Inch by slow inch, I slid down and forward, trying to create enough room so I could roll free. I could climb up glass-faced buildings, jump down elevator shafts and perform acrobatic feats that the general public would find impossible, yet freeing myself from one stupid, sleeping Sidhe was almost impossible. In the end, I pulled myself away with a sharp tug. I hadn’t had much choice.

I sprang backwards and looked at Byron. He was still fast asleep, long lashes curling against his cheek. His hair was rumpled and he remained as sexy as hell. Mentally I slapped myself. Get a grip, girl.

Spying my dress on a nearby chair, I tiptoed over and grabbed it. I shimmied into it, just managing to pull up the zip, then edged to the safe. Byron hadn’t moved a muscle. This was good. I’d just reached the wardrobe, however, and was sliding it open to access the safe when there was a sudden cough. Shite.

‘What are you doing?’ he asked, sleep blurring his voice.

‘Uh, just looking for my shoes!’ I sang out. Damn it.

He sat up. ‘You’re leaving?’

Not without the Lia Saifire, I wasn’t. ‘Yes,’ I said, doing what I could to look guilt-ridden. ‘Walk of shame.’

Byron ran a hand through his hair while I tried very hard not to notice the ripples in his chest. Not hard enough. ‘You can stay,’ he said. ‘I can order in breakfast.’

There was a traitorous part of me that loved that idea. We could sit across the table from each other, nibbling at croissants, then… ‘I really should go. I’ve got, um, work.’

‘Oh. Okay then.’

Was that disappointment or relief in his face? ‘Well,’ I said airily, ‘it was nice meeting you. Thanks for the champagne and sorry about the, you know, falling unconscious part. I should remember to eat next time.’ Not that there would be a next time. I pivoted on my heel.

‘Integrity, wait.’

I turned slowly back. ‘Yes?’

His eyes fixed on me, freezing my body into place. ‘Nothing happened last night. I’m not that kind of guy. You conked out so quickly that I was worried. It made more sense to keep you with me so I could check on you.’ He inhaled. ‘I’d really like to see you again.’

I almost snorted. He’d not achieved end-game status yet; that was why he didn’t want this to be over. So predictable. ‘Sure,’ I said. ‘I’ll call you.’

‘You don’t have my number.’

I shrugged. ‘The hotel is pretty well known. I’ll find you.’

Before I could leave, Byron got to his feet. Without meaning to, my eyes drifted down. He was wearing a pair of silky black boxers and nothing else. I stared for a moment at the trail of hair leading downwards and swallowed, then glanced up again. His mouth twitched and he stepped right in front of me.