Page 75 of Carte

“Harley,” I called creeping inside the suite, checking each corner, and going deeper inside.

I could feel Trevor and Reid stalking behind me doing a more thorough sweep.

“Harley,” I yelled as I went into the bedroom.

Nothing.

Everything was clear. No sign of her.

“Weird,” Reid frowned. “She came in just a little over an hour ago, and didn’t come out.”

“Are you sure?” Trevor pushed.

“Of course.”

I didn’t stop my search for her.

There was one more room left.

I walked to it, my gun raised, and called softly, “Harley.”

That’s when I heard it.

A soft whimper came from inside the bathroom.

I grabbed the doorknob and turned, but it was locked.

“Harley, baby, it’s me. Carter.” I said. “Can you please open the door?”

I waited for a minute but nothing happened.

“Okay, baby. Okay.” I closed my eyes. “Move away from the door. I’m going to kick them in.”

I stilled for two heartbeats then stepped back. Again, I raised my leg and slammed it against the door.

At what awaited me inside, my chest cracked open and I had to struggle to keep my breathing under control. It wouldn’t do any good if I lost my shit then.

Harley needed me.

There in the far corner of the bathroom, Harley huddled and folded into herself.

She held a lamp raised above her lowered hand. I didn’t know how she managed to keep hold of it, she was shaking so bad.

I holstered my gun, crossed the room and dropped on the tile next to her.

“Harley,” I called softly. I didn’t want to touch her until she saw it was me that was kneeling behind her.

I knew she was scared that her mind was playing tricks on her and that was why she refused to look up. Fear and terror had that nasty little gift.

“Oh, fuck,” Reid muttered peering in from the bedroom.

“Dynamo, please look at me,” I pleaded softly.

“Carter,” She looked up.

I pressed a kiss to her forehead, “It’s me, baby. I’m here.”

Her pupils were dilated and her body was quacking.