Page 19 of Hook

“Of course,” he confirms.

I feel rage surge through my veins as I slam my fist into the countertop. Tino has to go and fuck everything up when it was going right. As if the universe has made a decision to laugh at me, mock my efforts in a cruel joke.

I gaze at my reflection in the mirror, seeing the stranger staring back. Ten years ago, I was weak; someone easily played by those who knew how to manipulate me. Now, I’m hardened by the betrayal of my closest friend—a moment that sealed my fate.

“Get it together, Cillian,” I grit out through clenched teeth, trying to focus on my main goal rather than allow myself to spiral into the darkness.

That’s when I hear it:Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock. No wonder I’m going fucking insane. An annoying reminder of time slipping away from me and a sound that turns me into a monster.

In a fit of anger, I stalk over to the wall clock and smash it with one slam of my fist. Glass shatters and cuts open my skin in the process. But even though pain shoots through me, it’s comforting knowing that I’ve stopped the relentless ticking.

I turn away and walk out of the men’s restroom to go and check where Gwendolyne is, not caring that I’m bleeding.

As if like fucking magic, the sound of her heels against the hardwood floor echos as she walks my way. She’s not looking where she’s going. I stand in her path and she slams right into my chest. The unsuspecting little lamb has walked straight into the wolf’s claws, and I’ll be damned if I let her go.

8

GWENDOLYNE

“Gwen, what are you doing here?” Tino takes a seat by my side.

I don’t understand why Piero isn’t here. He left a message asking me to meet him here at eight o’clock. He’s over an hour late now. And to add to it all, the stranger who’s been stalking me is here. It makes the guilt I feel over wanting him deepen, especially as I’m supposed to be meeting Piero.

“Piero left me a message on my cell to meet him here.”

His brow furrows. “That’s not possible. Piero’s out of town until tomorrow.”

I pull my cell phone out. “Here, listen.” I play the message and Tino listens, looking perplexed as it sounds like him.

“That must be a doctored message. It sounds real, but if you turn the sound up.” He grabs my phone and increases the volume and I can hear the slight jarring, as if messages have been cut and pasted together.

“Oh, my God. Who would do that?” I ask, glancing at the bar. It’s a silly question, as I know my stalker must be behind it. When I search for him, he’s gone.

“I think someone is fucking with you.” He purses his lips. “I’d be worried that someone drew you here on purpose, but how long have you been here?”

“Over an hour now.” I pause, glancing toward the spot where my stalker sat. “Do you think I should call my father’s security to come and collect me?”

Tino nods. “I think it wise you go back to the hotel, yes, but don’t worry about ringing your father’s men. I’ll get a couple of our guys as extra security to escort you back to the Ritz.”

“Are you sure?” I ask.

“Of course. Piero would kill me if I didn’t ensure your safety.”

I swallow hard, wondering if he means that literally or figuratively. Piero is a ruthless mobster, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he means literally. “Okay, thank you.”

“Sit tight and I’ll go and get a few guys together.”

“Do you think it’s safe for me to use the restroom?”

Tino laughs. “Yes, you’ll be fine. This place has heavy security.”

I smile, grateful that he came to my rescue. I might have sat here until closing. “Thanks. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” I stand and head toward the ladies’ restroom, feeling tense and on edge. I know that Piero has many enemies, and any of them could try to get to me, but it’s not something I’ve considered before.

As I round the corner to the ladies’ room, I slam into something hard. His scent is the first thing I detect, masquline and woody. My breath hitches as I glance up to see those chestnut brown eyes staring at me with a hungry look in them that makes me want to run for the hills.

Who is this man and why is he here?

First, he appear at the engagement party, then Macy’s and my hotel room. And now I get a weird request to meet Piero and he’s here. I sense that this man is behind it all. “S-sorry, I didn’t see you—”

---