He glanced over at the still-snoring woman beside him, nearly naked beneath the covers. Beck had a cutthroat reputation in business. He’d had to be smart and fast if he was going to make the kind of money he’d craved in a business he hadn’t been born into like Linc had been. Beck had accomplished his goals, exceeding beyond his wildest imaginings by never showing weakness and always using situations to his advantage. But that reputation didn’t extend to women.
Another guy might use Linc’s sister to get payback. Not Beck. Chloe was safe with him. And Linc Kingston ought to thank his lucky stars that Beck had morals. More so than Linc himself had had back when they were friends.
He closed his eyes and listened to the rhythmic breathing Chloe had fallen into and drifted off to sleep. Beck wasn’t sure how much time had passed when loud knocking sounded, waking him from a not-so-great sleep.
He glanced around the room, taking in his surroundings and remembering where he was and who was in bed beside him. Thanks to his remaining above the comforter, they hadn’t rolled against each other during the night, but she had moved closer and he inhaled her fragrant scent.
The knock that must have woken him sounded again.
Chloe groaned and shifted to her side. No doubt she would be hurting this morning.
The pounding continued and Beck slid out of bed, heading for the door to ask housekeeping to come back later. Who else could be there at this hour?
He wasn’t about to open the door, either. Neither he nor Chloe was dressed.
“Chloe? Open up!” a familiar male voice called out as Beck touched the doorknob.
Linc. Well, this was about to get interesting.
Not caring what Linc thought, Beck drew a deep breath and opened the door for his former friend.
Linc took one look at Beck and his mouth opened in shock. “What the fuck are you doing here?” Before Beck could answer, Linc brushed past him and walked into the outer room of the suite. “I swear to God if you took advantage of my sister, I’ll kill you.”
Beck let the door shut behind them before turning to Linc with a scowl.
Meanwhile, Linc’s hands curled into fists at his sides, reminding Beck of how he’d taken a swing at Linc after finding him in bed with Jenna. “Taking advantage of women is more your style than mine.”
Linc jerked at the insult. “This isn’t about what happened back then. I left Chloe here against my better judgment, and it turns out I was right.” Linc’s gaze raked over Beck’s lack of clothing. “Where’s my sister?”
“In bed.” Beck couldn’t help tossing out the words that would rile Linc up more. But before he could react, Beck continued. “You’re just damned lucky I was there to make sure she got up here safely.”
Linc’s jaw locked in place, and he visibly drew a calming breath. “She’s not safe if she’s with you.”
Beck laughed but it was harsh. “It’s not like you were there to look out for her.”
Linc stepped forward, clearly planning to swing, and Beck was ready.
“Linc, stop!” Chloe’s voice had both men turning toward her.
She’d obviously found the hotel robe before coming out here, because she was tying the belt around her waist as she stood there, facing them. Her hair was a wild tangle around her face, and despite the crying jags last night, he’d obviously managed to clean her up fairly well. There were black circles under her eyes, but her cheeks weren’t smudged with makeup. Just flushed with embarrassment but still just as attractive, if not more so now that he saw her softer, real side.
“Are you okay?” Linc stepped toward her but she held him off with her hand in the air.
She nodded. “I’m fine. What are you doing here?”
He narrowed his gaze. “I think the better question is what are you doing with him?”
“If you must know, I drank too much and he … umm … helped me up here.” Her cheeks burned brighter and she couldn’t meet Beck’s gaze.
“That better be all he did,” Linc muttered. “Come on, Chloe. Let’s go.”
“What?” She straightened her shoulders.
“You can come stay with me and Jordan until you get yourself sorted out.”
She shook her head the way she had last night when Beck had suggested nearly the same thing. “No. You two have a baby on the way. You’re new as a couple. You need your time together. I won’t be a third wheel. And before you say Mom’s, I won’t go there, either. Or Xander’s or Dash’s place. Just no.” She wrapped her arms around herself, looking lost.
Most likely because, as she’d told Beck, she’d given up her apartment and really did have nowhere to go. “You can stay with me.” The words were out before he could stop them or even think them through.
But he had to admit Linc’s horror-filled expression made the offer worth it. “I have plenty of room at my place and you won’t be in the way. You can stay until you make a plan of your own.”
Chloe shot him a look filled with surprise and some gratitude. “I–”
“No. He’s just using you to get back at me,” Linc said. “I won’t have it.”
Chloe drew herself up tall, and Beck knew immediately Linc had made his final mistake.
“You won’t have it? Well, it’s not your decision to make.” She strode up to her brother and got in his personal space. “I don’t know what went on between you and Beck and I don’t care. What I do know is that he was there for me last night, and since he’s still willing to help, I’m going to take him up on his offer. Now it’s time for you to go.” She turned away from Linc, strode to the door, and held it open.
Linc briefly closed his eyes, then opened them again. “I’m sorry. I know it’s your choice, but please let your family be the ones to help.”
She shook her head. “I need time to sort out my life without anyone else telling me what they think is best.”
“I understand that but with him? Not to mention, I came to tell you that the society pages of the papers and social media sites picked up the story.” His tone gentled as he broke the news.
“Great.” She pressed her hands to cheeks that had flushed in embarrassment. “So now I’m a public laughingstock.”
Linc shook his head. “I’m sorry. Since Dad died and some asshole named you the Kingston heiress, people have kept an eye on your engagement.”
Beck felt sorry for her, being in a spotlight she hadn’t asked for, but it came along with her family’s wealth.
“Well, I’m taking my honeymoon time off from work, so that should help me stay out of sight and make people forget about me. Now, go home to Jordan. Please.” She swept her arm toward the hallway.
Linc shot Beck a warning glare before walking toward the door. He braced a hand on the frame and turned. “Chloe, I love you and just want what’s best for you.” And Beck isn’t it resounded without him saying the actual words.
“Then let me make those decisions for myself,” Chloe said, and Linc finally listened to her and walked out the door.
* * *
With her brother gone, Chloe groaned and laid her pounding head on her arm against the doorframe, unable and unwilling to face her so-called savior just yet. What she hadn’t said out loud, wasn’t willing to admit, was that she couldn’t remember anything past Beck carrying her upstairs and placing her on the bed.