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Matthew frowned at me. “Sure, man. I get it.”
“These guys are bad news,” I warned him. “Keep your eyes open, and if anyone comes sniffing around, call the cops.”
He nodded. “Got it. Thanks.”
Faith and Matthew hugged and exchanged contact info, then I hustled her outside to her rental.
She yanked away from me when I tried to help her into the car, but I saw her cringe as she sat down and suck in a pained breath, making me wonder how much healing she still had left to do.
“I’ll follow you back to your motel,” I said, earning me a deeper glare. “You’ll need to check out so we can get on the road home.”
She didn’t move.
“Faith,” I warned just as the dark sedan came back into sight down the road. I leaned down and got in her face. “Enough with the games. Whatever you’re doing here, it’s not worth getting yourself killed over, you hear me?”
Her eyes sparked up at me. “Games?” she spat back. “You think I’m playing games? This is my life, Adam! Mine! It was me who gave you everything, and me that you threw away. Me, that you systematically destroyed with every returned letter...” She sucked in a breath and looked away as if realizing she’d said too much. Her expression hardened, as the dark walls I’d come to recognize came up to protect her. “Me, whose whole life has been a damn lie.” She turned back. “So don’t you dare tell me what to do, Adam.”
With that, she grabbed the door, slamming it closed, nearly smacking my face in the process.
I jumped back and scanned the street one more time. The black car was parked several houses down, too far for me to make out if anyone was inside. I loped to the Bel Air and got in, gunning the engine just as she peeled off and away from me.
“Damn it, Faith.”
I took off after her, thankful I knew what hotel she was staying at, because clearly, she had no intention of waiting around for me.
I’d been ignoring my phone the entire trip, including several calls and texts from Tobias, a handful from Hope, a couple from my parole officer, Julio, and Mateo Beckett. I’d blown up my life by taking this trip and would probably go back to prison. Because of that, I’d be damned if Faith McMasters was going to get away from me, much less get herself hurt again, or worse. I’d get her home where Mateo could see to her safety, then I’d pay the price for my unapproved little road trip across multiple state lines.
I pulled into the hotel’s parking lot and found Faith’s rental. I parked next to it and shot off one quick text to my brother.
Me:Faith is in danger. Came to get her. Explain later. I’m sorry.
I silenced my phone and trusted that Tobias, of all people, would understand and that explanation would hold until I got back to Louisiana.
I’d already found out from a very helpful night clerk what room Faith was in, so I moved inside and raced down the long hall, only to stop short at the sight of her in the doorway of her room, hand to the frame, her head bowed.
I slowed my steps and darted a look over my shoulder at the empty hall, then back. “Faith?”
She lifted her face and that’s when I saw the tears tracking down her face and the very real fear painting her expression. “Who?”
“Who what?” I said as I made it to her side and looked over her shoulder to the upturned mess of her room, the contents of her suitcase spilled all over the floor, much like at her townhouse. I got a sickening sense of déjà vu.
She reached over and grabbed my forearms in a death grip, surprising me. “Who is doing this? Who’s looking for me?”
Instinct kicked in and I pushed her inside, past the bent frame and jimmied lock, kicking it shut behind me. “I’ll explain later. Just grab your shit as fast as you can. We’re leaving. Now.”
She stood staring at me a moment too long.
“Now!” I barked.
She jumped, but then the fire lit up her eyes again. “Don’t yell at me!” She picked up a scarf and flung it across the room like she wished it were breakable. “Damn it, I’ve had enough!”
More cursing and muttering commenced, but she started shoving her clothes into her suitcase as I pulled out my cell phone, wishing more than anything I had a gun. Goddamn parole.
Fuck all this to hell.
I moved to the window, peeking out as I scrolled down to one of the numbers in my history and hit call, adrenaline jackhammering through my veins.
It picked up after half a ring.
