’t shut it down. Her ego needed an ass-whupping in the worst way and he was more than willing to be the one to deliver.
He took the exit ramp and within a block the hotel came into sight. Just as he expected she started to screech.
“Oh, hell no. You’re out of your ever-loving mind if you think I’m staying here. It doesn’t even look like it has running water or indoor plumbing!”
He put the Range Rover into Park and climbed out with a chuckle. “I promise you there is hot and cold running water. But you’re out of luck if you’re looking for room service.”
She quickly followed, the bee in her bonnet buzzing loudly. “This place is disgusting. I wouldn’t let a stray dog sleep here. And you think I’m supposed to sleep here? You are out of your mind! If I’d wanted to go camping, I would’ve booked a trip to Yosemite.”
“Somehow I can’t imagine you camping anywhere.”
“That’s not the point. I’m not staying here.” She stamped her foot. “I told you I would settle for the Four Seasons, not this disgusting edge-of-the-world shack.”
“Calm down, princess. It’s clean, it’s safe and exactly where we need to be right now. No one is going to look for you here.”
“Of course not! I feel like I’ve been kidnapped. I wouldn’t stay here if my life depended on it.”
“Interesting choice of words. Actually, your life does depend on it. Now come on, let’s go.”
“I won’t and you can’t make me,” she said, standing her ground with her arms crossed.
“Actually, I can make you. I can throw you over my shoulder and carry you into the hotel room if that’s what you prefer. I aim to please.” He took a step toward her and she paled.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me. You’re nothing but a job, princess. And making sure that you are safe is my number-one priority. How you get there or your relative comfort means nothing.”
“You’re an asshole.”
“I’ve been called worse and by better people. Let’s go.”
He was almost hoping that she would continue to be a pill but she grabbed her suitcase handle and jerked it toward her, stomping behind him. He could almost feel the heat from her glare burning a hole into his back but as long as she was moving her feet, he didn’t care. He made quick work of checking in under false names and then took them straight to the room. He opened the door and saw the problem as soon as she did. He looked at her with a slight apology. “This room used to have two beds.”
Her expression withered. “I guess you’ll be sleeping on the floor or in the bathtub, then.”
“I’m not sleeping in the bathtub,” he told her. “We’re both adults and if you can keep your hands to yourself, we’ll be okay.”
She gasped. “As if I would ever touch you. I’d rather die first.”
“Don’t be so dramatic,” he said with a short scowl. “Besides, you’re not my type, honey.”
“Like I believe that,” she muttered. “I saw the way you looked at me when we first met.”
“That was an act,” he said, happy to throw a bucket of water on her smug comment. “I prefer my women to be a lot less spawn of the devil, more of the human variety.”
“Ha-ha. Yes, well, women bought by the hour tend to be more agreeable.” She cast a disparaging look around the room. “I’ll bet you bring your girls here. Seems appropriate for that kind of commerce.”
He narrowed his gaze. “Careful, princess. One of these days your mouth is going to overload your ass.”