Shrugging, Karina replied, âWhat else can I do? Thereâs no other room available.
â
At such a late hour, she was not inclined to waste time hunting for alternative accommodations.
âWell, thereâs another room available,â Barlow said.
âWhatâs that?â
âLetâs just bunk together in my room tonight.
â
Without waiting for Karinaâs response, Barlow stood up and led her to the door, taking her hand.
At the same time, he said to the manager, âHelp her bring everything to room 1703.
â
âOkay.
â The manager quickly nodded.
Karina was guided out of her room by Barlow, holding her hand.
It was then that she fully grasped what was happening.
She protested, âNo.
I donât want to share a room with you!â
Barlow firmly held her hand and headed for the elevator, ignoring her attempts to pull away.
âKarina, what are you worried about? Do you think Iâll do something to you?â
Karina glared at him and said, âCarlow, we are not familiar with each other.
It doesnât make sense for us to share a room.
â
As the elevator doors slid open, Barlow used more force and pulled her inside.
âLetâs head upstairs first.
If youâre uncomfortable sharing a room with me, Iâll stay in your room tonight, okay?â
Karina ceased her struggles upon hearing this.
Noticing that he still gripped her hand firmly, she said, âYou can let go of my hand now.
â
Once the elevator doors closed, Barlow released her.
Karina massaged her sore hand and stared at the elevator wall.
Their reflections appeared on it.
At that moment, both were clad in the hotelâs dark green robes, standing side by side like a couple.
But they were not a couple.
Instinctively, Karina adjusted her robe and subtly stepped to the side.
Barlow noticed her slight movement but chose not to comment.
Instead, he chuckled, as though amused by her cautiousness.