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Cooper growls under his breath. “Me?”
Lawrence snarls and shoves Cooper back, sending him crashing into me. I screech as my back slams into a metal shelf and digs into my skin. “Yes, fucking you. Do it now.”
Tears burn my eyes, the thought of the oncoming pain already scaring the shit out of me. This can’t be happening. I can’t live through this again.
“No.” Cooper’s sharp word surprises me.
Lawrence glares and cocks his head. “What?”
Squaring his shoulders, Cooper faces Lawrence without fear. “You heard me. I said no. Hell-fucking-no.” Cooper spins and faces me. “Run.”
Before I can react, Cooper lunges at Lawrence and sends him colliding into the opposite wall.
I don’t wait to see the fight.
I run.
Chapter 5
HAYLEY
Bloodletting
I RACE DOWN a hallway with a low ceiling in the direction where I think we came from. I can’t hear the casino or any distinctive noises to guide me, and I try my best to navigate this old hotel. If there were ever pictures hung up along the guest hallway on this floor, they’ve been long gone. Actually, I doubt anyone stays here. It’s quiet—too quiet—even for vampires.
I want to scream out for Sawyer. I want to scream out for help from anyone willing to listen to me. But I can’t. If I yell, it’s more likely that someone who would rather hurt me than help me would find me. I just need to make my way back to the casino. If I can, I have a better chance of finding Sawyer—or Monroe and Knox. I know he wouldn’t be here without them.
Dozens of doors line the hallway, and I keep my pace until I reach the bend leading to a set of elevators. Cooper must’ve taken the stairs somewhere because I would’ve remembered the ride. He purposefully wouldn’t let me see my way around, and I’m even more pissed off than I was.
I hit the button and bounce on my feet, wondering if taking the elevator will lead to my death sentence. Lawrence could’ve already called security, and they could be waiting for me. He could be in the casino and preparing to beat me in front of the patrons like Mr. Pala had.
But I can’t stay here. My chance of finding one of the Bella Crew members isn’t happening this deep in the hotel. I just need another minute. I need another dozen feet. I’ll take the risk. Anything is better than the punishment Lawrence wants to dish out for an accident.
A lashing? Fuck. That’s far worse than the paddle.
The elevator dings open, and I hesitate only long enough to make sure it’s clear. I run in and slam my hand to the button with an L printed next to it, identifying the lobby.
The doors close with the rumble, and the floor shakes beneath my feet, more rickety than any of the elevators at the Aris Hotel. I never thought I would be afraid of an elevator. But here I am, clutching onto the sidebar for balance.
I stare at the shiny door, bracing for a fight I know I can never win. I don’t even have a weapon. Now I really wish I had paid attention to Cooper in the fighting ring earlier. Instead, I might’ve screwed myself over. I can try my best, but in a situation like this, my best isn’t enough.
The elevator jerks to a halt, and the door dings open. I stiffen and press my back to the wall, waiting a moment to see if anyone charges in. But no one’s there.
I don’t believe it.
And then I see him.
I gasp a breath and clutch my chest at the sight of Monroe standing three dozen feet away with blood spattering over his shirt.
“Fuck, there she is!” Monroe shouts, pointing the knife in my direction. “Hurry, Knox. The elevator.”
I step out only to find myself in Knox’s arms. He lifts me off my feet and kisses me immediately, his strong embrace enough to help me keep it together as the rest of me wants to fall apart.
“How did you find me? I’ve been so scared.” I rest my forehead to his, trying not to cry, but my tears splash my cheeks and wet Knox’s face as well.
“Did you really think we were just going to let some fucker kidnap our girl? Sorry it took so long, Hayley. Are you okay? Did anyone hurt you?” Knox kisses my earlobe with his questions.
“Who’s fucking dick do I have to chop off to take back to Tatum as a souvenir?” Monroe materializes behind Knox and smiles at me from over his shoulder.
