Page 33 of Playing For Keeps
“What’s there to think about?” He slides a shot to her.
I round the island and take a seat next to Mel. “She’s asking you if you believe in God.”
Hunter pushes a glass my way. “I believe in a higher power. I don’t know if I call that God.”
“Hmm.” She swallows her food. “What would you call it, then?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it much.” He takes a sip of his drink then places it down. “Maybe I should. It can only help.”
Mel nods but looks away like she’s trying to hide her face.
I hook on to it and study her. “What are you trying to get out of saying?”
She shrugs. “It’s nothing.”
Hunter dials in on her. “Then why did you turn away?”
Her gaze slides between us, then she sighs heavily. “It’s just God, or whatever you want to call it… I don’t think he likes me much. So if you’re praying or anything like that, you might want to keep my name out of it.”
Aiden steals our attention from the catwalk of the loft. “I just heard from my contact at the agency.”
We face Aiden as he hops down the stairs.
Hunter steps around the island. “And?”
Aiden’s ghostly expression says it all. “I’ve got terrible news.”
CHAPTER 9
DORI
Xander staresat me like I’ve lost my mind. “I don’t have your bracelet.”
The truth rolls through me. I’m not likely to get out of this situation. “Did you see one on me when I was brought in?”
“No. It was dark.” His brows knit together. “Why do you need it?”
“Um… It’s a keepsake from my boyfriend.” I coil further into myself.
“Well, sorry, Red. I don’t have it.” He nudges me. “Relieve yourself, or you’re going to be waiting for hours.”
“Do you mind turning around?”
“You didn’t need to ask. I was planning on it.”
I study him. He seems to be on the kinder side of my captors.
He probably won’t hurt me.
I decide I better take care of business, even if I am dehydrated. Me and my chains make it to the disgusting toilet, and I wait for Xander to turn around.
I try to think of ways to escape as I relieve myself, hovering over the bowl so I don’t touch the grimeon the seat. Without the bracelet, I don’t see how I’m going to get out of this mess. Xander’s my only hope.
Once I’m done, I scan the room. “Is there any place I can wash my hands?”
He huffs a laugh and turns to me. “You’re better off not washing them.”
“Yeah, right.” I nod. “Where is this place?”
