“Good.” I clap him on the shoulder. “Thanks.” Then I hurry off in the direction he pointed, my anxiety increasing by the second.
It could be nothing,I remind myself.She could be fine.
But I just have this feeling.
Maybe it’s just paranoia, like I’ve experienced before.
Or maybe it’s something, and Yara needs my help.
Picking up my pace, I continue down the hallway. On my left, a bronze sign on the wall declares,Meeting Rooms A - G, with an arrow pointing forward. Just below that is another sign that says,Rainier Room, Puget Sound Room, with another arrow pointing in the same direction.
As I head that way, I check my phone again, just in case I somehow missed a message from Yara. But still, nothing.
Just as I reach the first of the doors, markedMeeting Room A, my phone vibrates with an incoming text. It’s not from Yara, but Tyler.
Found out who the guy is. Camden Winthrop. Lives in Tacoma, works for the family’s company, Winthrop Consulting. Still looking into his background, but found adropped charge of assault from five years ago. I’ll let you know when I find anything else.
I pause to send a quick reply.
Okay. Still investigating. Hang tight.
Then I pocket my phone and continue on my way.
Fortunately, the hallway is empty except for me, so I’m able to stop by the first of the doors to listen. As I lean my ear close to the wooden door, I send up a silent plea that I don’t end up overhearing something I shouldn’t. Like kissing, moans of pleasure, cries of?—
Nope. Just, nope.
I do not want to think about Yara making out with some guy. It doesn’t matter if she and I are just friends. It’s still not something I want in my mind.
After I’m met with silence at the first door, I move on to the next. I’m well aware that if someone comes along right now, I’m going to have some questions to answer. But without hearing from Yara, there’s no other choice.
Outside the first three doors, there’s nothing.
But at the fourth door, I hear them. Or rather,him.
Winthrop.
At least, I’m assuming it’s him. I suppose it could be someone else, but?—-
“Your tits are gorgeous,” he says. Through the door, his voice is slightly muffled, but clear. “Did you know that, Yara? Not too big, but just the right size. And I bet your nipples are just the prettiest little things. I can’t wait to see them. Touch them.”
I freeze in place.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Clearly, I fucked up. Yara doesn’t need my help. Whatever mission she was talking about, this isn’t it. And now I feel like a total ass, eavesdropping on her private moments like a creeper.
I’m about to back away from the door when Winthrop speaks again. “Yara, dear, why don’t you lay down? You’re looking a little pale.”
She doesn’t respond.
There’s a rustling sound. Then a low chuckle. “Hmm. Maybe I gave you too much.” He pauses before adding dismissively, “Oh, well. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
Wait. Gave her too much ofwhat?
Winthrop says, “You look uncomfortable, Yara. Maybe it’s your dress. How about if I help you out of it?”
All at once, the situation becomes clear.
