Page 87 of Unlock My Heart

I inhale to four, and Fabien counts me down to six as I slowly exhale.

We do three rounds before I try to scramble off his lap, but he wraps his arms around me tightly.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

“Where do you get off telling me what to do?” My voice comes out smaller than I’d like, but at least it has an edge of attitude.

“That’s my girl,” he says softly.

“I’m not⁠—”

“I. Fucking. Watched. It. Happen.”

Fabien

Twenty-one-years-old

The band drones on, my “fiancée” drones on, our mothers’ small talk drones on, all the while my girl believes that I’m a piece of shit.

I blow out a frustrated breath. This god-awful “date” needs to come to an end so that I can explain myself to Sienna.

I’m still a persuasive guy.

Hopefully.

Scrolling through my messages with Nic, there’s no update, like, oops, sorry I lost track of your girl, the one I was supposed to be watching. My thumbs hammer out a text.

How’s it going?

I popped out to grab dinner for like a second, and Sienna took off without a word! Left her phone at the apartment. But don’t worry, I’ve got the entire crew out looking for her. We’ll find her!!!!!

Sienna left the hotel minutes ago, likely on foot. Pick her up, and I swear to God, if you let her out of your sight again, I’m going to cut off your balls and force-feed them to you as your dinner.

Understood.

Unless Sienna doubled back and is waiting to lay into me a second time?

I go to rise, my mama shooting me a warning look. “Be right back,” I announce, working my way through the lounge. I don’t spot Sienna, and after speaking to the front desk clerk, she hasn’t seen her, either.

Hustling outside, I run into Ringer beneath the portico, who’s drenched and looking more unkept than usual. That’s saying something.

“Umbrella?” He offers his.

“You seen my girl?” I accept the umbrella, popping it open.

“Which one?”

“Sienna,” I grit through my teeth.

“Can’t say that I have.”

“If you run into her, let me know.”

“Sure thing.” Amusement flickers in his beady little eyes.

Something feels off as I hustle around the building, and that’s when I notice my car, and a sardonic breath escapes me. Now that’s my girl’s handiwork.

Looking around, a frown pulls my lips.