Love's New Bloom by Simone Hastings

Chapter 2 A Wrong Encounter

Chandler Frost brought Erin to the most luxurious seven-star hotel in the city—the Grand Empire Hotel. He parked in the underground parking lot and turned to look at Erin, who’d been silent throughout the journey. His eyes gleamed like a panther waiting to pounce on its prey, and his tone was devoid of emotion as he said, “I’ll give you one chance to go back on your word. If you’ve changed your mind, this is the time for you to leave.”

Erin was curled up in the passenger seat, trembling slightly. She couldn’t believe she’d actually gotten into a stranger’s car. Was she really going to go ahead with this? Then, the thought of Ian’s heartlessness made her hatred burn away her rationality. “I won’t regret this, and I’m not gonna back out!”

“So you’ve thought this through?”

“Yes, I have!” Erin said firmly.

“There’s no turning back now.” Chandler got out of the car.

Erin placed a hand on the handle as her heart raced. She took a deep breath before opening the door. Once they were out of the car, Chandler wrapped an arm around her waist before leading her toward the elevator. He pressed the button for the 128th floor—the penthouse suite.

Erin’s heart hammered against her chest as they ascended. She sneaked a few looks at him, taking in his sharp jaw and handsome features. At least she had no complaints about his looks. It was too bad he was in this line of work…

She walked to the floor-length windows and looked out at the skyline. The view was gorgeous here; this was her first time staying in such an amazing hotel. With that thought

gulp. Chandler had originally wanted to clink glasses with her, but he retracted his hand at her actions. He looked at her with a trace of interest in his eyes and sipped at his wine. Erin wanted to have another glass to calm her nerves, but Chandler took her wineglass

she felt

I hate when

turned red. “You’ll find out in a

of wine as he admired her looks. He had to admit she was a beauty, with her exquisite features and porcelain skin. She even had

memory of Ian’s betrayal strengthened her resolve. She had to give

phone in hand, seemingly sending someone a message. He glanced at her and said, “Come here.” His

were dirty from touching his phone? This improved Erin’s impression of him and somehow soothed her nerves. She sat in a corner, feeling

making her struggle instinctively. He flung her onto the bed and pinned her

His lips were almost touching hers…Now, she truly

in her without giving her time to get used to the sensation. Eventually, Erin was so exhausted that she passed out. She’d transitioned from a girl to a woman overnight, and the tears she shed tonight

…

out of bed as discreetly as possible, feeling sore everywhere. Her legs trembled as she staggered to the bathroom to get her clothes. Before leaving the room, she glanced at Chandler’s handsome face once more, then silently pulled her debit card out of her bag. She placed it on the pillow beside him, along

while waiting for Holly to arrive. She’d already finished her food by the time Holly got there. Holly plopped onto one of

out a mouthful of smoke and

on you?” Holly asked casually. It seemed she’d long