Aegis 01 - First Exposure by Elisabeth Naughton Read Free Book Online Page A

noticed. “And it’s couples only, correct? So there are no singles allowed at the resort?”
    “Oh no, ma’am. We’re a couples-only resort. It says so right in the brochure.” He led them away from the pool, down a flagstone path. Brightly colored flowers and vines lay nestled beneath swaying palms.
    “Do any of the couples ever break up while they’re here?” Avery asked. “I mean, it must be shocking for some couples to adjust to a resort like this…if it’s their first time.”
    Cade slid his hands into the pockets of his slacks, amused as he followed along behind. Avery was fishing for information, but he doubted she was going to get it from the bellboy. She might be a good actress but she was no super sleuth.
    “Occasionally,” Mario said. “But the resort handles those situations discreetly, so you won’t have to worry about one ruining your vacation.”
    He stopped in front of a sprawling hut and held a master key in front of the sensor on the door. While they waited for the light to turn green, Avery shot Cade a what do you think that means? look. Cade shook his head. If this was what she planned to do to everyone at the resort, their cover was going to be blown faster than his hold on his desire for the woman currently peering his way.
    When the door pushed open and Mario stepped inside, Cade made a circle motion with his finger to tell Avery to get back with the program. She flashed him a sexy little pout that made him chuckle. Okay, maybe watching her play super sleuth wasn’t all that bad. She was damn cute doing it.
    “Your luggage has already been unpacked,” Mario said as they both stepped past him into the hut. “If you require any special instruments, please call your concierge.” He handed Cade two light blue wristbands. “These work as your room keys. They also access your account so you can charge amenities directly to your room. Our guests find them less cumbersome than regular key cards. Wear them at all times. Is there anything else I can get you right now?”
    Less cumbersome. Cade knew what that meant. It was a whole lot less of a mood killer when you didn’t have to fumble for your room key in the heat of the moment.
    He looked toward Avery. She was standing in the middle of the room, taking it all in. The giant four-poster bed in the center that looked like it could sleep ten comfortably; the plush sitting area and bar to his right; the gauzy curtains at the windows that gazed out toward the sand and gently rolling surf of the bay; the in-ground, private Jacuzzi on the patio. Patrice had said there were two other units in their area, but from their patio, with the palms and brush and vines growing around them, this hut looked totally secluded. Private. Their own personal slice of paradise in what could otherwise be considered hedonism.
    Just knowing he had Avery all to himself sent a wicked burst of heat straight to Cade’s groin.
    “I think we’re good,” Cade said, tearing his gaze away from Avery. He handed the bellboy a ten. “Thank you.”
    Mario held up both hands. “Oh no, we can’t accept tips. Indulgence is a tip-free resort.” He smiled, glanced between the two of them, then turned for the door. “Enjoy your stay.”
    Cade walked him to the door. When he came back into the room, Avery was still staring at the bed, and that heat inside kicked up a notch, sending blood straight to Cade’s cock. He set the wristbands on the bar and cleared his throat.
    Avery looked up sharply, caught him watching her, then quickly turned away from the bed. “The sleeping arrangements are going to be a problem. You’ll have to get used to the couch.”
    “The bed looks plenty big for two.”
    She pulled the sliding door open and stepped out onto the patio. “I’m paying for this. Therefore you sleep on the couch.”
    Cade didn’t like the sound of that, but he was willing to play along. For now. After all, anything could happen over the course of a weekend.
    Picking up