Page 49 of Royal Flush

Fortunately, I had no issue getting to the hotel I’d selected, pulling into valet parking. As I stepped out, I scanned the street before patting the weapon in my jacket. After opening her door, I remained amused when she threw out her arm as if expecting she’d be helped out. I did so, kissing her hand just to annoy her.

She grumbled and jerked it away. “Honey, pay the man.”

Her haughty tone brought a smile to my face. I handed the young man a fifty, trying to keep from laughing as I took long strides to catch up with her.

“Where are we going?” she asked in her demanding tone as I led her into the elevator.

“This is the hotel where security is tight, which is obviously needed.” I pressed the button and glanced over my shoulder. I’d continued to pay close attention to ensure we hadn’t been followed. I doubted my presence had been expected, which gave me an advantage at this point.

“The Four Seasons.” She laughed almost maniacally. “How… special.”

“You know this location?”

“Yes. They have deluxe accommodations for the wealthy. Their room service is to die for and if you want a massage, they’ll serve you champagne afterwards.”

We were the only guests inside and after pressing the button to the top floor, I turned to face her. “You say that as if having money is a very bad thing.” Her parents were very well off, her father owning a separate corporation that had been lucrative for years.

“Money corrupts people.”

She’d been through a horrific ordeal, something most people were never forced to face in their lives. I had a feeling she’d experienced something of this nature before. Yes, she’d been emotional but after bursting into tears, it was as if she’d resigned herself to this being a part of her life.

I was the kind of man who took action, including grilling anyone who had information I needed. No one would ever accuse me of wearing kid gloves. I was more like a bull in a china shop. However, while I wouldn’t consider her delicate, she was much more rattled than she wanted to let on.

So I’d give her some leeway.

For now.

As soon as I walked her into the suite, she took a deep breath, holding it. The place had expansive views of Georgetown, the place my usual the few times I’d been to DC. At least by staying here, I had quaint coffee shops and bistros within walking distance.

“What about my car?” she asked, as if that should be the number one thing to be worried about.

“I’ll have it brought here.”

“How long do you think I’m staying? My parents will worry.”

I yanked off my jacket, taking the time to jerk the bow part of the bowtie. She was watching me intently as I tugged it away, also unbuttoning my bloodstained shirt.

“I believe your parents will understand why a Good Samaritan brought you to a very safe place. The men who attempted to kidnap you likely know where you’re staying. If you’re the main target, they’ll lie in wait until they find the perfect opportunity to make the attempt again. Plus, I have a suspicion the last thing you want to do is remain living with your parents, even if they were provided a mansion.”

“You don’t know shit about me.” Her insistence was laced with more questions than answers.

“I know more than you think or would like.” I could hear her cursing under her breath.

“Good Samaritan?” she asked, laughing as if what I was saying was the funniest thing on earth.

“Contrary to the beliefs you might have, I generally have good intentions.” When my sleeves were rolled up past my elbows, I turned on a single light near one of the windows and was surprised she winced. “I think we could both use a drink. Don’t you?”

She even hesitated before she nodded. I would say the girl had trust issues. That would make sense given the hatred people felt for her father and his political views. I had a feeling what little I’d read about them didn’t do justice to the reality of what Jasmine had been living with her entire life.

The fact the man was even considering running for the premier office meant he had balls.

Or serious connections.

I poured us both a scotch. When I headed toward her, I noticed she hadn’t budged from the spot she’d been in before. “Take the drink, Jasmine. I’m the last person you should be worried about.”

“I’m not worried about you, Braxton. I can handle assholes.” She almost laughed after issuing the statement.

“Are you hurt? Did the bastards injure you in any way?”

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