I Won't Fall For You | ✔️

▪︎\\Chapter Forty One

I was awoken by the sound of someone grunting. I blinked, letting my eyes adjust to the light as I looked around.

Zed lay on the bed, asleep, his gun resting on his chest. I stayed frozen, weighing my options. He could be testing me, and if I made a move it could end with me shot or worse.

I couldn't sit there and overthink it. This was my chance. I stood up slowly, moving as quietly as I could.

The door was locked and the key was probably in his pocket. I slipped on his jacket and fumbled for the coins I had seen earlier.

My heart jumped when a few clinked and fell to the floor.

He twitched but did not wake. I breathed out in sharp relief and smoothed the jacket back into place.

Then I crawled to his side and saw the keys on the pillow beside him. I slowed my breathing, reached across him, and picked them up, clutching them so they would not jingle.

I didn't know if I should take the gun or not. His fingers was on it so taking it would be too risky. I turned the bathroom light on and closed the door as a way to make him think that I wasn't gone.

I slowly unlocked the door and opened it gently. I looked back at Zed before leaving the room completely. My heart started racing again as I closed the door and took off.

There was an elevator down the long hall but it was slow as hell. I heard some talking coming from around the corner and I hid in a small cleaning room that was only big enough for one person. I didn't know who they were but one of them said something that struck me.

"You're late and you know Zed doesn't like to wait."

They were working for Zed and was making their way to his room. I had to leave here as fast as possible. I listened as their footsteps retreated and I left the room checking left and right.

Right now, I was more of a secret agent than anything. I went to the elevator and pressed the button to go to the bottom floor.

I didn't know what to think. I didn't know how many more men who worked here knows Zed and would give me up to him. I couldn't trust anyone.

The elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open. No one was in sight, which was exactly what I needed. I quickly fixed my hair, steadied my face, and stepped out.

I kept my head down, forcing myself to walk calmly. I couldn't look suspicious. I avoided the stares of the few people scattered around the lobby, though I felt the receptionist's eyes following me as I headed for the exit.

The night outside was dark and still. Once I was far enough from the hotel, I ran.

I ran until I couldn't anymore.

I felt a wave of relief when I spotted a phone booth across the street. I hurriedly crossed and stepped inside, my hands trembling so much I barely managed to insert the coins.

I took several deep breaths, trying to calm the panic clawing at my chest.

I dialed Devin’s number and waited, hoping he would answer. But nothing.

"Come on… pick up… pick up," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my own heart.

I almost cried before dialing his number again. There was still no answer. I felt defeated for a few seconds before someone I would never thought of involving in this came to mind.