Page 15 of Bite Marks & Broken Hearts

He nodded once, firmly.

“And there are… other people in there?”

“Yes. My team.”

Are they more normal than you?

I took a deep breath. “Fine. But I’m keeping my phone ready to call for help.”9-9-9, I’ve willingly followed my armed stalker to a haunted hotel, can you help me please?

“Understood.” A ghost of a smile touched his lips. “Though I should warn you, the reception in here is terrible.”

With a resigned nod, I followed Sebastián as he veered left, circling around the side of the decrepit building to a narrow path. A thick bush pressed against the iron fence—except as Sebastián pushed its branches aside, I spotted where several bars had been bent outward, creating a gap just wide enough for a person to squeeze through.

“After you,” he said, holding the thorny branches back.

I ducked through the gap, stumbling slightly as my trainers hit uneven ground on the other side. As Sebastián led me to a weathered wooden door—a side entrance—I took a long, deep breath, then another, stuffing trembling hands into my jeans.

Sebastián produced an ornate copper key from his coat pocket, its elaborate handle carved with swirling patterns.

The key slid into the lock with a satisfyingclick.

My chest still pulsed withan icy chill, and half of me still expected Sebastián to whip out an axe, but…

With a sigh, I stepped into the hotel.

This side door led to a narrow corridor, its walls lined with faded Victorian wallpaper. My footsteps echoed against an intricate mosaic floor—thousands of tiny tiles arranged in geometric patterns of blue and gold. Despite the building’s derelict exterior, this hallway appeared… clean. No cobwebs, no dust, just the musty scent of age-old wood and stone.

“Home sweet home,” Sebastián murmured behind me.

I almost choked on my own spit. “Youlivehere?”

“Not technically.” He let out a low chuckle. “Well, I’m not supposed to. According to my own rules.”

What the fuck?!

The corridor stretched ahead, lit by wall-mounted brass lamps that cast a warm glow across the mosaic tiles. My feet moved of their own accord, following Sebastián as he strode past me.

“We’re heading to the basement. It’s just down here.”

The basement?! Why?!

The passageway opened into what must have once been the hotel’s grand reception. Tall windows stretched up toward an ornate ceiling, though most were now covered by heavy velvet curtains. My gaze swept across antique furniture—plush armchairs, gilt-framed mirrors reflecting our movements. Everything looked… preserved. Like stepping into a time capsule.

Sebastián walked straight to the reception desk—a massive mahogany counter that curved along one wall. I trailed after him, my attention caught by the brass bell and ancient leather-bound guest book still sitting open.

“Dolly, any messages?”

I looked up, expecting to see another person, and jumpedbackward with a yelp.

“Jesus Christ!” My heart hammered against my ribs. “What thehellis that?”

Behind the desk sat what appeared to be a life-sized porcelain doll. Her painted face smiled serenely, glass eyes staring creepily at me. She wore a high-necked Victorian dress, complete with a lace collar and cameo brooch. Her blonde ringlets were arranged perfectly around her face, hands folded primly on the desk before her.

“That’s Dolly.” Sebastián remained completely serious. “Our receptionist.”

I stared at the doll’s fixed expression, fighting the urge to run. Her painted smile seemed to mock me.

I turned slowly back to Sebastián, once again seriously questioning my choice to follow him here. “You’re having me on.”

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