Page 14 of Heir of Ashes

There was a small hesitation before he said, “Let’s get out of here first. We’ll talk once we get somewhere safer.”

To my horror, I discovered there was no rope for me—not that I knew how to climb—just a belt-like contraption hooked to a similar one around Logan’s waist. He hooked me to him, instructed me to hold on tight, and gave me a devilish smile.

“Whatever happens, don’t look down,” he said and pushed us off the window.

I admit, a tiny squeal escaped my lips at the first instance of feeling airborne. And, of course, when I looked down at the miniature life below … let’s just say it wasn’t the brightest moment of my life.

Logan began pulling us upward. Unable to help myself, I wrapped my arms around his neck in a death grip and shut my eyes tightly. For the first time in a long time, I prayed. I prayed that the rope was strong enough for both our weights. I prayed that Remo didn’t return at that moment. I prayed that no one down on the street spotted us and reported it to the security team inside.

By the time Logan tumbled us onto the roof, he was breathing hard, his exhalations harsh and labored. “I guess I need more exercise,” he panted.

No longer in immediate danger of falling to my death, I became acutely aware of our proximity, and was glad he couldn’t see me blushing.

“You can let go now,” he choked out, and my eyes flew open.

I released the grip around his neck and tried to back away, but we were still hooked together.

He chuckled at the mortification that crossed my face and just as efficiently as before, unhooked us from each other and then himself from the rope and harness. It was windy up here, the gusts tossing his dark brown hair all around, revealing reddish streaks in between. I was glad he had found me again. No matter his motive, between him and Remo, I’d choose him. Amillion times over. He looked at me sideways, no doubt sensing my gaze on him.

“We should go. If someone realizes you’re gone before we clear the building, we’ll never get out of here,” he said, undoing the last loop and throwing the rope aside.

I didn’t argue. I wanted to get away from there and put a lot of distance between me and Remo Drammen, and whatever business he wanted me for.

***

It didn’t surprise me to discover Logan had found his car. In a way, I knew he would. And although I was relieved he’d found me too, my curiosity was piqued.

“How did you know where to find me?” I asked.

“The internet.”

I stared at him for a moment, then comprehension dawned. “What? I’m onFacebook?”

“That’s not where I saw you, but I’m sure you’re on there too,” he said, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Well?” I prompted when he didn’t elaborate.

“You’re all overTikTok.” He gave me a sideways glance, then focused back on the road. “Considering who you clocked, you’re probably breaking news,” he chuckled. “Maybe evenEntertainment Tonight.”

I just stared at him blankly.

He went on, “You know, you practically pulverized the bones and cartilage in his nose? Last I checked, he was still in surgery. I say he got lucky. Did you know you can kill someone with only a nose punch? You gotta angle the hook.” He demonstrated with an upward motion with his right hand, the heel of his palm tilting forward. “So when you punch, you send broken bones to the brain.” He gave me a brief glance, stillsmiling, and caught my blank stare. “You have no idea who you punched, do you?”

I shook my head.

“His name is P.J. Tyler. He’s Hollywood’s new hotshot. Women, media, agents, fans.” He fluttered his fingers over the steering wheel. “They all flock to him wherever he goes. That’s probably how they caught the whole thing on camera. Someone was already recording when he approached you.”

He chuckled again, no doubt remembering the scene. “Don’t fret about it. He’ll live, and I’m sure he deserved it. Besides, some representative of MGM’s PR department already spun a tale about your arrest. And the fact that Mr. Drammen’s lackeys escorted you away in handcuffs gave the speech some credibility.” He waved his arm in dismissal and fell silent.

God, I hadn’t even considered charges being pressed. Or that the punch had caused so much damage. But again, I had thought it was one of the security dudes who had caught me, not an ordinary casino guest. At the time, I didn’t consider how much damage a punch from me would cause, just that I was caught and had to get free. Of all the guests at the casino, I had to punch the most illustrious, the most prominent, the one most watched.

And now what? Was I, on top of everything else, a fugitive of the law? A Hollywood hotshot. I swallowed hard, closed my eyes, and leaned my head back. Logan’s hand fell over my knee and squeezed. “Hey, don’t worry about it.”

I nodded, not bothering to open my eyes. I couldn’t shake the feeling that my life was spiraling out of control, and that all I could do was brace for it.

We left Las Vegas without another word. Logan kept a close watch on the rearview mirror, clearly expecting trouble. He didn’t mention me leaving him at the hotel, and I didn’t apologize. Like I said, he had an agenda, and I wanted no part init. Sure, he had helped me a few times, and maybe I wished him no harm, but I was not going to be his next paycheck, no matter what—or who—he crossed for me.

“Where do you want to go?” he asked, breaking the quiet.

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