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My heart plummets.
“Gotcha,” Benny says.
ChapterThirteen
Hannah
“I knew it.”Benny practically bounces on his heels as he paces back and forth in front of the TV. “I knew something was up when Armstrong didn’t bring you in within, like, twenty minutes. No way was he looking for you for two whole days. And he didn’t answer any of my texts or calls…so Iknewhe’d either gone rogue or was plotting something. Ha!”
He claps his hands together like he’s the world’s best detective. I fold my arms and glare at him.
“Benny, Dane’s not here.”
“He’s coming back, though.” He smirks at me, his weaselly little eyes gleaming. “The manager of this hotel is on my payroll and recognized Armstrong right away. He saw you two getting all touchy-feely as you walked to the elevator. Guess you both got more than you bargained for, huh?”
He grins. I give him a death stare. Then I remember I can’t afford to piss him off even more.
“Benny, look.” Forcing my voice to sound agreeable, I hold up my hands. “I’m sorry about all the trouble. I swear, I’ll get you your money back. I just need a little more time.”
“Why the fuck should I give you time?” he snaps. “You bolted out on me. Hell, youbetrayedme. I trusted you. I sent Armstrong after you because he’s the best there is, and then you both go and pull this bullshit on me? Did you think I’d fucking forgive you?”
I smother a pang of regret. It’s true that Benny took a chance on me. I didn’t even have a real address when he agreed to post bail on my behalf. But I always did intend to get him his money back. I just couldn’t tell him why or how.
Considering I’m technically a fugitive, I still can’t.
I take a step toward the door. “Benny, I promise I—”
“You’re coming with me, bitch.” He bolts toward me and clamps a hand around my arm, his grip surprisingly strong despite his wiry frame. “You might’ve snowed Armstrong, but you sure as fuck can’t—”
The door shoots open, hitting the wall with a bang loud enough to make us both jump.
Before I can move, Dane barrels into the room. He yanks Benny away from me and hauls him up against the wall, clamping his hand around Benny’s throat.
In less than a second, Dane has Benny dangling off his feet, his eyes bulging and face reddening.
“Motherfucker,” Dane spats, his muscles tensing with rage. “You touch her, you fucking talk about her, youlookat her wrong, and I will end you, you slimy little piece of shit.”
Benny makes a strangled noise and flails. The veins in his neck strain.
“Dane.” I grab his arm. “It’s okay. Let him go.”
He gives Benny a hard shake and slams him against the wall. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Dane, let him go.” Alarmed, I see Benny’s face start turning blue. “He didn’t hurt me.”
Dane shakes Benny again, tightening his grip, then releases him. Benny collapses to the floor, coughing and clawing at his neck.
“Sonuvabitch,” he gasps. “You’re supposed to be onmyside.”
“No more.” Dane shoves the other man’s prone body with his boot. “Answer the question. What the fuck are you doing here? How did you find us?”
“What do you think I’m doing here?” Benny wheezes and pushes to his hands and knees. “I want my money back. You’re supposed to be working for me. And I’m the one who should be asking the questions. Why the fuck did I have to practically beg you to take the job if you were just going rogue on me? Yeah, I get that she’s a hot piece of ass for a chubby girl, but—”
Dane kicks him in the gut. Benny grunts and slumps back to the floor, curling into a fetal position.
“Stop it, both of you.” I step between them, my hands out like a referee. “Dane, please. He’s an asshole, and you’re welcome to do whatever you want to him after this is all over, but he didn’t hurt me. And he has a point.”
“Listen to the girl,” Benny croaks.
