Page 53 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
He’d done some digging and uncovered news he didn’t like much.
He stepped into the lobby and the attendant was sitting with his legs propped up on the counter watching porn on the TV. When he saw Sharp, he stood in agitation for his show being interrupted.“It’s fifty a night. Cash or charge.” He reached for a key off the hook.
“I’m not here for a room.”
He rehung the key and sat back down.“Read the sign on the door. No solicitors.”
“What room can I find Dante in?” Sharp didn’t have the patience or the time to move slow.
“Who the fuck is Dante?” The man kept his eyes glued to the TV.
“The man who’s driving the car with the Chicago plates.”
“This is a reputable establishment. I can’t give out names or information.”
With a shake of his head, Sharp pulled out his wallet, fished out some bills, and slapped them down on the dirty counter.“How about now?”
The man reached over, snapped up the money, and shoved it in his pocket.“Room 220.”
“Thanks.” Sharp strode out, took the broken and crumbled sidewalk to the room, and knocked.
“It’s about time you got here with our takeout,” Emily said as she swung open the door wearing a man’s T-shirt. When she saw Sharp, she wobbled.“Sharp? What are you doing here?”
“I should ask you the same question.”
“Who’s here?” A man bellowed behind her a second before he showed up at the door, wearing only a pair of boxers.
“I’m confused. Sharp, what are you doing?” Emily peered back with concern.
“I need to talk to your friend. Alone,” Sharp said cooly.
“Who the fuck are you?” Dante growled.
“Sharp Creed. How about we don’t pretend you don’t know who I am considering you’ve been stalking your ex-wife.”
“Look, I don’t know what’s going on here, but Sharp you can’t come in here shouting and making demands,” Emily intervened.
“I’ll let him explain the details to you later, but for now go down the street, grab yourself some dinner, because the takeout guy ain’t coming,” Sharp said.
She hesitated then must have realized she didn’t want to be a part of whatever was happening. She stepped out of view and came back with her clothes on and her purse. She didn’t say a word to Dante as she left.
“Some balls you got showing up here and sending away my girl.” Dante snorted.“You must like my sloppy seconds.” His smirk sent a tremor through Sharp.
He stepped inside, forcing the other man to take a step into the room. Sharp closed the door behind him.“Would you like to get dressed?” The room smelled like sex and stale liquor.
“No thanks.” Dante reached down and scratched his balls through his boxers. “I must say, this is a surprise.”
“Is it, though?” Sharp replied, recognizing Dante's composed facade was hiding inner turmoil.
“How about a beer, partner?” Dante offered as he grabbed a bottle from the mini fridge. “You Texans like beer, right?”
“I won’t be staying long. You’re far from home.”
Dante popped the lid to the bottle. “Vacation. I like Texas—people here are friendly.” His smile unsettled Sharp. “How did you find me, partner?”
“It’s Texas, partner,” he said in a drawl.“Someone always knows something. I’d ask how you found CaDee, but I already know the answer. You placed a tracker on her car the night you broke into her apartment in Chicago.”
“Whoa, slow down there.” Dante held up his hands for dramatic effect.“Or should I call you Ranger? That’s quite impressive.”
