Page 12 of Shattered World

Shaking my head, tears pricking the back of my eyes, I burrowed into his chest. “I feel the loss, Murphy. And maybe I am ignoring it by trying to busy myself. But if I can prevent anymore loss, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

Murphy didn’t respond with words, pressing a chaste kiss to my forehead before tilting my chin and placing another on my lips. “Be safe.”

Nodding, I gave him one last squeeze, saying goodbye to the others and ignoring the way Matthew’s eyes followed me with concern.

My foot tapped against the floor as I took the elevator down, exiting into the main lobby. Luck must have been on my side that morning because there was no Braden or anyone else behind the front desk.

Not second guessing my decision, I rounded the counter, raising my hand to knock on the door, but before it could, the wood swung open. Caroline stood there with another severe bun and no hint of surprise in her eyes.

“Come in, Alessia.” She didn’t wait for me to say anything, turning on her heel and entering the room.

I shut the door behind me, realizing I was putting myself into a private room with a stranger, but knowing that Caroline wouldn’t share anything if there was the chance for an audience.

My gaze tracked to the numerous screens in the room, security camera footage from the entire hotel. I wasn’t shocked by the sight, but I was stunned to see a video from the kitchen area upstairs.

“Do they know you’re watching them?” I asked, taking the seat across from Caroline that she gestured toward.

“They do not. But I’d be an idiot to let a group of strangers into my hotel without keeping an eye on them.”

I appreciated her no bullshit approach to the conversation. She may not be on my side, not willing to help, but honesty was a step in the right direction.

Before I could begin the rehearsed questions I prepared this morning, Caroline held up a finger, silencing me.

“Now that we’ve established I’m no idiot, I’d like to state I know why you’re here. I knew eventually Matthew would tell someone about the bunkers.”

“I already knew about the bunkers,” I told her, trying to meet her stare head on the way she met mine.

Although she did a good job of hiding it, I noticed the slight widening of her eyes at my words.

“You don’t know where they are.”

Again, she didn’t ask a singular question. Her words always ended in a statement, proving to those around her that she was always a step ahead.

“Not yet,” I stated, trying to match her at her own game.

Caroline nodded in approval, a slow smirk curling her lips. “You’re an intelligent woman.”

“Thank you. But intelligence isn’t what got me here,” I admitted to her.

Resting her chin on a dainty hand, she tilted her head to the side. “And what did then?”

Leaning forward into her space, I decided to go with my own honesty. “I refuse to die. And I refuse to let those with me die. No matter who’s in the way of that.”

Caroline’s eyes flared with something I couldn’t decipher before she settled back into her chair. “I respect that. And who do you think is in the way of that?”

Mirroring her movements, my back rested against the cushion behind me. “The government. The wealthy that paid their way into those bunkers. And possibly you.”

She nodded in agreement and my back straightened with confidence. However, she deflated that confidence in the next second with her words.

“I am afraid to tell you that your intelligence has not failed you yet. Although, you underestimate who you’re speaking to. I’m not only in your way, I, unfortunately, am one of those wealthy government employees that seem to want nothing more than to make sure we’re the only ones in those bunkers.”

Chapter Seven

Immediately, I regretted my decision to meet with Caroline on my own. Or at least regretted not taking a weapon like Aiden and Murphy had suggested. How had I gotten myself into this situation again?

Haven’t you learned anything?I could hear Rainer’s taunt in my head.

Don’t do anything stupid.Warner’s voice followed.

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