Free Wicked Days with a Lone Wolf by Elisabeth Staab Page B

tomorrow. I need to head out soon anyway.”
    He looked uncertain, like maybe he might get a black mark on his spotless customer service record for breaking hotel protocol on this one. “If you’re sure.”
    “Just the medical kit would be great. Oh. Actually... A sewing kit too, if it isn’t too much trouble.” She handed over another twenty, hoping the generous tip would encourage his speed as well as his silence. “One of my blouses has a loose button.” Or I may need to sew up a bullet hole. Potato, potahto.
    “Absolutely, ma’am. I’ll be right back.”
    While the eager young kid scampered off, Sherri went to check on Ryan, who’d laid himself out on the bathroom tile.
    “Wow,” she said. “You really do look terrible.”
    “You always knew how to make a guy feel appreciated. Anyway, it hurts like a motherfucker, so I guess that’s appropriate.”
    “Can you manage sitting up?”
    “I can try.” He struggled up into an almost fetal curl against the sink cabinet.
    She grabbed the bruschetta from her room service tray. “I’m gonna give you a couple of bites of food and some ibuprofen for the pain. It’s the best I’ve got for now. You need a hospital.”
    “Can’t. He’ll find me.” Ryan groaned a quiet “Thanks” and accepted the food, after which she shoved four pills and a glass of water in his face.
    “You owe me forty dollars,” she murmured.
    “Put it on my tab.”
    “Sure. We can add it to the two years of my life, my career, and all the other things you took from me that I’ll never get back.”
    Another pained groan. “Christ, Sher. Tell me how you really feel.”
    Sherri took the water glass from him and placed it on the counter. “You really want me to tell you how I feel?”
    Ryan’s heavy-lidded eyes opened wider. “I’m sure I could fill most of it in on my own.” He put a cool hand over hers. “I did a lot of fucking awful things, and I wish I could take them back.” He shook his head slowly. “I thought I was in love. It’s no excuse... but... I did. I thought I was in love.”
    For a moment she stared into his pale blue eyes. Eyes she’d once believed held her future. “I thought I was in love, too.”
    “I know. I’m sorry. Did you get my letter? I know it wasn’t enough, but I did try to apologize.”
    Fresh blood oozed out when she prodded near the wound. “Didn’t read it. I’m sure you can guess why. I’m worried about your blood loss. I really ought to take you to a hospital.”
    He squeezed her hand. “Please. Boris thinks I betrayed him. It’s why I escaped the transport. One of the guards attacked me.” He squeezed harder, with surprising strength. “Think about it: I wasn’t his only guy on the inside. If you stitch me up and I try to find a place to hide, I might die. If I go to a hospital and they turn me over to the FBI, I will die.”
    Some tapping came from the outer door. “Ma’am? I have the things you asked for.”
    She stuck her head out, taking the items he offered and handing over another twenty from her wallet. Boy, was she grateful she’d hit the airport ATM on her way in. “Thanks again for being so quick, and for your discretion. I’m just so embarrassed about the silly way I cut my foot. You understand.” She flashed a bright smile and some more cleavage, to be sure.
    “Of course, ma’am.” Junior from room service grinned and lingered for a moment before whistling his way down the hall.
    She shut the door and ran back, laying Ryan’s half-conscious body on the floor and peeling off his shirt. “Okay, let’s see what we’re dealing with here. And while we’re at it, tell me what’s going on. Why does your boyfriend think you betrayed him? Did you?”
    “No. Someone... someone sold out the location of his safe house. I heard he came near to being caught a few weeks back. I don’t even know where he’s staying since I went inside, so I couldn’t have if I’d wanted to.”
    Sherri set about cleaning and