After a frustrating call with room service, Zara sighed, weighing her options. They'd offered to clear another VIP suite just for her, canceling someone else's reservation. But that wasn't her style; disrupting a guest's plans to make space for herself would tarnish the hotel's reputation. She knew the lengths it took to build customer trust, and she wasn't going to jeopardize it—even if it meant dealing with him for the night.
Trying to shake off her irritation, Zara slipped out onto the balcony. She figured she'd give him some space and wait until Tori could sort this out in the morning. She took in the city lights for a moment, letting the cool air calm her, before deciding she'd spent enough time outside. With a sigh, she reached for the balcony door, only to find it locked.
She jiggled the handle, then pushed harder, her eyes narrowing as she realized he'd locked her out. She looked through the glass to see him moving around inside, clearly unfazed. In one hand, he held a small remote, pressing a button with a casual flick of his thumb. She heard a faint click and realized he'd activated the room's soundproofing system, sealing her outside in silence.
Zara rapped on the glass, her expression a mix of disbelief and simmering anger, but he didn't even glance her way. Instead, he walked over to the curtains. Pausing only to give her a cold, indifferent look, he pulled them shut, blocking her view completely. Then, without a backward glance, he tossed the remote on the nightstand and settled into bed as if nothing had happened.
Left on the balcony, Zara took a deep, calming breath, her hands clenched into fists. Not only had he locked her out, but he'd shut her out completely, making it clear he was indifferent to her presence. She glared at the closed curtains, thinking of every word she'd say to him in the morning. This was just the beginning—but she knew one thing: this man was about to learn exactly who he was dealing with.