Illusion

Chapter 18

Avery's POV

I walk through the motel door, looking around at the dingy foyer and make my way over to the front desk.

I can't see anyone around so I tentatively ring the little silver bell sitting on the counter top. I wait a few seconds before a middle aged woman with graying hair walks through a door off to the side, coming over to the desk. 'Hello there dear, checking in?' Her friendly tone makes me feel slightly better.

My day has been relatively okay, bar the fact that Harry forced me to come on some dangerous mission. Then he suddenly decided to act extremely arrogant and rude for no reason to Sam. Oh and to top it all off, he deliberately asked me about my ex-boyfriend in the most sardonic way possible.

You know what, I changed my mind, my day's been shit so far.

And why the hell am I even here anyway? It's not even like I'm doing anything, but apparently Harry needs someone with him 'just in case'. Honestly.

'Hi, I was wondering if I could book a room for tonight?' I say in my sweetest voice, trying to mask my tiredness with myself and Harry.

'Just you my love?' Her personable demeanor is a nice change from the arrogant men I've had to deal with over the past 24 hours.

'Ah, no actually, I'm here with someone else.' I say slightly awkwardly.

'Okay, lovely, so I'll put you down for a room with a double bed.' She begins reaching for a lonely key off the wall.

'Wait, no, we're not together!' I blurt out desperately. 'Do you have any rooms with two beds?' I ask hopefully.

'Oh, I'm sorry my love, all our single bed rooms are booked, and we only have one double bed room left.' Her voice rings sympathetically. 'Is that okay?'

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my sudden nerves about sharing a bed with Harry. Be mature about this Avery, it's not a big deal. 'Ah, yeah, that's fine. Thanks.'

The lady takes the single key off the wall and hands it to me gently. 'Check out is at 10. Towels and linens are already in your room. Our amenities, such as our hot tub and swimming pool, are located just through the back door to your right.' She points over my shoulder, indicating where I can see an old door. Maybe a soak in the hot tub is exactly what I need to unwind a bit.

Harry suddenly strolls through the front door, coming up to the counter holding our two duffle bags. I reply kindly to the woman, 'thank you.' Before digging into my purse for my card. Right as I touch the plastic, Harry's arm extends in front of me, tapping his card onto the machine, once again paying before I have the chance.

I purse my lips, looking up to face him. 'You know, you don't have to keep paying for everything. I have money too.' His gaze flick momentarily down to my lips before finding my eyes again.

'I know. But it's fun to see you mad.' He says with a smirk, turning on his heel and walking towards the elevator. I shake my head in slight shock, never failing to be stunned by his obnoxious reasoning.

I shoot the lady one last smile before making my way over to Harry, who's standing patiently as the elevator pings open.

We step into the cool lift, a chill running down my spine from the air conditioning. Harry places our bags at his feet while we wait and I inspect my mauve nails, silence sounding around us. I glance up at Harry, his head tilted back against the wall and his eyes closed.

'What's happening tonight?' I ask questioningly.

'Nothing.' He keeps his eyes closed as he answers me in a low voice. 'I know where these men are meeting. I'll talk to them tomorrow.'