Page 76 of Trust My Bodyguard

Ivy smiles at me and I roll my eyes.

“Welcome on board, Ivy. Now, where were we?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Ivy

Brody’s pissed. It’s obvious as the light pouring in through the glass windows of the conference room. His jaw is set tightly and there’s a permanent frown denting his forehead. He’s trying very hard to ignore me, addressing everyone but me. I’d mind if I cared, but I don’t. He’ll get over himself eventually. My sister’s life and mine are at stake and I can’t sit back and do nothing.

My mind works as the guys throw out ideas and consider what to do next. They’re clearly very competent. Whoever this was that was able to escape their notice is very wily. And they have a gun.

I swallow a deep breath and try not let fear diminish my bravery. We’re going to get them and I’ll be at the forefront of it. I’m done getting hunted like prey. It was high time I went on the offensive.

Brody’s eyes meet mine. I quirk my head and hold his gaze. He scoffs and looks away. Whether he likes it or not, I’m going to doeverything in my power to protect my sister and me. I got a new lease on life and I’m not going to waste it cowering in a corner.

Brody calls the meeting to a close after everyone has been assigned a task. I don’t have one yet but it’s not like I’m going to fold my hands and wait to be told what to do. My head already spins with ideas, but first, I need my own space. My personal HQ I can operate out of.

I leave the conference room and head to the front desk.

The kindly receptionist smiles at me. “How can I help you today?”

“I need a room.”

“Here’s our pricelist.” She hands me a clipboard. “Just choose one and I’ll be happy to set you up.”

I collect it. “Thanks.” Then I look at it.Oh. I look back up at her but she’s typing on her computer. “Hey. Hi.” I wave to get her attention.

“Yes?”

“Is this the only pricelist you have or… is there a more—” I cup my hand over my mouth and drop my voice into a whisper “—budget-friendly one.”

She huffs a laugh. “The budget-friendly rooms are on the bottom.”

I look down and…my goodness. Pine Peaks Resort is not for folks like me on a social worker salary. Definitely not.

“Just pick any. I can give you a three to five percent discount?” Her brows go up, eyes hopeful.

“Thank you.” I read the numbers and do the math. Five percent of my savings is… Yeah, that’s not going to work. Adding to the fact that I’m not sure how long this would take, I’m in a very precarious situation.

I glance up and her eyes are on me. I press out a smile and pretend I’m still considering when the answer’s already clear. Only a couple nights in their “budget-friendly” room and I’ll need to be kicked out.

What to do… What to do…

“What are you doing?” a voice says behind me.

Oh, for Pete’s sake. I roll my eyes and turn around to face Brody. I’m still not over how bossy and rude he was in the meeting. “What does it look like I’m doing?” I snap.

He plucks the pricelist out of my hand and reads it. “Getting a room?” he scoffs. “You’re not.”

“What?” I frown at him.

“She’s not.” He hands over the list to the receptionist. “Thank you.”

“Excuse me?” I collect the board back. “I’m choosing a room. Go away.”

“You don’t need a room.” He snatches the board from me. “You already have one.”

“I do?”

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