I glance at Connor who shifts in his chair. When I stand, he jumps up and Mitch looks ready to pounce. “I was going to go down to the lobby,” I explain.
Mitch shakes his head. “You need to stay here, Jess. It’s not safe.”
“So I’ve got to stay in this room? For how long? Until Hunter returns? What’s going on?”
“Hunter just wants to make sure you’re safe while he’s gone. You know how protective he is.”
I lift my chin. “So you’re going to keep me locked up?”
Mitch laughs. “You’re not a prisoner. It’s just for a while.”
Sinking back onto the bed, I replay Hunter’s words while I chew on the end of a finger. I do trust him, I really do. So why am I left with this feeling he’s lied to me? All I can think is if he has, he’s doing it because he believes it will protect me. That’s why he lied about my stepfather. He feared I’d send him away. Is it something to do with him? Why did it seem like Hunter was saying goodbye. I mean, he even called me Jessica. He never calls me that.
I glance at my two protectors. They know something. Their fidgety mannerisms give them away. But they’re loyal to Hunter. I doubt very much they’ll tell me anything.
“Hey, Mitch, are you hungry?”
“A little. Are you?”
“Yeah I was wondering if you could run down and get some bar snacks?”
His brow furrows. “Can’t you just order room service?”
“They don’t do snacks, just meals.” It’s true but I’m not hungry at all.
Mitch shares a look with Connor. “Okay, I’ll be as quick as I can. Don’t let anyone else in, Connor.”
Connor sets his jaw. “Do I look stupid?”
With a laugh, Mitch leaves and Connor stands to lock the door behind him. I let out a slow breath. One down, one to go. We sit in silence for a bit and I eventually get him talking about his bikes. Passion warms his face as the gruff-looking man explains what he does. I find myself becoming fond of him. I hope I don’t have to do anything drastic to get out of here.
When he’s halfway through telling me about his latest job, I hold up a hand and he freezes.
“I heard something,” I hiss. “Like a scrape at the door.”
Connor comes to his feet. “Could be Mitch.”
“Scraping?”
“Yeah, you’re right. Stay there, I’ll check it out.”
He approaches the door carefully and puts his eye to the peephole. While his back is turned I go for Mitch’s jacket and snatch his phone from the inner pocket. Palms clammy, I tuck it into my hand and settle back onto the bed just as he turns to face me.
“Can’t see anything.”
“Must have been my imagination.” I get off the bed and he pauses in front of the door.
“Where are you going?”
“The toilet if you don’t mind!”
Connor gives me a bashful look and sits back in the corner. I slip into the bathroom, lock it and pull out Mitch’s phone. Sure enough, there’s a thread of texts from Hunter on there. I pause when I see my name.
Going to offer Jess to him.
My heart leaps against my ribs. What the hell? I push aside the foolish notion that he might betray me and keep reading. I sag onto the toilet as Hunter’s plan unfolds before my eyes. Stupid, stupid man. Who does he think he is? Superman? He’s underestimated Lucas and he’s going to get hurt, I can feel it in my heart. While Lucas might have been greedy and vicious, he wasn’t stupid. He knew exactly how to manipulate people and I’m willing to bet he won’t fall for Hunter’s plan.
I pause at the address he’s given Mitch. It’s only about ten minutes from here but there’s no way Mitch or Connor will agree to take me there. Could I persuade them to go to him? It’s clear from the texts that Hunter has ordered them to keep me safe. I’m not sure they would. Unless I’m there.
I have to get to Hunter.
Placing the phone on the side, I step out and consider the man in the corner. I pause and feign a fearful gasp before putting my eye to the peephole. When I turn back, Connor is on his feet.
“T-there’s someone out there.”
He pushes past me and checks the peephole. “Are you sure? I can’t see anyone.”
“They must have heard me. Are you sure they’re not hiding? Do you think it’s him? Connor, please check. I’m scared.”
His hard gaze travels over me and his shoulders sag in resignation. I’m going to have some apologizing to do after.
“Stay in the room and stay back,” he orders as he unlocks the door. He eases himself through the small gap. I approach quietly and when he’s far enough away from the door, peering down the corridor, I make a break for it. I sprint for the elevator. Connor calls out my name and heavy footsteps follow. I don’t know if I can outrun him but I have to try.