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A pause, then, “That’s not what he says. Mr. Ward informed us that you’re engaged to him.”
“You’ve been misinformed, Charles. I’m not marrying Hugh. Will you assist my friends when they arrive?”
“Of course. Have them ask for me at the front desk. I’ll escort them personally to the suite.”
After Kristi asked the security chief about the wellbeing of his family, she ended the call and handed Rafe his phone.
He contacted Cal and passed along the security chief’s instructions, then slid his phone into his pocket. When Rafe glanced at Kristi, he wrapped his hand around hers. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t understand why Hugh told Charles we were engaged. He promised to let me think about his proposal.”
“Yeah, and you know now he’s growing desperate. This might be a way of getting more information where otherwise the security team would have refused to tell him anything.”
“Apparently, they didn’t know my condition, either.”
“Sounds like that, doesn’t it?”
She twisted in her seat. “You think Charles faked being surprised?”
“At this point, I don’t trust anyone.”
“What would Charles have to gain by planning or participating in my kidnapping?”
“Five million dollars is more motivation than a lot of people need.”
Kristi’s head thumped against her headrest. “Oh, man. I’ll view everyone with suspicion now.”
“You should.”
“I hate this, Rafe.”
His lips tugged upward. “Welcome to my world, babe.”
“That’s a sad outlook on life.”
A shrug. “People hide behind masks. I’d rather be suspicious and stay alive than be caught by surprise and end up injured or dead.”
“When you put it that way, I have to agree with you.”
Rafe squeezed her hand. “Try to sleep. I’ll wake you if anything comes up.”
“Are you sure? I can help you stay awake.”
His heart turned over in his chest at her offer. “I’ll be fine.”
“If you become sleepy, wake me. I’ll share some funny stories about my fashion disasters through the years.”
Another squeeze. “Deal.”
Rafe kept a close eye on the mirrors and the asphalt ribbon in front of him as he drove toward Bakerhill. At the Gatlinburg exit on Interstate 40, Cal and Jackson drove toward the Sandoval Hotel while Eli and Jon stayed behind Rafe and Kristi.
An hour from her home, Kristi moaned. Her hand clenched around Rafe’s.
Concerned, he glanced at her. “Kristi.”
Another moan.
She must be dreaming. “You’re safe, baby. I’ve got you.”
