Page 65 of Protected from Malice
“Wearestaying at the hotel.” A mischievous glint lights his eyes. “You’ll see. That is, if you don’t mind losing.”
“Losing?” I glance up at him as he leads me towards the door that leads to the hallway. “Losing what?”
At the door, he puts his arm around my waist, drawing me close to him. “You’ll see.”
From there, I’m escorted—no, bustled, is more like it—down the hallway and into the elevator. Flanked by Rafe on my right and Webb on my left, both of them in full protection mode, I feel a bit likeI’mthe president being guarded by the Secret Service.
It’s a bit surreal, but nice, nonetheless. Especially since Rafe doesn’t let go of me the entire time.
We take the elevator all the way down to the basement level. Once we get there, Rafe nods at Webb before the three of us head off down yet another long hallway. It’s quiet down here, almost eerily so, with our trio of footsteps echoing as we walk. “Where are we going?” I ask.
“You’ll see,” Rafe repeats. As he looks down at me, his gaze softens. “You’ll like it. At least, I hope you will.”
My curiosity is definitely piqued.
About halfway down the hallway, Rafe says, “Okay. Close your eyes.”
“Close my eyes? What?—”
“Brain.” Even his voice is smiling. “Do you trust me?”
My eyes slam shut. “Yes. Of course.”
“Okay.” He hugs me a little closer. “Then keep your eyes closed until I say to open them.”
We walk a little further, then stop.
A door opens and shuts.
Rafe’s breath ruffles my hair. “I figured you had to be feeling restless, being stuck in the hotel room like you’ve been. Then I had an idea…” He stops. “Well. I remembered something about you, too.”
“Remembered what?”
“Brain.” His lips press to the top of my head. Humor tinges his voice. “You’ll see.”
“Rafe.” It’s a gentle warning laced with amusement. “If you sayyou’ll seeone more time…”
“Okay.” Webb’s voice makes me jump. “Sorry,” he adds. “But it’s all set. I spoke with Tyler, and he said the space is secure. Plus, I cleared it myself.”
“Good.” Rafe straightens. His hold on me tightens. “So you’re okay with?—”
“Of course,” Webb replies. “I’ll be right out here, standing guard.”
My heart leaps.
Webb is standing guard out here?
Meaning, it’ll just be me and Rafe wherever he’s bringing me?
Wait. Don’t get too excited.
Don’t speculate.
What did my dad love to say?
Assuming makes an ass out of you and me. I used to roll my eyes at him—typical twelve-year-old, thinking everything my parents said was silly—but it’s held true.
Just because Rafe and I might be alone?—
