Jason?
“Hey, Izzy.” I lean in for a hug and she returns it with a stiff smile.
Once we break apart, I notice she’s still watching Asher, who headed back to his car. No surprise there. He has no interest in seeing Alex, and now that he made sure Jason isn’t in the house, he’ll remain in the car until I come out. After all, he only dropped by to be with me—and ward off any one-on-one time with Jason.
“Is Alex here?” I ask as I walk inside.
“Yes…uh…he’s in his office.”
“Thanks, Izzy.” I smile, unsure why she’s in a jerky mood. “Are you okay?”
“Me?” She nearly yells then stops in her tracks by the stairs. Sweat beads on her forehead and she keeps wiping her hands on the apron.
“If there’s something going on, you can tell me.” I face her, softening my voice. “I’ll do whatever I can to help. You’ve done so much for me since I woke up with no memories, and I’ll never forget that.”
A sudden sob tears from her throat and my eyes widen. It’s the first time I’ve seen Izzy out of sorts like this. She is always the epitome of care and kindness.
“Izzy.” I clutch her shoulder. “Please tell me. I want to help.”
“Why did you have to be like this?” She sniffles. “It would’ve been so much easier if you were the old Reina. Ever since I found this, I can’t sleep.”
“Found what?”
“Even though I would give my life for him, I can’t do this to you or to Mr. Carson. He’s my savior and I owe him my life.
“You’re not making any sense, Izzy.”
“Just…just promise me you won’t ruin his entire career, please. Please, Reina.”
“Who—”
I’m cut off when she retrieves something from her apron and shoves it in my hand. “Please. If you care for me even a little, make my wish come true.”
With that, she disappears down the hall. I attempt to chase her but Alex calls to me from up the stairs.
I stare at the small object Izzy has shoved into my hands: a flash drive.
What could all this be about? I guess it has to wait. After tucking the drive into my bag, I join Alex.
In his office, he tells me there’s still no news about Reina. However, he’s close to finding his contact.
That gives me so much hope, I can’t help getting up and hugging Alex. He’s not a warm person per se, but he’s always treated me well on behalf of my dad.
My phone vibrates on my way out of Alex’s office.
Asher: Come out.
The impatience of this man.
Reina: Why don’t you come in?
Asher: The only place I’ll be coming in tonight is your pussy.
My cheeks heat and I’m so glad I already left Alex’s office.
Reina: Asshole.
Asher: Your ass too if you keep tempting me.
God, this man will be the death of me.
Before I step outside, I pull up Instagram and type a message to Cloud003. My chest is uneasy at the thought of doing this behind Asher’s back, but he’s left me no choice.
Jason and I need to talk one on one and solve whatever issues we have. I’m also sure he’ll tell me about Arianna if Asher isn’t around.
Reina-Ellis: Can we meet?
My fingers are stiff as I add the next word.
Reina-Ellis: Please?
I don’t expect him to reply. It’s a stretch, but I’m ready to try every option right now. Not only do I need to clear my name, I also need Asher to let go of the ghosts of the past.
My screen lights up.
Cloud003: Tomorrow. Seven. Blackwood Grand Hotel. Room 1003.
I stand in front of room 1003 at seven o’clock.
From what I’ve gathered about my odd relationship with Cloud003, we never met in person. We never had an encounter outside the Halloween parties.
So why does this hall seem familiar? Why does it feel like I’ve stood in a similar hallway before? I had the same feeling of the unknown.
No.
I have to do this. Besides, I’ll just talk to him and go. I brought my security with me. If I don’t come out in fifteen minutes, they’ll call, and if I don’t reply, they’ll come for me.
I pull on the sleeves of my denim jacket. I dressed in jeans and a white top, nothing too out there.
Maybe all this tension is because I don’t want to do any of this behind Asher’s back.
I told him I was going out with Lucy and Naomi, and I did catch a ride with them, but as soon as we were away from