Wicked Truths (Hunt Legacy Duology #2) - Jodi Ellen Malpas Page 0,163

‘Wow.’ I close the door and wander over, joining Becker. He seems thoughtful as he stares across the tops of the buildings, his stance relaxed. I’m desperate to know what his plan is, what he’s thinking, or whether he’s figured out exactly where he’s going to look. The building is a monster of a structure. ‘Where will you start?’

He jumps next to me a little, startled back into the hotel room from wherever he was. He turns and paces towards the bathroom, pulling his jacket off as he goes. ‘You shouldn’t have come, Eleanor.’

I take myself to the bed and sit on the edge. ‘I’m not going to sit at home worrying about you.’

His head peeks around the door, his fingers working the buttons of his shirt. ‘How did you know where I am?’

‘Dr Vass. She called The Haven after she couldn’t reach you on your mobile.’ My eyes narrow. ‘And I checked your secret hiding place. No map. And then I found Gramps and Mrs Potts, and they didn’t look in the least bit surprised when I told them it was gone. Seems I’m the only one who didn’t know.’

Rather than coming back at me, he just scowls, his glasses dropping down his nose a tad. I scowl right back, daring him to argue with me. He must appreciate my anger because he huffs and goes back into the bathroom without a word. I hear the shower kick in and get up, grabbing my wash bag and making my way to him. I see his naked back disappear behind the shower curtain as I enter.

‘I want you to promise me something,’ I say assertively, dumping my cosmetics on the sink.

‘What?’

I don’t like not being able to see his face, so I reach forward and yank the curtain across. His fingers are in his hair working up a lather. ‘This is it. After tonight, no more. If it isn’t there, you let it go.’ I lose all the anger from my face and give him pleading eyes. I can’t go on like this. The constant wonder, the constant worry. It’ll kill me.

Becker’s eyes bore holes into mine, his fingers still on his head. Then he deflates and sighs. ‘I promise, princess.’

My body shrinks in relief. ‘Thank you.’

He offers a tiny smile. An understanding smile. I return it and go to the sink to brush my teeth. ‘So what’s the plan?’ I ask.

‘The plan?’

‘Yes, you must have a plan. What time are we heading out?’

‘We?’

‘I guess we should wait until it’s dark.’ I take my toothbrush to my mouth and start scrubbing. ‘What should I wear?’ I garble.

‘What should you wear?’ he mimics, shutting off the shower and grabbing a towel. ‘Something comfortable.’

I spit and rinse. ‘Right.’

‘Be ready in twenty minutes.’ He passes me, his hard body glistening wet. My hold of my toothbrush tightens, and I clench my teeth, my brain reminding me that he’s working. I mustn’t distract him.

I hurry through to the bedroom and rummage through my case for something suitable to wear, feeling a strange whirling in my tummy. Nerves, I think. Or is it excitement? I start to breathe deeply to keep my heartbeat steady. I don’t want to display any signs of anxiousness to Becker. He’ll refuse to take me. But I don’t feel anxious. My hands falter as I pull on a roll-neck jumper, my mind assessing my frame of mind. Yes, my heart is thumping a little, and my stomach is twisting, but I don’t feel apprehensive.

It really is excitement. I shake my head in wonder, grabbing my jeans from the bed, but something catches my eye. Becker’s bag. Or something in his bag. What the hell? I inch forward, my eyes jumping from his back at the window to his bag on the bed. And I frown, reaching forward and plucking out the item of my interest and staring at it for a few moments. Then I cast my suspicious eyes across the room to Becker’s back.

He moves, and I quickly stuff my find in the pocket of my jeans.

I’m taking no chances. Covering all my bases.

I’m ignoring the guilt creeping up on me for doubting him. But if I’ve learned anything during my time in Becker’s corrupt world, it’s to be prepared. It’s crazy. I’m never prepared for him. But this time . . .?

‘Okay?’ he asks, looking back at me.

‘Great.’ I smile and make my way over as he returns his attention to the desk before him. He’s dressed now,