Up to Me(9)

CHAPTER FOUR- Cash



It makes me feel both reassured and guilty when Olivia’s grip tightens around my waist. I’m so glad I waited around for her to get safely inside. If I’d been just a few minutes earlier dropping her off or if she’d driven home by herself…

The air cools the cold sweat that pops out across my forehead.

I release the handlebars long enough to reach down and brush my fingers across the back of her hand. I want her to know that I know and that I’m here. In fact, I’m the reason she’s even in any danger, which is where the guilt comes from.

If I hadn’t taken such an interest in her, if I’d left it at just a fling, like all the others, no one would think to threaten her to get to me. By caring for her, I messed up. Now they’re onto me and, as a result, onto Olivia.

I wouldn’t wish anything bad on Marissa. I mean, she’s a cold bitch, but she doesn’t deserve to die because of it. And I’m sure that’s what they have planned for her. What they had planned for Olivia.

The thought makes my stomach clinch.

I speed up. My only concern right now is getting her someplace safe. And then I can work out the rest. I don’t have a contingency plan for this; after all this time, I never thought they’d find out I have the books. Not until it’s too late for them to do anything about it.

But, I’m a smart guy. And my dad’s got real experience with these kinds of people. We’ll figure out something. We have to. It’s that simple.

I take the most convoluted path I can think of to get downtown to the hotel I’ve got in mind. Constantly, I check my mirrors for lights or any other sign that someone’s following us. I can’t take anything for granted now.

When I pull up to the extravagant front entrance of the hotel, the valet appears. He’s young and looks anxious to drive my motorcycle.

After we’re off, I tip him and watch as he drives the bike into the gated, underground parking area. I figure my ride won’t be easily discovered there. I’ll take as many precautions as I can think to take.

I grab Olivia’s hand, leading her into the luxurious lobby of the hotel. Holing up here with her will cost me a pretty penny, but she’s worth every cent. Besides, she might never have had the opportunity to stay at a place like this before. If I can manage to make her feel safe enough, she might actually enjoy it. The fact that I get her all to myself, in surroundings like this, for an indefinite amount of time is a huge bonus for me.

There’s a brunette behind the reception desk. “May I help you?”

“We’re just passing through. No reservations. Do you have any suites available for the week?”

“A suite? Of course, sir. Let me check availability for those dates.”

As she types on her computer, I glance down at Olivia. She looks like she’s holding up pretty well, all things considered. She’s a little pale, but I’m sure she’s scared shitless, so that’s to be expected.

She looks up at me and smiles. It’s a small, tight smile, but a smile nonetheless. I’ll take it.

I squeeze her hand and bend to kiss her cheek. Before I straighten, I whisper in her ear, “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”

When I lean back and look into her big, green eyes, they’re shimmering with unshed tears. Her chin trembles and my heart squeezes in my chest.

I’ve done this to her.

I don’t know if it’s fear for her or Marissa’s safety, or just the shock of what’s happened on top of everything else that’s happened in her life lately, but something is overwhelming her. I can see it and I feel responsible.

She squeezes my hand back. I take that as a good sign that maybe she doesn’t completely blame me. Well, maybe that she doesn’t completely hate me. Because the blame, no doubt, falls to me.

“Sir, we do have a suite available through next weekend. Do you have a Rewards card with us?”

“No.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll just need your driver’s license and the credit card you’d like to use for payment.”

I notice she doesn’t mention a rate for the room. I suppose it’s understood that, when you ask for a suite at a hotel like this, it’s going to be exorbitant. I hand her the card for Dual. It’s listed under the name of the corporation, so no one should be able to track its usage. Also, I specify that I want the reservation under that same name, for billing and tax purposes. She nods her head in understanding.

For most people, that would seem completely reasonable. And she’s no exception. Several times, I see her eyes flicker to Olivia. No doubt she thinks I’m a business man having an illicit affair on the company dime. I don’t care what she thinks, though, as long as it’s nowhere near the truth.