Page 196 of Torrid Passion
CHAPTER 33
Kyla
I was a ball of nerves during the entire trip to the Quintus Hotel. The uncertainty was eating at me so much, it felt like I was suffering from an ulcer. Loki and I have no idea what we’re walking into. On the way here, we were frantically doing Google searches to see if things had degenerated or if any new scandals had surfaced. We couldn’t find anything. And trust me, we searched. I even called Hayden and Stella to help and they couldn’t find anything either. Ditto for the SWAT team. Whatever Falcon Crest has to share, it hasn’t hit the Internet yet. I’m not sure if I should be frightened or relieved. Since my parents were infuriated I had initially kept things from them, I made sure to let them know what was going on. Mom is freaked out. Dad cursed up a storm.
When will this end, God?
When we arrive at the hotel, the car travels to an underground parking lot located under Dark Compulsion. From there, we’re surrounded by four bodyguards, as they escort us from the club to the hotel. Given the commanding way they march through the corridors, I’m guessing they work for Larkin and not Falcon Crest.
On the elevator ride to the twentieth floor, my chest contracts as if I’m having a panic attack.
Loki senses it.
He pulls at my hand.
I shift my worried gaze to him.
“It’s going to be okay,” he mouths, squeezing my hand.
“Okay,” I mouth back with a tight nod.
When the bell rings, indicating we’ve reached our destination, I jump.
I don’t know how much longer I can take this.
“This way,” the bodyguard who exits the elevator first says.
Loki and I follow. I should say he drags me, leaving me no choice but to follow. If I were to listen to that fear monster inside, I’d run the other way, but I’m sure my rubbery legs would give out halfway.
“Miss O’Keeffe. Mr. Berkshire,” a brunette says. She’s wearing an impeccable navy suit, stylish glasses and her hair is pulled back. She means business. “My name is Deanne Crow and I’m one of Mr. Gallagher’s assistants. If you’ll follow me, please. I’ll take you to him.”
“Okay,” I say in a shaky voice.
“Absolutely,” Loki says. “Please, ladies first,” he extends his hand.
“Thank you,” she says.
I trail behind Deanne and Loki is right behind me as she takes us down another tortuous maze of corridors before we arrive in front of a black door.
“Right in here,” she says, knocking three times.
A tall, beefy, menacing man cracks opens the door.
“They’re here,” Deanne says simply.
“The boss is waiting,” the man says before opening the door fully.
Deanne invites us to walk in.
My heart is thundering so hard, the vibration pulsates throughout my body.
“Miss O’Keeffe,” Larkin rushes to meet us. He insists on calling me by my last name, while he frowns if I call him Mr. Gallagher.
“Larkin.” I can’t say much more.
“You’re in good hands,” Larkin says. I guess my fright must be written all over my face. He moves his attention to my boyfriend. “Lochlan,” he reaches out a hand.
“Larkin,” Loki says, shaking it.
