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“What?”

“We ate the same things, drank the same wine. You should be sick, too.”

She thinks quick, her hand cradling her stomach. “Actually, I do feel a little off.”

His head twists around, eyes surveying the room and then landing back on her. From my spot, I can see the suspicion in his features.

My own stomach rolls when he stands up and pats his pockets, then stalks to her. “What did you do?” he demands to know.

“What are you talking about?”

“My wallet, why were you in my wallet?”

“I wasn’t.” She winces, trying to wiggle free of his hold. “You’re hurting me.”

“Are you trying to rob me? Is this a set up?”

“NO!” She struggles more.

“My wallet goes in my left pocket, always. But somehow, now, it’s in my right? What were you doing in my wallet?”

“I wasn’t, it fell out when I picked up your pants,” she tries to tell him.

“Bullshit!”

His rage starts to grow, and I know we’re in trouble. Maren stomps on his foot, but he doesn’t let her go.

“You think you can play me?”

“No, get out, you lunatic!” she screams, still battling to get out of his hold.

“I’ll get out when I’m done with you. Tell me, what were you doing in my wallet?”

“Nothing!” she repeats frantically.

“You’re lying!”

“I’m not the liar!”

I weigh my options, ready to pop out when he jerks her hard and throws her against the wall, looking around again. It takes a split second to type my text.

Me- SOS SOS! 911! Room 824!

Walker- Stay put. DO NOT do anything stupid.

Ricky storms through the room, stopping at her desk and punching a few keys into her keyboard.

“What’s your password?”

“Like I’d tell you. Get out or I’ll call security!” Maren runs to the door.

He pounces, catching her around the middle and smacking her face so hard she yells in pain. My instant reaction is to protect her. I leap up, ready to reveal myself and beat the hell out of him, when there’s a banging on the door.

“What the fuck?” Ricky makes the mistake of loosening his grip enough for Maren to knee him in the balls. He howls in pain, letting go, and she races to the door, throwing it open. From my position, I can’t see exactly what is happening, but as soon as Walker speaks, his anger booms through the room.

“What the fuck is happening in here?” he roars, my skin pricking at his rage.

“Who are you?” Ricky demands to know.