Page 52 of Never Let Go (Forbidden #1)

Chapter Fifty-Two

LAUREN

I was longer in the Honey Pot than expected, doing my best to have a conversation with Raven but struggling. How do you have a conversation about the mundane when the unhinged university dean is threatening you and the person you love?

Sydney’s in our room when I get back, and I breathe out a sigh of relief knowing I won’t be doing this alone.

I meet her gaze and give her a small smile which she returns.

“Let’s do this,” she says as she grabs some stuff off the counter. I nod in agreement and follow her.

Sitting down at my vanity I let Sydney work her magic.

The air around us is thick with tension, both of us worried about how tonight’s going to go, but both wanting this to end.

Once she’s done my hair and makeup, she pulls out the clothes for tonight—a red body-con dress that leaves very little to the imagination.

The front is ridiculously low cut, only being held up with tit tape and a prayer.

The back is also cut low, so low you can practically see the top of my ass crack.

The sleeves are long, thankfully, giving me something to play with when my anxiety gets too much.

We decided on heels, not my first choice seeing as I can’t particularly run fast in them, but my trusty Converses don’t go with the outfit.

As harebrained as it is, neither Sydney nor I are fighters. I mean, Sydney loves to mouth off, but anything physical and she’s out. But after watching one too many episodes of Criminal Minds, she decided that the best plan would be to catch him in the act—predictable? Yes. Will it work? Hopefully.

Sydney attaches a tiny camera, almost like a pin prick, and microphone to me, the tape pulling at my skin, before helping me into my dress.

If I can keep him distracted long enough we’ll—hopefully—be able to get enough evidence against him to put him behind bars, discrediting any accusations about me and Caleb that he might throw out there. Thus keeping us both safe, seeing as it’s his word against mine.

I didn’t say it was a perfect plan, I just said we had a plan. An esteemed, ‘happily married’ Dean of Admissions versus a college age stripper—I think we all know how that would end.

Sydney puts her hands on my shoulders and I peer up at her through my lashes. “It’s gonna be okay, Lo. If I could take your place, I would.” The unshed tears in her eyes confirm what she’s saying.

I put my hands on hers and lean into her. “I know. We got this, boo,” I chuckle lightly and she gives me a small smile .

We take a minute to just breathe, the enormity of the situation not lost on us—this will either work or crumble around us. My money’s on it going horribly wrong.

Sydney pulls back first. “Right bitch, let’s get this show on the road.”

Nodding my head, I follow her out. We make our way down to her car—Sydney fought me tooth and nail when I told her I was doing this alone. I basically got told to suck a hairy dick, and that she was coming with me as back up… needless to say, she won that argument.

The drive to the hotel is quiet, neither one of us speaking, and I’m not sure if that’s making me feel worse or not.

Just as we’re pulling up, I get a message:

Unknown

Room 316

The nerves ramp up and I start shaking as I read the message. I show Sydney the phone and she nods to say she’s seen it. I get out of the car, taking in a deep breath as I stare up at the building.

I can do this. I will do this. For myself. For Caleb.

I force my legs to move, walking up to the automatic doors and into what will either make me or break me.

I walk in and automatically feel out of place. The opulence of the hotel not matching up with my stripper vibes. I feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, the only difference is that I broke the heart of my Richard Gere, and instead I’m walking toward Stuckey.

I ignore the random looks of disgust, heading toward the elevator that will take me up to the room, a ball of anxiety knotting in my stomach with every step I take.

I press the button and wait. Once the doors open, I get in and head to the third floor.

I know Sydney won’t be far behind me. The plan was for her to wait for ten minutes, then come up, waiting outside for my signal to call the cops and get us to hell out of there.

Getting to the third floor, I step out into a deserted hallway and walk toward room 316, my knees wobbling with every step I take.

Coming to a stop outside of the room, I brace myself for what’s about to happen.

I know that if I only think of worst case scenarios, I’ll be prepared for anything.

It doesn’t stop the bile from churning in my stomach, though.

I knock on the door and wait. My heart’s racing and my palms are sweaty as I gently move from one foot to the other, restless energy coursing through me. Trying to hide how terrified I actually am, I move my shaking hands behind the clutch I’m holding.

The door suddenly opens making me jump and I gasp at the person holding the door open.

“What are you doing here?”