Page 60 of Never and Always
I heard his quick intake of breath. “How do you?—?”
“I was attacked, Chance. Then, they tried to abduct me and shove me in a car. The guy grabbing me told me what you owed them.”
“God, fuck!” His voice was even shakier. “I’m sorry, Pipe. I’m so sorry.”
“And you owe the lady at the Red Moose five thousand dollars as well.”
He made a pained sound.
I felt such a conflicting ball of emotion. “Let me help you.”
“You…they didn’t hurt you?”
“A few cuts and grazes. I’m fine.”
“Thank God. I’ll fix this, Piper. I promise.”
“Come to the hotel and we can?—”
“I promise. You’ll be safe. I’ll fix it.”
“Chance, no?—”
The line went dead.
I swallowed a scream. My headache gave a fierce pound, and I dragged in a deep breath. I had no idea what the hell Chance was going to do. How the hell did he think he was going to fix this?
As I stared at my laptop, it blurred.
I shot to my feet.
I needed a drink.
After shutting down my laptop, I headed straight for the hotel bar.
The Bluff Bar was one part of the hotel that I’d decided needed no upgrades, except for some new glassware. The baroozed class and had an Art Deco vibe. The walls were a dark, smoky blue-gray, and trendy, gold lighting ran along the ceiling. I loved the elegant, leather armchairs and stools, and the long, backlit bar was the perfect centerpiece for the space.
Tonight, I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to admire the décor. Snagging a stool at the bar, I swung up and crossed my legs.
“Ms. Ellis, what can I get you?” the bartender asked.
“A martini, please, Ross.”
“Coming right up. You want any food?”
“No, thank you.”
Once he’d brought me the cocktail, I sucked it back, ignoring his raised eyebrows.
“I’ll have another, please.”
“Sure thing.” He eyed me. “Rough day?”
“Something like that.”
By the time I’d finished the second martini, I finally felt the pleasant warmth seeping through my worry and rage. My headache was still there, but the good thing was, I didn’t care about it anymore.
Ross had just handed me my third glass when someone slid onto the stool beside me.
