The guy stopped about a foot in front of him, and Alex had to struggle with the desire to step back, but he held his ground. To move back would be rude, and he didn't want any wrong impressions until he understood what was happening.
“You’re in the penthouse suite at the Lakeside Hotel. My name is Roman Sidorov. I work in security for the Rose Corporation. I work for Conall Rose. I found you last night in the alley behind the Blood Rose." Roman gripped him gently by the upper arm when Alex started to sway on his feet and steered him over to the couch and had him sit. Alex did as he was directed.
He put a light blanket over Alex’s legs and then took a seat beside him. “Can I get you anything?" Alex hated to ask, but he was desperate for a cup of coffee.
"A cup of coffee would be great." Immediately, Roman was on his feet, and within a few minutes, Alex had a lovely cup of black coffee in his hands.
“Do you need sugar or milk?” He asked.
“No, this is good, thank you." Alex held the cup and soaked in the warmth and scent before taking his first sip. Roman returned to sit beside him and let him enjoy his coffee for a while before breaking the comfortable silence.
“Do you remember what happened to you last night?” His tone was soft yet intense and touched a part of him deep in his core. This man had power. Alex didn't understand it, but it was affecting him in a carnal way. Again, he pushed down the frisson that ghosted over his flesh at the sound of that voice and the power of his gaze, such intense emotional stimuli. Roman took his hand, holding it loosely, and Alex just stared at it and did not move.
"I came with friends. What happened to my friends?" He remembered they were there together, so why was he now alone with Roman Sidorov, a stranger?
“Your friends went home.” Roman was clipped and direct without further explanation.
“They just left me?” Alex gripped Roman's hand without realizing what he was doing. He thought about the people he came with and apart from Jackson, the other three acted like friends, not close, but people he would have assumed would look out for him . . . maybe.
"Do you remember what happened to you, Alex?" Roman broke through his thoughts.
“I excused myself from the table to go have a smoke in the alley. I exited through the door by the restrooms." He began thoughtfully, although still feeling a little disappointed in his companions. He told them he was going out for a smoke, and not one of them extended the effort to check on him when he obviously didn't return.
"I stood out there for about ten minutes, and when I headed back inside, I was jumped from behind. That's all I recall until I woke up here a little bit ago." He drank his coffee, enjoying the flavor and the warmth.
“Do you recall anything about the men who jumped you?” Roman asked.
"No, not really. I think there were three, but I'm not sure. I didn't get a look at them; I was too busy trying to guard my face from the blows from their fists and feet." Alex stopped, took a sip of his coffee, and tried to think of anything identifying that he might have noticed.
“One of them wore black western boots.” He stopped abruptly and set his mug down on the table in front of them. The boots were familiar.
“What is it, what do you remember?” Roman had noticed, but Alex wasn't sure he wanted to share his suspicions. It was a little embarrassing, but finally, after several compelling glances, Alex told him.
“I think the boots belonged to Jackson, he was in our group, I work with him.”
"The black boots belong to him," Roman asked more calmly than Alex was feeling.
"Yes, I'm almost certain, but that doesn't make any sense. I was robbed, and Jackson wouldn't rob me. They took my watch, my ring, and the money from my wallet. He wouldn't do that." Alex frantically tried to find a reason for it not to be true.
“If he was willing to beat you unconscious in a dark alley, he certainly wouldn't be against robbing you as well?” Roman pointed out.
"I don't want to report this." He said while shaking his head. "I don't want to cause trouble at work. He turned away, not wanting to discuss it any longer, so brought up the décor and view of the city afforded by the penthouse. The subject change was awkward and clumsy, but Roman didn’t fight him on it.
CHAPTER THREE
Roman didn't pursue that line of questioning any further. He already knew most of the answers, so pushing his beloved was not necessary. He did confirm that Jackson had been present, and Roman was already actively investigating the other two. He would have their names soon enough.
Perhaps he should have killed Jackson, leaving his life up to chance; lying there in the alley may have been a mistake. Roman cursed his soft-heartedness; he often held back when dealing with humans, not wanting to end their short lives. Jackson stank of privilege and pettiness. If he survives the alley, he may continue to cause Alex difficulty. Roman decided to revisit the situation if necessary.
Room service arrived, and it gave Roman a chance to consider his next move regarding Alex. The bond was fresh and barely there since all they did was hold hands, but the awareness would take hold even with the slightest of contact, so Alex should begin to feel something. He set out lunch on the dining table, and Alex got up to help him.
"Basic lunch soup, salad, and sandwiches." He says. “Not sure of your preferences.”
"Looks delicious, and thank you." Alex smiled shyly, and it was so cute. Cute was not a descriptor he used often outside of dogs and children, but Alex had a cuteness about him that disarmed, and it needed to be noticed.
They sat and ate in a companionable silence for a few minutes, and then Alex spoke. "Why am I here? Why did you bring me here?" He looked down at his plate and then back up at Roman nervously. "I'm not complaining, I love the treatment and the pajamas, but what's in it for you?"
Roman finished his sandwich and wiped his mouth with his napkin before giving him his complete attention. Alex was seated beside him with a few inches separating them. Roman reached out and took his hand. Alex jerked but did not pull away, indicating that the bond was progressing. Roman held on with a gentle touch as he began.