Page 102 of A Twisted Arrangement

I shift from side to side with each turn they make, desperately trying to track where we’re going. It’s useless. Within two turns, I’m completely lost. The only thing I know is from the stops and starts, we’re staying in the city.

I can’t believe I’m in this freaking mess. I’m smarter than this.

Inhaling deeply, I try to pry open the taillight, but they’ve blocked it off with a steel plate. All there’s left to do is wait and hope they don’t bring me to some abandoned hangar or something like that.

My only opportunity to get out of here is to surprise them when they open the trunk.

I count my breaths in my head, trying to keep them steady. I need to be in control of my body if I’m going to make it out of here.

The car slows to a stop, and I have to plant my feet to the side of the trunk to stop me from rolling with it.

Silence surrounds me until the clack of their car doors opening and shutting sends nerves through my gut. I get into position, pulling my knees as close to my chest as the tight space will allow.

Here we go.

Chapter 48

Matthias

Wife: I’m not feeling well. Oliver’s taking me to the Empire Hotel.

Me: Are you okay?

Me: Why aren’t you answering me?

Me: I’m here. What’s your room number?

Neither she norOliver have answered my half a dozen calls.

With each ring, my blood pressure rises. It goes to voicemail, and I call again. And again.

I snarl into the receiver, “Answer your fucking phone, asshole, or you’re going to wish you were dead.”

The second I arrive at the hotel, I grab the container of soup I purchased on the way here from the passenger seat and get out of my car. The valet greets me with a smile.

“Will you be needing assistance tonight?” He’s wearing a black suit with gold details around the collar signifying the hotel.

I hand him my keys and tuck a bill into his palm. “Keep this somewhere close.”

I don’t plan on staying here long, unless Scarlet absolutely needs it. The lack of control over the building’s security has me itching. A fact that I know Oliver is well aware of. He wouldn’t have taken her here unless he felt like he had no other option. Even the thought that my girl is sick enough she couldn’t make it to an Everette hotel has my stomach twisting. I’ve already called the doctor to come meet us, and the second she’s stable, I’m taking her with me.

The valet’s eyes widen at the amount, and he gives me a quick nod. “Of course. I’ll have it at the ready.”

The guest service desk is made of marble, lining the entirety of one wall.

The woman standing behind it gestures me over with a smile. “How may I help you?”

“I need to know Scarlet Everette’s room.” I drum my knuckles over the table, unable to stop moving.

“Of course, sir. I can look that up and call her room for you.” Her fingers tap lightly over the keys in what feels like slow motion. A tick forms at the corner of my temple, increasing in speed with each second I’m separated from my wife. At this point, I’ll take torture over waiting here like this.

Finally, she lifts the phone to her ear. She waits patiently, a practiced smile on her lips, before setting the phone down. “I’m sorry, sir, no one is answering.

“Call again,” I order.

“Sir, I can’t?—”

“I said. Call. Again,” I grit through my teeth, fighting for control. “Please.”

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