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It’s not like I have many options. I’m either going to die on the streets or take a chance and hope for the best.
I’m torn up between feeling hopeful and scared out of my mind, as I stare down at my full tray of food. I can only manage one more nugget before I’m full, and I stare at the burger and fries with a sense of loss.
“If you’ve had enough, you can take the leftovers with you.”
Rhett only has to tell me once. I close the lid over the box and carefully place it in a bag Rhett must’ve asked for when he got the order. When the little packet of fries is also inside the bag, I carefully close the bag so I won’t tear it.
“Are you ready?” Rhett asks.
When I nod, he gets up and taking our trays he disposes of them before I follow him outside to where a car is already waiting for us.
He holds open the door for me, and for a second I hesitate before I climb into the back seat. When Rhett gets in next to me, my hand instinctively moves closer to the handle of the door next to me, so I can quickly escape if I need to.
Rhett gives the driver the name of a hotel, and as the Uber takes us to the destination, I remain painfully aware of Rhett sitting next to me.
Holding the bag of food tightly, I take in my surroundings as we’re dropped off in front of a hotel which is way too luxurious for the likes of me.
Rhett pays the driver and then lightly takes hold of my elbow.
There’s a war raging inside of me as we walk towards the entrance, and as we enter an expensive, but stunning reception area, I’m once again reminded that I look like something the cat dragged in.
Every surface sparkles and even the plants by the fountain look like they’ve been polished.
To my left, I notice a boutique filled with elegant clothes. To my right are plush couches, and a man who’s seated at one frowns at me from over the top of his newspaper.
I hold my bag of food tighter, and unconsciously I take a step closer to Rhett as he starts to talk to the receptionist.
“I’d like a room for one person,” he says as he takes his wallet from his back pocket.
I don’t make eye contact with the pretty brunette behind the counter. The last thing I want to see is the gleam of disgust in her eyes when she looks at me.
“Only for one person?” she asks, and I hear the disapproval clearly in her tone.
Oh no, she thinks I’m spending the night with Rhett.
I take a step back as my wounded pride urges me to tell her that I’m not a whore, but Rhett beats me to it.
“The lady will be staying alone,” he bites the words out.
When I glance up at him, I’m surprised to see the look of warning he’s giving the receptionist.
I’ve never had someone stand up for me. To some people, it might be nothing, but the fact that Rhett just defended me, leaves me speechless.
Rhett’s behavior keeps catching me off guard because after he’s done checking me into the hotel, he hands me the keycard to the room. I stare at the little card, not quite believing that I’ll have a safe place to stay for the night. I feel a flutter of excitement in my chest, but I warn myself to not let my guard down. Life has a way of hitting me off my feet the second I think things might be getting better.
“You’re on the second floor, room two-oh-four. Make sure you lock the door behind you. I’ll meet you right here tomorrow morning at nine. We can have breakfast and then you can tell me whether you’re taking the deal. Please think about it tonight. There are no strings attached. I really just want to help you.”
“You’re not coming up?” I ask surprised.
He frowns down at me. Oh crap! I didn’t mean it like that.
“I… that came out wrong. I just thought you would like to talk now. It’s not like you know me and you’re about to leave me alone in an expensive looking hotel. Aren’t you scared that I’ll steal something?”
Ugh, that sounds even worse. I close my eyes as my face starts to light up with embarrassment.
When I feel his hand on my shoulder, my eyes snap open. He gives me a light squeeze before removing his hand.
“I thought you would feel safer if I didn’t go to the room with you. If you want to talk now, I’m all for it. Honestly, it would make me feel better.”
