Page 136 of Playing Dirty

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ROWAN

The hallway felt longer than it needed to.

That was the first thought I had after the elevator.

Not because it actually was.

Because I was aware of every step I took.

And I knew he was behind me.

Not close enough to touch.

Not far enough to ignore.

Just there.

That in-between space that was starting to feel like a pattern I didn’t agree to.

Room 312.

The key card felt heavier than it should’ve when I lifted it.

I stopped in front of the door.

Didn’t open it immediately.

That was mistake number one.

Behind me, I heard him stop too.

No words.

Just presence.

I slid the card in.

Green light.

Click.

Door unlocked.

I pushed it open.

The room was… normal.

Too normal for what it had just done to my head.

Two beds.

Small desk.

Window facing the city.

Muted lighting already on like the hotel expected nobody to adjust anything.

I stepped inside first.

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