Page 94 of Inarticulate

In Seattle. At Rydel. Mere blocks away.

He turned to the woman who was supposed to have ensured he was immediately informed of Savannah’s arrival and signed—Did you ask our staff to keep an eye out for her?

Her lips worked in a blatant admission of neglect. “It was an unprofessional request. I knew we’d find out soon enough if she returned.”

He exhaled a breath at the invisible blow she’d landed to his gut and strode for the door.

“Keenan, please.” Her footsteps followed behind him. “Let me help.”

He swung around and glared.Help, he signed and backed it up with a violent mime of his lips.Why?

“I want you to be happy.” She swallowed, hard, her delicate throat convulsing in a torturous movement. “I know there’s never going to be an ‘us’ again. I know you don’t love me the same way I love you. I struggled to come to terms with that… And then you being with her, even when it was only casual… I struggled so hard, Keenan. But now, all I want is for you to be happy.”

He hated her pain. He hated it almost as much as he hated the memory of Savannah’s unshed tears.

“Let me help,” she pleaded. “Let me come with you.”

Her hand raised between them, trying to forge a connection, and all he could do was stare. He’d hurt Savannah. He’d hurt Penny and Dominic and Mrs. Augustine. Wherever he went, he left a trail of destruction and a path of tears he never wanted to be associated with.

He just wanted to be normal. For every moment of his life to be devoid of degradation, or the fight to show his worth. To live without scrutiny like he had when he’d been with Savannah—the two of them in seclusion, away from judgment and negativity.

“No.” He grabbed her hand to place a placating kiss on her knuckles. Having her at his side would be a blessing. He needed to establish Savannah’s room number, gain access to her floor, and communicate with anyone who got in his way. But Penelope wasn’t the person to drag along for the ride.

“You need me.” She squared her shoulders and reminded him of how many times he’d cursed his father for employing such a stubborn woman. “Believe me. I know how to make her angry, but I also know how to make her listen. I’ll be able to help.”

Fuck.He didn’t have the luxury of arguing about this with her. Even if he won, she’d follow.

“Okay.” He nodded and moved to open the office door.

“Thank you.”

He shook his head, disregarding her words because clearly they weren’t necessary.Ifthey did find Savannah andifshe did spare him a moment of her time, he was almost positive they would all be left broken and bloodied in the aftermath.

Actually, with Penelope at his side he was sure it was a foregone conclusion.

Chapter Thirty

“I’ll do you a deal.” Penelope placed a hand on the Rydel reception counter and batted her lashes at the woman staring back at her. “You cut the bullshit and tell me which room is reserved under Savannah Hamilton, and you get to keep your job once we take over at midnight.”

“Ma’am,” the woman smiled, smug as hell, “as I’ve told you before, Savannah’s name isn’t registered as a guest. I’m happy to show you the search screen if you don’t believe me.”

They’d been drilling her with questions for ten minutes. From what he could tell, she hadn’t given them false information. Yes, Savannah was in Seattle. Yes, she’d been in the hotel today. No, she wasn’t scheduled to attend the final hand-over meeting in the morning.

If she wasn’t lying, that left him with fewer opportunities to win her back.

“So, she’s staying here, but not under her own details?” Penelope grated. “Is it a false name, maybe?” She turned to him and gave a this-woman-is-going-to-die look. “Do you know her favorite Disney character? ’Cause we could be guessing fake names all damn night.”

No. It wasn’t a Disney character. He feared it was far worse as he signed seven excruciatingly painful letters.

Penelope responded with a wince and turned back to the receptionist. “How about Spencer Rydel? Is she staying with him?”

A bright smile beamed back at them. “From my knowledge, yes, she is staying in a room booked under his name.”

“Fuck.” Penelope swung around again. “Do you still want to do this?”

He inclined his head, prepared for whatever punishment he had to take. It hadn’t escaped his mind that she might have gone home to her ex. The guy had been all over her during the wedding, only pausing his affection to try his luck with Penelope.

“Give me a room number.”

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