Page 106 of Missing Marcus

Her eyes lit up as she murmured, “Thank you.”

Patch gave him an encouraging nod. “I’ll grab the bags. Why don’t you and Shadow escort Gabby to the room?”

The two men walked on each side of her. Shadow checked them in while they waited to the side.

“Do you need more breaks? You look exhausted,” he asked as he gazed down at her.

She shook her head. “I’m fine. I can’t wait to shower and put pajamas on. Do you think I can use my computer when we get settled?”

“Yeah. I’ll hook you up to our internet. Don’t use the hotel’s,” he said as Shadow approached with the keys.

“Once I drop you off, we’ll bring up the luggage. If you decide to leave, our room has connecting doors. Knock three times and we’ll come over,” Shadow instructed.

“Got it.” Marcus’ hand automatically went to her back as he led her from the lobby to the elevators. He felt the tension leave her at his touch and he reprimanded himself for adding strain to her already stressed nerves.

They walked down the hall, he swiped the key and entered while Shadow stayed with Gabby. Once he cleared the room, he let her inside.

Shadow nodded as he turned toward the elevator to help Patch.

“If you don’t mind me rummaging in your suitcase, I can pull out your PJ’s and you can start a shower. I’ll call down to room service for some food. It’ll be here as you finish,” he suggested.

She nodded and walked into the bathroom. A knock sounded and he peeked through the hole, before opening for Patch, who brought Gabby’s things inside. Shadow followed with Marcus’ bag.

“I’m ordering room service for Gabby. They have tacos.”

Patch gave him a slight punch in the arm, with a nod of approval. “We’ll watch.”

Shadow nodded as they went into the next room.

Marcus placed his bag on the bed closest to the door and opened Gabby’s bag to find his Seahawks jersey and leggings. He smiled as he gathered her items and tapped on the door.

“Come in,” she called.

“I’m placing your clothes on the counter. Do you want anything besides tacos?”

“Can you see if they have ice cream or a brownie? No. Maybe a hot fudge sundae. Or maybe a hot fudge sundae with a brownie,” she mulled over her cravings, making him chuckle.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

When she opened the door, allowing the hot steam to leave the small area, the smell of tacos filled the air, and she gravitated toward him or maybe the food.

“I don’t understand how I can be hungry. I ate almost all the snacks from the bag on top of the food at our stops,” she complained.

Marcus patted the bed, placed a pillow on her lap, and made a makeshift tray. He set the food in front of her and placed a carton of milk and a water bottle on the bedside table.

He sat on the bed and pulled out his phone.

“Didn’t you order anything to eat?” she asked.

“I ate while you showered. I’m texting Wolf to check in. Patch will sit with you while I speak with Leo and Shadow.”

“Please don’t use that as an excuse to leave me alone. I know you don’t want to stay in here with me. Patch explained the bed arrangements.”

He tilted her chin until she met his gaze. “I’m sorry about earlier. I’m not making up an excuse. Leo ordered me to check in once we settled. I want to show him I can follow orders.”

“Why? Did you accept a position with the team?” she asked.

Marcus hesitated. “I’m doing my best. I hope to stay in Serenity and they’re giving me a trial run,” he admitted.

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