Page 73 of Noel
Noel’s absence scratches at something raw inside me.I know he’s chasing a lead.I know he’s doing it for me.But still.
I twist the charm bracelet around my wrist, one Noel slipped into my palm this morning without a word.
A little silver tinsel charm dangles from it.
Tinsel,he calls me.
I’m halfway through putting on earrings when my phone buzzes.
Darlene (Big City Events)
Holly, I just heard Carly’s canceling your contract.She’s trying to claim she put this whole gala together.Meet me downstairs by the staff service corridor near ballroom B.I have proof.You need to see this before it’s too late.
My stomach drops.
What the actual hell?
I shoot off a quick text to Noel—even though he’s probably neck-deep in whatever psycho stalker madness he’s dealing with.
Then I glance around for Kai or Ego, but the suite is empty.
A handwritten note on the coffee table reads:
Got pulled to assist hotel security—some rockstar’s groupies causing a scene.Be right back.
—K & E
Of course.
I hesitate.Just a second.
Then I grab my clutch and go.
I’ll only be gone a few minutes,I reason.
It’s Darlene.She’s been my ally at Big City from day one.If Carly’s really trying to screw me over, I need to handle it.
The elevator dings open.
By the time I reach the staff corridor by ballroom B, it’s quieter than it should be.
Oddly quiet.
No waiters.No prep noise.Just the hum of overhead lights and my heels clicking on tile.
“Darlene?”I call out softly, rounding the corner.
Nothing.
“Darlene, are you?—”
The sharp sting hits the back of my head before the panic registers.
I don’t even get to scream.
My knees give out.The world tilts.
And everything goes black.
