Page 48 of Faded Rhythm

They’re hiding.

I turn back to Sable, adrenaline coursing through me.

“He found us.”

Her eyes go wide. “How?”

I check the peephole again. Nothing. Then I think.

“He probably has a tracker on your car,” I mumble. “We need to move.”

“What if he’s out there waiting?”

I hate how small her voice sounds when she asks me that.

“Somebody probably is,” I admit. “But it doesn’t matter. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”

She stands, unsteady on shaky legs. “I trust you.”

“Good. Pack your stuff. Now.”

She scrambles for her bag.

I set my gun down and reach for my phone, sending a text to AJ.

I need another favor

20

Sable

King’s phone buzzes onthe nightstand, its screen flashing with a text message. He checks it, his jaw clenching, then he looks at me.

“Our ride’s here.”

I sit up slowly, nerves fluttering in my stomach. “Who’s driving?”

He slips his gun into the holster at his side and stands, eyes scanning the room for invisible threats. “Sable, I need you to trust me.”

“That’s not an answer,” I say, heart pounding.

He walks over and crouches in front of me until he’s at eye-level. His voice is low and firm, but softer than usual. “I can’t give you all the answers you want. Not yet. Maybe not ever. It’s for your own good. But I swear to you, I won’t let anybody lay a hand on you.”

He’s so steady. So sure. I believe him.

I nod. “Okay.”

I grab my bag, my hands trembling as I swing it over my shoulder. I take one more look around the room, then followKing to the door. He cracks it open, peering out like a soldier clearing a corner. Then he glances back and gives me a small nod.

Showtime.

I step out into the hallway behind him. My legs are weak and shaky. My stomach roils. I want to throw up, cry, run…but I follow King. His presence steadies me, and I cling to him mentally as we move down the hall.

We move quickly, our footsteps muffled against the worn hotel carpet. When we finally reach the lobby, it’s empty except for the night receptionist who has her head in a book. King grabs my hand and leads me out into the crisp night air.

A sleek black Mercedes idles at the curb.

King opens the back door for me. I get in, sliding over to make room for him, trying not to make eye contact with the driver.

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