Ethan sat on the edge of the massive king-sized bed in the hotel suite.
The room enveloped him in luxury—walls paneled in dark walnut, gleaming under soft recessed lights that cast warm golden pools across the plush cream carpet, thick enough to swallow the sound of his polished black loafers as he tapped one foot impatient.
Air hummed crisp from the central AC, carrying the subtle, soothing scent of fresh linen sprayed with lavender mist from the diffuser on the mahogany nightstand, its glass bulb glowing faint blue, bubbles rising lazy inside.
The phone pressed hot to his ear, plastic casing warming from his tight grip, knuckles paling white, veins standing out faint on the back of his hand.
