Talisman 2 - The Sapphire Talisman by Brenda Pandos Read Free Book Online Page A

say I’m a very special guest to the Hiltons.”
    Inside the elevator Nicholas inserted his card and the light to the 23 rd floor illuminated. He pressed the button for the Penthouse Suite.
    I gasped. “Are you kidding me? That’s got to be so expensive.”
    “Not really. It’s on the house.” A teasing smile finally flickered across his beautiful lips.
    “So you’re not going to tell me?”
    “My father saved Barron Hilton’s life once. We are invited to stay whenever we’d like.”
    When the doors opened I stared, unblinking, for a second in disbelief. The foyer led to a giant room with vaulted ceilings, exquisite artwork covering the walls, lush burgundy couches, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city. The famous HOLLYWOOD sign loomed on the hillside beyond the buildings.
    I pointed and looked at Nicholas with wide-eyes.
    “It’s the real thing,” he said smugly.
    Inside, I meandered left, through a doorway, and entered a mint-green bedroom. A lavish headboard canopy hung over a King-sized bed adorned with downy pillows. I ran, jumped, and buried myself in the heavenly linens with a squeal. After composing myself, my eyes drifted to the attached bathroom. An intricate black-and-white marble floor led to a powder area, shower, and Jacuzzi tub. I sighed and made a note to soak in there before leaving.
    “There’s more,” Nicholas said as he studied me, his effervescent   eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
    He stood, leaning one arm against the doorway, and looked absolutely adorable. I removed myself from the downy goodness of the bed and moved past him, trailing my hand across his irresistible chest. He caught me and pulled me into his arms while he nuzzled my hair. I giggled and our lips touched.
    “How could there be more?” I whispered, smiling at his delight.
    He nodded and led me to a dining area so fancy I didn’t feel I could ever eat there, afraid I’d spill something and stain the upholstery or carpeting. French doors led to a deck, a hot tub, and the perfect view of the city. I was just about to check it out when I noticed another set of unopened doors. I turned the handle, expecting to find a kitchen, and walked into another mint-green bedroom and bath.
    I looked up into his face and smirked. “I guess this solves my question of who’s sleeping where, doesn’t it?”
    “Well?” His eyes caressed my face with tender care and wrapped his arms around my waist.
    Always the gentleman.
    “Doesn’t this make you wish you’d just taken my advice and waited here while I talked with Harry?” Nicholas said with a playful tone.
    “Hmm. I remember the word room, not penthouse suite, as my choice.”
    “Ah, true.”
    I snickered. “Although, it would have been mighty tempting, considering Harry’s neighborhood and some of its creepy inhabitants. I’d still choose to be with you,” I said with a smile. “Hands down.”
    Nicholas sighed and rested his chin on the top of my head.
    “You’re too precious, Julia,” he said softly. “More than I deserve.”
    No, you’re more than I deserve.
     
     

Chapter Six
    T he morning sunlight filtered through my closed eyelids, signaling my brain to wake up. My backpack lying on the luxuriant carpeted floor reminded me where I’d slept the night before. I yawned and looked at the clock with a gasp. It read 11:38 AM. I’d slept most of the morning away. To my surprise, next to the lamp, a single pink gerbera daisy sat in a vase with a note attached.
     
    Enjoy your soak in the tub.
    I’ll be back soon with breakfast.
    < Me
     
    Holding the note to my chest, I swooned while reaching out for Nicholas’ presence in the next room and didn’t feel him there. My stomach growled as I imagined what he was picking up for us. I stretched, dangled my feet off the bed, and curled my toes into the fluffy carpet that reminded me of kitten fur.
    Moseying over to the bathroom I expected the floor tiles to be cold, but they felt warm under my bare