Chapter 5: Ready to Pass Out

Elyse’s P.O.V

The elevator hummed to life once again, leaving me slumped against the mirrored wall, barely able to catch my breath. My legs felt like jelly as I fumbled with the zipper of my pants, every ounce of energy drained from me. My head lolled to the side, and I caught sight of Kyle, calm as ever, adjusting his clothes like nothing had happened. The ease in his movements irritated me, but I didn’t have the strength to say anything.

“You look like you’re about to pass out,” Kyle said, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

“I feel like it too,” I muttered, my voice hoarse. My body ached in ways I didn’t want to acknowledge.

Kyle stepped closer, his sharp cologne mingling with the humid, unmistakable scent lingering in the air. I cringed internally. The elevator reeked of us, both of our pheromones combined and the heavy tinge of sex—there was no way to hide it. The thought alone made my stomach churn with embarrassment.

“You’ll be fine,” he said, brushing imaginary lint off his shirt. “Just keep it together until we’re in the room.”

I tried to glare at him, but it came out weaker than I intended. “Easier said than done. My legs are about to give out.”

Before Kyle could reply, the elevator slowed, and the soft ding of the bell announced our arrival on the thirtieth floor. My heart sank when the doors slid open to reveal a small crowd—maintenance workers, a few hotel staff, and even a curious guest or two craning their necks to see what had caused the commotion.

For a second, I froze. My blood turned cold as a wave of mortification washed over me. They must have heard something. Or worse—smelled it.

Kyle didn’t miss a beat. With a smoothness that made me both envious and annoyed, he stepped out of the elevator and slung an arm around my shoulders. “Sorry about the delay,” he said to the gathering, his tone calm but firm. “My friend here isn’t feeling well. Got a little faint on the way up.”

I blinked at him, too stunned to argue, as he all but carried me out of the elevator. His hand pressed firmly against my back, guiding me forward with the confidence of someone who’d rehearsed this a thousand times.

“Oh, dear!” one of the staff members exclaimed, stepping forward. “Do you need medical assistance? Should we call someone?”

“No, no, it’s all right,” Kyle replied smoothly. “He just needs some rest. Long day, you know how it is.”

I could feel the weight of their stares, their eyes darting between us and the elevator. There was no mistaking it now—the thick, cloying scent of pheromones clung to the air like a fog. My cheeks burned, and I fought the urge to bury my face in Kyle’s shoulder.

“I can walk,” I whispered, though it was more for my pride than anything else.

Kyle tightened his grip on me, his voice dropping to a low murmur meant only for my ears. “Sure you can. And then you’ll collapse in front of everyone. Let me handle this.”

I hated how calm he sounded as he thrived in situations like this. Meanwhile, I felt like I was suffocating under the weight of their judgment.

The staff, thankfully, seemed to buy Kyle’s act. One of them reached for my bag, while another offered to escort us to the room. “We’ll bring your luggage up,” someone said, their voice a little too cheerful.

“Thanks,” Kyle replied, flashing them a quick smile. “Appreciate it.”

I stumbled along beside him as we made our way down the hall. My head felt heavy, my limbs like lead, but Kyle’s hand on my back kept me grounded.

“You’re too good at this,” I muttered, my voice barely audible.

“At what?” he asked, glancing down at me.

“Lying,” I said bitterly.

He chuckled, low and quiet. “Not lying. Just…improvising.”

I didn’t reply. My focus was on putting one foot in front of the other, ignoring the murmurs that followed us down the hall. The further we got from the elevator, the easier it was to breathe, though the embarrassment still clung to me like a second skin.

When we finally reached the room, Kyle fished the key card out of my pocket and swiped it with one hand, his other arm still steadying me. The door clicked open, and he guided me inside, shutting it firmly behind us.

Kyle’s hands were firm yet careful as he lowered me onto the bed. The mattress was soft beneath me, but it might as well have been made of needles for how uneasy I felt. I kept my eyes shut, feigning sleep, my breathing slow and measured, but inside, my mind churned.

“Get some rest,” Kyle murmured, his voice unusually gentle. The weight of his gaze lingered on me, and I had to fight the urge to flinch as I felt him adjust the blanket over me.

The soft click of the door closing was like a signal. The moment I was sure he was gone, my eyes flew open, staring blankly at the ceiling.

The room was silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning. Kyle’s scent was everywhere—on the sheets, in the air. It clung to me like an accusation, sharp and unrelenting.

I turned onto my side, curling into myself as deep, gnawing guilt settled in my chest. The events of the day replayed in my mind, vivid and unforgiving. The way I’d let things spiral. The way I hadn’t stopped it.

I covered my face with my hands, as though I could block out the shame. But there was no escaping it. I’d betrayed Cameron. My Cameron.

“What the hell is wrong with me?” I whispered to the empty room. My voice cracked, and the sound of it made me cringe.

Cameron’s face appeared in my mind’s eye, unbidden and clear. His warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he laughed, the softness in his touch. He’d trusted me. Loved me. And I… I’d thrown that trust away without a second thought.