Christmas in His Arms

by Avery Chandler

  He turned away and saw Cora raising her hand to catch his attention. Then she pointed toward Sarah and held up the key card packet.

  “Your room is ready,” he told her. “You can finish eating first if you like. Or take the tray with you.” Though he already knew the answer, he asked, “Do you have any luggage you need brought up to the room?”

  She shook her head. “No, I don’t have anything.” His gaze fixed on the bruise on her face, and she blushed at his stare.

  He understood her need to keep that boundary intact. “I’ll send up some of our complimentary toiletries. Enjoy your stay.”

  Her room was at the end of a long hallway. When Sarah put the keycard inside the slot and opened the door, she was startled to realize that Alec had given her the largest suite in the hotel. The lights were already on, and the carpet had just been vacuumed. The room smelled clean, and it had a large living room and a desk that faced a floor-to-ceiling glass window overlooking the city. A king-sized bed stood at the opposite end of the room, and there was a small bar with a silver tray and an ice bucket upon it.

  There was a familiar scent within the room, like a man’s aftershave. It took her a moment to realize what it was. Or, in this case, who it was.

  Alec had given her his own room. She couldn’t say just how she knew, but she was sure of it. Though it was foolish, she returned to the door and deadbolted it before flipping the latch over. He didn’t seem like the sort of man to lure an unsuspecting woman into his room, but she was taking no chances.

  Outside, the snow raged against the windows, piling up on the street. Lines of cars were stopped in traffic, despite the late hour. Sarah picked up a blanket from the edge of the bed and wrapped herself inside it. She felt the familiar rise of anxiety as she wondered what she would do tomorrow. Somehow, she had to find work. But a fast-food job wouldn’t pay enough for a hotel room.

  She had a degree in interior design that she’d never used. But what good was that? It would take time to earn the money she needed. No, the higher priority was finding a place to stay that was within her budget. A hotel wasn’t a good solution, since Ben could cancel the credit card at any time—not to mention, he might not pay the bill.

  A twist of nausea caught her stomach, and she gripped the edges of the blanket, feeling lost. But instead of pitying herself, she tried to look at the positive moments of the day. She had a warm bed to sleep in, and Alec had brought her food.

  Just thinking of him brought a flush of embarrassment. It had been so long since a man had been kind to her instead of ordering her around. Ben had controlled every moment of her day, from the time she woke up, to what she wore, to the way she lived her life. Everything had revolved around him.

  She’d been so stupid to fall for her husband’s romantic gestures. At the time, she had been flattered by the two dozen roses or the gold watch he’d given her after only one month of dating. What woman didn’t want to fall in love with a rich man who seemed to adore her?

  She had married him only six months after she’d met him, star-struck by the man who had showered her with affection. But Ben didn’t know the meaning of love. Once she’d moved in with him, the imprisonment had begun.

  “You won’t need to get a job, Sarah,” he’d said. “I’ve already cancelled your interviews.”

  She’d been shocked that he would do such a thing, but his eyes had softened. “I’m going to take care of you. I make enough money, so you don’t have to work. I’ve arranged for everything you need.”

  He’d opened the closet to reveal dozens of designer labels, matching shoes, and handbags. All were arranged by color, the garment hangers facing the same direction. At the time, she’d been thrilled by the gift, believing that he was the most generous husband. But it was only the beginning.

  “Your stylist has made a list of what you are to wear each day. You will be expected to look your best at all times, especially when we entertain guests at home. You will never leave without your make-up on or your hair done.” He stepped back, his face somber. “I know you aren’t accustomed to attending formal events, and that isn’t something I expect or want from you. In fact, I want to keep our marriage a low profile. I value my privacy, and I want to protect you. The media isn’t kind.”

  It was as if he’d wanted to hide her from the world. Sarah had argued that she was perfectly happy to attend parties with him, only to realize that he had no intention of taking her out in public. He had been grooming her for the role of a subservient wife who stayed at home to meet his every need.

  Ben had donated all her old clothing, but she’d managed to save one sweatshirt and one pair of jeans. When she’d worn the sweatshirt on her escape to this hotel, it had felt like she was holding on to a precious memory, as if her mother were watching over her. The sweatshirt was one that Rosalie had owned, years ago. It was the last memory Sarah had of her before her mother had died of cancer.

  She didn’t even realize she was crying until the phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. It was late, nearly one-thirty, and she wondered if it was the front desk or Alec. When she picked up the phone, she answered, “Hello?”

  “I’m glad you found a place to stay, Sarah.”

  Bile rose up in her throat, and the blood seemed to freeze in her veins. She nearly hung up on her husband, but managed to ask, “H-how did you find me, Ben?”

  “The credit card charge. It wasn’t difficult.” His voice had that smug quality that she loathed. “I asked them to notify me of the first charge after I froze the account. I’m surprised you had enough cash to cover the room.”

  She said nothing, trying to gather command of her emotions. So, her suspicions had been right. This was Alec’s room, and he’d allowed her to stay, free of charge.

  “I will send a car to pick you up in the morning,” he said. “And you will not attempt to run away again.”

  This time, she did hang up. And when the phone rang a moment later, she let it go to voice mail. The last thing she wanted was to hear her husband’s commands. Instead, Sarah went into the bathroom to run the shower. She turned on the hot water and rested her hands against the sink as the mirror fogged up.

  Anger and frustration raged within her. Ben expected her to return to the prison she’d endured within their marriage—after he punished her, that is. She could only imagine what he would do to her for running away.

  When she wiped the humidity from the mirror, she studied her swollen cheek, which was already starting to bruise. He would only hurt her again if she went back. Next time, he might break her ribs or worse. She couldn’t do it. Not again.

  You’re going to be strong now. You have to be.

  Alec rubbed at his eyes and took a sip of coffee, exhaustion weighing on him. He’d spent most of the night going over a contract proposal. If this deal went through, Harrow Suites would be the exclusive hotel chain for all business travel with Venture Enterprises. He had a meeting with the CEO later this week to work out the details.

  A soft knock interrupted his thoughts, and he looked up to see Cora standing at the threshold. “I’ve finished with my shift, Mr. Harrow. But before I go, I thought you should know that Ms. Walsh is in line to check out from the hotel.”

  He blinked a moment at the mention of the name. Was she talking about Sarah? He hadn’t actually heard her last name before now. “Thank you, Cora.”

  A voice inside warned him not to get involved. He had given up his own room last night to a woman he didn’t know, and if he stayed inside the office, she would walk away, and he’d never see her again. It was better that way.

  And yet, when he saw Sarah hesitate at the desk, staring at the blanket of snowfall upon the ground, he was torn between wanting to help her and knowing he shouldn’t. The last time he had tried to help a battered woman, he’d been too late. At the very least, he wanted to ensure that Sarah was safe.

  Before he could stop himself, he started to walk towards her. She paused a moment and looked back at him. Her eyes held an e
motion so intense, he hardly knew whether it was fear or uncertainty.

  “Do you have a place to go?” he asked quietly.

  She froze and glanced outside before shaking her head. “Not yet. But I’ll find something.”

  “Do you want me to call a cab for you?”

  Her expression turned wary. “No. I can walk.”

  He could already guess her thoughts—she didn’t have the money for a cab. “I’ll pay the driver to take you anywhere in the city.”

  She stiffened and shook her head. “That’s all right. I’ll be fine.”

  But pride wasn’t going to feed her or give her a roof over her head. If he let this woman walk out the door, he didn’t like to think of the consequences.

  “I wanted to thank you for giving up your room to me last night,” she said softly. “It was kind of you.”

  He kept all emotion from his face as he nodded acknowledgement of her thanks. Let her go, his conscience advised. This isn’t your fight.

  But he’d walked away once before, and he’d regretted it every day of his life. Now, he had a chance to change that.

  Before he could stop himself, Alec tossed common sense away and told her, “If you still need a job, I need someone to do temporary housekeeping during the holidays. You could stay here until you find full time employment.”

  Logically, it wasn’t a good idea to hire a stranger. He knew nothing about this woman, aside from her name. But then, it was only for a few days. Wasn’t it better to provide her with a job and shelter? And they sometimes took on extra temporary help during busy seasons. One of the housekeepers could train Sarah.

  She still hadn’t answered, and he added, “Dawson Green is one of my managers. Tell him I sent you, and he’ll arrange for you to get a uniform and training for the job.”

  He turned away, as if it meant nothing at all. But he saw her falter, twisting the diamond ring on her left hand. His uneasy gut feeling heightened.

  “I would like that,” she said. “But I’m afraid my husband will find me here. He said he was sending a car for me today.”

  “Who is your husband?”

  “Ben Carnell,” she answered. There was a flash of fear on her face, but she squared her shoulders. “He knows I was here last night.”

  Alec kept his face neutral, but inwardly, he knew what a mistake it was to get involved. This situation was delicate because Ben Carnell was the CEO he had a meeting with later this week. If they reached an agreement, it would mean millions of dollars in profit over the next few years. But if the deal didn’t go through, he might have to close at least three hotels, including this one. He would do everything in his power to avoid laying people off after the holidays.

  Alec could only imagine what Carnell would say if he knew what had happened last night. It grated over his conscience that he had to make a deal with the devil. He’d gone over the numbers, and without the contract, there was no way to save the hotels.

  He debated what to do, turning the problem over in his mind. At this time of year, all the shelters were full. And someone like Sarah Walsh would never survive. She was a billionaire’s wife who knew nothing about how to live on the streets or how to survive on minimum wage. She wouldn’t last an hour.

  She wasn’t his responsibility—not like the employees were. But if he gave Carnell’s wife a job and a place to stay, he was risking a multimillion dollar contract. He was risking their lives and the lives of their children. Was one woman’s safety worth the livelihood of so many others?

  He already knew the answer. Just as he knew it was easiest to let her make her own decisions.

  “Stay or go,” he said at last. “It’s your choice.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Sarah knew he wanted her to leave. It was written all over his face, in the tension of his shoulders. The offer was only temporary, and so was the room. Her pride was screaming at her to say no. But what other choices did she have? He was giving her not only a job, but also a warm place to sleep at night.

  While she thought it over, she asked, “Aren’t all of your rooms booked? Because of the convention?”

  He swung back and stared at her. “Some of the guests are checking out. Or you can stay in the housekeeping storage room if you want. There are rollaway beds.”

  That made more sense, and she nodded. “I would be grateful for a few days more. But please don’t tell anyone I’m here. If Ben calls, let him believe that I checked out.” It would buy her a little more time, until she figured out where to go next.

  “Was he the one who hit you?”

  Sarah didn’t want to admit the truth, but there was no point in trying to deny it. “It was my fault for making Ben angry. I should have kept my mouth shut.” She pushed back the memory, reminding herself that it was over now. Even so, it was harder to push back the fear. A part of her wished that he hadn’t hit her. She could have forgiven him for angry words. She could have blotted them out, choosing to remember the good moments in their marriage instead. It hurt to realize that there was no turning back—he wasn’t the man she’d thought he was.

  Her heart ached with denial. She had never in her wildest dreams imagined that the handsome, charming man she’d married would become someone else. But when they were alone, the mask had come off, and Ben had started reshaping her into the wife he thought he deserved. She’d tried so hard to please him, telling herself that his demands were only meant to help her fit into his life.

  Now, she no longer knew who she was. A shell of a woman, erased by a man who wanted her to become someone else. It took every last bit of strength left within her to face Alec and admit she needed help.

  When she met his gaze, she saw bridled fury in it. “It wasn’t your fault. No man should ever hit a woman. There’s no excuse.”

  She couldn’t answer him. Although a part of her knew he was right, he didn’t understand that she had lived with Ben’s behavior for so long, she was used to it.

  “I know,” she said, because it was the expected answer. But it was hard to believe it.

  In the past, after Ben had yelled at her, he would apologize and bring her flowers, promising never to do it again. “It’s just that you’re better than this,” he would say to her. “I look at you and see how beautiful you are. How perfect. I don’t want you to ever be less than you should be.”

  She had been a possession to him, not a person. When they’d married in secret, he hadn’t wanted her to take his last name. At the time, she hadn’t protested, for what did it matter? Now, she wondered if he’d wanted to distance himself from her.

  The thought of going home made her stomach twist with nausea. Sarah took a hesitant step backwards and then said, “Where should I wait for Mr. Green? I can’t stay here in the lobby or Ben might find me.”

  “You can wait in the office behind the desk,” Alec suggested. “If you keep the door closed, no one will see you. But even if he does know that you’re here, you don’t have to leave with him. I have my own security.”

  His offer made Sarah feel slightly better. She was starting to think that Alec was the general manager of the hotel. He had the air of superiority, as if everything was within his command. But it wasn’t threatening—instead, it made her feel protected.

  “Thank you,” she said. Her nerves were still twisting within her, but at least she had a place to stay for another night or two. The promise of a job gave her the chance to earn a little money. Even the smallest amount would help.

  She was grateful that breakfast was included for all guests, and she’d eaten as much as she could this morning. That way, she could ignore lunch and wait until dinner tonight to save even more money.

  Alec opened the door to the office behind the front desk, and Sarah went inside. She chose a seat across from the desk but decided to leave the door slightly cracked. It made it possible to stay out of view but still see who was arriving.

  A moment later, a well-dressed man carrying a briefcase strode behind the front desk. His black hair was s
haved close, and his skin was a rich brown. “Mr. Harrow,” the man greeted Alec, shaking his hand. “It’s always a pleasure to have you visit our property.”

  Harrow? No wonder Alec hadn’t given his last name. Alec Harrow wasn’t the general manager of the hotel—he was the billionaire owner of Harrow Suites. His hotels spanned the east coast, and he also owned properties overseas.

  Oh God. She’d escaped one wealthy powerful man, only to run into another one. Her gut clenched, though she knew the fear was irrational. Alec had done nothing at all except offer her a safe haven. But she wasn’t used to men being nice without wanting something in return. She gripped her hands together, trying to center herself and push back the fear.

  “Dawson.” Alec greeted the man with a handshake. “It’s good to see you.”

  “How long will you be staying with us, Mr. Harrow?” Although the words were spoken with a pleasant tone, Sarah understood that it was a subtle way of inquiring why Alec had come.

  “Another day or two,” he answered. At that, Alec closed the door and lowered his voice, making it impossible for her to eavesdrop on their conversation.

  She stayed hidden for the next few minutes, awaiting her fate. Her heart was pounding, and even the scent of fresh coffee made her stomach churn. She hated not being in command of her life. Sitting in an office, waiting on other men to make decisions about a job or shelter, made her feel utterly helpless. And she loathed that feeling. She promised herself that once she earned a little money, she would find a way to support herself.

  The door to the office opened, and both men approached her. Sarah gripped her hands together, not knowing what to expect.