Chapter 2

“Clara, are you okay?”

I look up to see the manager leaning on the counter, his brown eyes studying me. “You’ve been wiping that same spot for ten minutes.”

My hands freeze in the middle of a swipe. After that, I go back to the bottles behind the bar and line them up. “Sorry. I’m just distracted.”

“So, did you get the job at that fancy hotel?”

“I was rejected,” I say with a shrug.

He frowns. “Their loss. Anyway, why would you want to work in that hotel? And for someone like Zachary Langston? He’s known for being a heartless jerk. I’ve heard plenty about him, but people still think he’s perfect because he’s rich and powerful. Life’s not fair for common folks like us.”

I stiffen. Mr. Cooper is too close, but I can’t bring myself to say anything. He’s always been kind, and I don’t want to read into his actions.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, giving me an excuse to step away from the uncomfortable conversation. “Excuse me, Mr. Cooper. I have to get this. It’s from the hospital,” I mumble, making my way to the entrance of the restroom. Taking a deep breath, I answer the call. “Y-Yes?”

“Ms. Hale,” the nurse says on the other end, “This is a follow-up about your mother’s next therapy session. Are you able to bring her in next week?”

I clench my fist, shutting my eyes to block out the image of my mother, frail and motionless in her hospital bed. “Yes,” I reply quickly, though I have no idea where I’ll find the money. “I’ll bring her.”

I end the call, my hands trembling, and rush to the bathroom. Locking myself in a stall, I sink onto the closed toilet seat, cupping my face as tears spill down my cheeks.

I hate this. I hate Zachary Langston, that stupid hotel, and the entire universe for putting me in this position. But most of all, I hate how powerless I feel. I’m always pushing my body to work, hoping my efforts will be enough. But it’s useless, and I only receive more disappointment in return. Mr. Cooper is right—life ain’t fair.

A sound outside the bathroom breaks through my thoughts. There’s laughter, and what catches my attention is the pleading voice of a girl.

“Please. Let me go!”

“Come on, sweetheart. Just take it. You’ll feel amazing after.”

Shoving the stall door open, I step out to find a group of young men cornering a dark-haired girl near the sinks. Her makeup is smeared from crying.

“Leave her alone,” I demand, glaring at each of them.

One of the guys turns. “Mind your business, bitch.”

Fear pushes at my chest, but I stand my ground. “Hand her to me. I’m taking her to the hospital.”

“Does she look sick? Our babe is just scared. We’re trying to help her relax,” another guy sneers.

Two of the guys take a grip on the girl’s arms and the rest try to part her thighs. The other one starts to strip her blouse, and the overall scene makes my stomach churn. 

The girl’s eyes plead with me, and I know she needs my help. I’ve seen too many victims in this club, and I interfere when I can."

“I said, leave her alone!”

My hand darts into my pocket, gripping the small canister of pepper spray I always carry. Before they can react, I spray it directly into their faces. They yell, stumbling back and rubbing their eyes as the girl and I bolt out of the bathroom.

“Come on, before they catch us!” I urge, pulling her until we reach the parking lot.

My old truck sits at the far end, and I fumble with the keys, my hands shaking as the girl climbs in. “Put your seatbelt on,” I say, glancing over my shoulder.

Unfortunately, the men burst out of the club, heading straight for us. One of them slams his fist against my truck’s side, and I scream, turning the key in the ignition. It sputters, refusing to start.

“Come on! Not now!” I mutter desperately.

The window cracks as one of them damages the side mirror, and I nearly jump out of my seat. Finally, the engine roars to life, and I slam the gas pedal, the tires screeching as we accelerate away.

Minutes pass before I dare to look in the rearview mirror, relieved to see the men fading into the distance. I check the girl in the passenger seat and ask, “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”

She slumps in her seat, shaking her head. “They were going to, but you saved me. Thank you so much, miss.” Tears well up in her eyes as she hugs herself.

“Thank God,” I whisper, staring at the road ahead. “Where do you live, by the way? I’ll take you home.”

“The Bellemont Grand,” she says softly.

I slam the brakes as that name registers in my mind. It’s the same hotel I just swore off after my failed interview with its arrogant CEO. Of all places, why does this girl have to be staying there?

“Is there a problem? Aren’t you familiar with The Bellemont Grand? I can book a cab if you’re not—”

“I’ll take you there,” I say, patting her hand. I might hate that place, but I can’t leave this poor girl to a random driver after what happened to her.

*** 

Pulling into the grand hotel, I help her out of the truck. My hands tremble as I grip her tighter, trying to steady both her and myself. I hope I don’t come across Mr. Arrogant again.

But just as we near the center of the lobby, I freeze.

The elevator doors slide open, and there he is. Zachary ‘High-and-Mighty’ Langston.

He strides out like he owns the world—which, in a way, he does. Dressed in a crisp white shirt with the top two buttons undone, his sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms, and dark slacks that hug his tall frame.

He looks as though he’s searching for someone, and then his eyes widen as they land on us.

“Zach!” the girl exclaims, reaching out her hand as if he’ll vanish if she doesn’t touch him.

“Ella!” Langston rushes forward, his long arms spread wide as he envelops Ella in a hug. “Where in the world have you been? I was about to call the police because you disappeared without a trace!”

“I’m sorry. I made you worry,” Ella says, hugging him back tightly.

Langston’s embrace is protective, almost desperate. But then his eyes shift, meeting mine. “Hold on. I remember you. Yes, you’re that woman.”

I freeze under his sharp gaze. Just like that, the softness on his face is replaced by a cold look that has me stepping back in fear. “Why are you with my sister?”