Page 25 of Never and Always
“You aren’t telling me the truth, and something has you all jumpy.”
“I was attacked and dragged into an alley, I think I have the right to be a little jumpy.”
“Tell me what he wanted.”
“Nothing,” she snapped. She looked away and sucked in a deep breath. “It’s none of your business.”
Anger ripped through me. I was a pretty steady guy, but when pushed far enough, I could get mad. “You want it that way, fine.”
“Fine.”
Yep, she was standing there with all her armor back in place.
“I’ll take you back to the hotel.”
“I can order a taxi or an Uber?—”
“I’m taking you back,” I growled, prowling over to grab my keys off the countertop.
“That’s not necessary?—”
“Shut it,” I said.
Piper looked at the wall and heaved in a breath. “Fine.”
Oh, I knew that tone. When a woman said fine like that, it wasn’t fine, but I didn’t give a shit. I’d seen her afraid and hurt in that alley. I was going to make sure she got back to the hotel safely.
“Grab your bag. I’ll get my truck.”
Chapter 9
Piper
Leaning into the mirror, I carefully placed a fresh Band-Aid over the cut on my neck. I straightened and studied my make up.
I’d picked an eggplant-colored top with a high neck for work today. It didn’t quite cover the Band-Aid, but hopefully no one would notice it. The shirt paired nicely with my eggplant leather pencil skirt that ended mid-calf. My grazed hands I couldn’t hide as easily. I’d just tell everyone that I’d slipped in the snow.
The worst thing this morning was that my sleepless night was stamped all over my face. I had dark circles under my eyes, and I’d done my best to hide them, but even I wasn’t a miracle worker.
With a sigh, I headed back into my bedroom. This suite at the Langston Windward had been my home for the last few months. Thankfully, they’d been renovated recently and Tessa had done a good job, so I didn’t need to add them to my reno schedule. Decorated in creams and browns, they blended modern and rustic to perfection. The modern gray furniture contrasted perfectly with the wood floor and window frames and stone-accented fireplace. The décor followed through into the living area and bathroom.
I slipped into my Gucci Bombshell heels with their black leather and gold heels. They were my favorites and usually brightened my mood. I’d bought them as reward for myself after I completed a grueling renovation project at the Langston Geneva last year.
Today, they didn’t quite cut through my unsettled mood.
I snatched up my phone and headed from the front door of my suite. I’d tried numerous times to call and text Chance. He hadn’t responded.
It wasn’t that much of a surprise. My brother could hold a mean grudge. After the scene at dinner last night, which he would totally blame on me, he’d probably ignore me for a while.
Still, I tried again. The call went to voicemail.
“This is Chance. Leave a message and make my day.” His voice was breezy, like life was one big party.
“Chance, it’s me. Again. Look, I had a…run-in with someone who knows you. I need to talk to you. Please, call me back.”
I stiffened my spine. I needed to get to work.
I headed down the corridor, not even noticing the vase of fresh flowers on the side table or the beautiful, framed mirror on the wall. I was worried about my brother and still feeling drained from my nightmares. Every time I had managed to drift off to sleep, I’d relive the attack and jerk awake.
