Page 9 of A Minute Past Midnight

He smiled as I placed my hand in his, and he led me to a sleek, black Audi truck. He opened the passenger door for me, and I slid inside. Valet handed him his key fob, Samir bid him a good night, then slid into the driver's seat.

“Where are we headed?” I asked.

“To find solace.”

I smiled, buckled my seat belt, and prepared for a hopefully smooth ride.

We ended up at the Marriott downtown. He pulled up to the valet as they opened the doors for us. Samir tipped them, grabbed his bag from the back seat, then took my hand and led me inside the luxurious hotel. I hadn't smelled clean air or seen a clean space since I moved into my apartment, so I was happy to finally be surrounded by comfortability.

Samir headed to the front desk, gave the clerk his name, and he handed him a room key. He ordered champagne and strawberries and a few miscellaneous items for me, like bodywash, shampoo, and lotion to be sent up, then took my hand and walked me to the elevators.

I was a bit nervous because I had never done anything like this before.

I admit I felt a bit insecure. Samir obviously had money—lots of it.

It made me wonder exactly what he saw in me to choose me out of all the beautiful women that were in the club tonight.

Not only was I insecure about my status, but I was also insecure about the way I looked in terms of my cheap Rainbow dress and bag, Simply10 sandals, and sixty dollars in my wallet that I had to clutch tightly so it wouldn't disappear. My bare fingernails and toes were an eyesore, with costume jewelry that could only be worn occasionally.

I couldn't have been his type.

You’re an easy feat. That's why he chose you for the night.

My intrusive thoughts were taking over, and I knew I wouldn't be staying the night with him.

“You're quiet. Tell me what you're thinking, beautiful,” Samir said once we entered the elevator.

I shook my head. “Just thinking about what tonight will bring.”

He smiled at me. “Hopefully something we both won't regret.”

I gave him a small smile as the car came to a stop on the fifth floor. He took my hand again and walked me down to his room. Opening the door, he extended his hand for me to walk in first. He flipped on the lights, and my eyes scanned the room.

Nice.

The room was very spacious and gave a beautiful view of the downtown lights.

“The champagne should be up in a minute.”

“Okay.”

He moved over to me, relieving me of my bag as his eyes bore into me again. “I want to make some things clear before we get comfortable.”

I swallowed and nodded.

“I want you. Your time, your conversation, and . . .” He sized me up. “Your body. You can tell me to fuck off now, and I’ll make sure you get back home safely. No hard feelings. I just want to enjoy your company. Let me know what you want to do, love.”

I smirked. “It's a little too late to make choices when you already got me up here. Do what you will with me. Just don't kill me or hurt me and we're good.”

He took my hand and kissed the back of it. “You're safe with me, baby.”

We looked into each other’s eyes before his lips found mine. The first peck sent a soft jolt to my clit. The second lasted a few seconds longer, which sent a shock wave. The third, when he added tongue, did me in, and my palms were on his broad chest while his hands locked securely on my hips.

“Mmm.” I moaned lightly before the knock at the door pulled him away from the electrifying kiss.

“Champagne’s here.” He rubbed my bottom lip as his tongue roved over it before he lightly bit it. “I think you're going to be trouble for me.”

I smiled. “Good trouble.”