Page 12 of Playing For Keeps
“It’s not that cut and dry.” He glances over his shoulder then back at the floor. “I’m done with this, so I’ll see if I can get you two something to eat and drink.”
“Thanks,” the girl says.
He rises to his feet and leaves the room without another word.
I rest against the cold wall and rack my brain for memories of how I got here. I’m supposed to be in Florida. That much I know.
Jami must be worried sick.
I haven’t talked to him or texted since he asked me to let him know I made it to the airport safely. He’s got to know I’m in trouble. At least I hope he does.
I should be in his arms and starting a new life with him. My heart aches for him as I piece together the day before.
A memory of Isabella holding a gun to my chest flits across the screen of my mind. The very next picture that slides into its place is Hunter’s mom smiling at me as I sipped wine out of a thermos.
Another wave of nausea cascades over me. Isabella is working with Joan Venturi.
Does Hunter know?
My stomach bottoms out as overwhelm fills me. Isabella’s carrying his child and working with his mother. He’s going to be devastated. He has to know by now that Joan has me but I can’t be sure.
What if they hurt him somehow?
What if they hurt Jami?
My hands shake as tears spring from my eyes. I’ve got to figure out a way to get out of here.
The fog starts to lift. A conversation I had with Jami comes to mind.
We’re lying in his bed after we just made love. I’m admiring the bracelet he gave me. He’s resting on his good side, making little circular patterns on my hip with his fingertips.
“Have I told you how much I love you?” He leans over and kisses my shoulder.
I smile as I sink into his words. “How much do you love me?”
“More than I could ever express.”
“That’s how much I love you.” I find his loving gaze. “Thank you for today. I needed this.”
“I thought you might need some tender care after Aiden laid into you.”
“He’s so angry with me, Jami. It seems over the top.”
Jami grunts as he pushes himself up. “He feels like I betrayed him. Fuck. I did betray him.”
“I get that, but why is it such a big deal? It’s not like you’ve been a terrible friend.”
Jami sighs heavily. “In Aiden’s mind, I did the worst thing a friend can do.”
“Maybe I can get him to see that us being together isn’t a bad thing.” I palm Jami’s cheek. “He’ll see how much we care about each other and move past this.”
“I wouldn’t count on it.” Jami takes my hand and brushes his fingertips over my knuckles. “I’m sorry you’re dealing with his wrath.”
I move my hand away, and my bracelet catches his gaze.
He rakes his teeth over his bottom lip and runs his fingers over the rose medallion. “There’s something I need you to know about this.”
And with that memory, hope fills my chest.I pray my captors left my jewelry on. If they did, I have my ticket out of here. If not, there’s no telling how I’ll escape. I look down at the metal cuff with my heart pounding.
