Page 41 of Rune
“I’ll figure out the hotel. You guys go and pack a bag. And whatever Hammy needs.”
Carmen shot me an unsure look but followed her sister upstairs as I started a search.
There were plenty of options. I decided to splurge for the nicest of them, getting them a room with two queens, since they would probably feel better being together.
As for me, I could have gone home.
But I found myself reserving a second room.
Carmen came down first, holding my gun with a sock-covered hand, making a smile tug at my lips. “Here. This is yours.”
I tucked it in my waistband and reached to take her bag. “I got you guys a room with queens. But if you’d rather have separate—”
“No,” she cut me off. “No, Sofia isn’t as okay as she seems. It’s better if we’re together. How much is the room?” she asked, reaching for her purse.
“It’s on me.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“I’d like to know how you’d force me to take the money,” I said, making her roll her eyes.
“Fine,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I’m going to get Hammy’s things. Could you take her outside to pee?”
“Yeah. Give me your keys. I’ll toss your bag in the trunk, too.”
We went through the motions, getting things ready, then the girls and Hammy piled into Carmen’s car, and they followed me to the hotel.
“This place is fancy,” Sofia murmured as we made our way into the lobby.
“I hear someone deserves a little celebration,” I said. “This place has a spa, and I got the whole package. For both of you.”
Sofia’s mouth fell open as she looked at her sister.
“That’s so generous. Thank you so much.”
“It’s nothing,” I insisted as we walked up to the desk to check in and get our keys. “This is you,” I said when we stopped at their door. “Mind if I do a sweep?”
“A sweep?” Sofia asked.
“Just to make sure the room is empty. You should always do a sweep of a hotel room before you get comfortable.”
Carmen unlocked the door and held it open for me.
It was a great room, modern and done in shades of warm browns and soft golds. There were two beds, a desk, and a small kitchenette with a mini fridge, coffee machine, and a microwave.
The bathroom was reasonably large with a walk-in shower, a soaking tub, and a floating vanity with warm white accent lights.
“You’re all set.”
“Where are you?” Carmen asked as Sofia brought Hammy into the room.
“That’s me,” I said, pointing across the hall a few doors down. “If you guys need anything, don’t hesitate to come get me.”
“Do you even have anything to wear?”
“I keep a fresh set of workout clothes on my bike. I’m all set. Go settle in. Order some room service. Relax. It’s been a day.”
