Page 7

“Jesus, you scared the hell out of me!”

“Yeah…same,” I say, patting Matilda down to check that she’s okay.

“I’m tracking your location. You’re coming up on Widow’s Valley. It’s the biggest city outside of Ashford Falls and probably your safest option to stay tonight⁠—”

“No, Greer, I promise it’s fine. I can—” I start, but she cuts me off.

“If you think for one second I’m going to let you drive any farther tonight, then you have lost your mind.”

And as desperate as I am to have this drive over with, I know she’s right. Besides, the overprotective big sister panic can’t be undone once it’s activated.

“I’m booking you a hotel right now. I don’t have time to read the reviews, so I just chose the most expensive one in the city.”

Oh, how my sister knows me so well…

“Wait, I can’t stay in a fancy hotel, G. It’s too risky that someone will recognize my name⁠—”

“I’m already ahead of you,” she says. “The reservation’s under my name.”

I shake my head. “I can’t let you do that.”

She’s raising two kids on her own while working full-time and going back to school. She doesn’t need to be spending her money on fancy hotel rooms.

“It’s already done,” she says with finality. “It’s called The Château Mystique.”

I type the name into my GPS and start the directions. Good, it’s only about five minutes away.

“I’m going to call them right now and make sure they know you’re coming. Please drive slow and text me the second you arrive.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I put the car in drive and pull out onto the empty highway. I don’t miss the side-eye Matilda gives me, as if she doesn’t fully trust me not to hydroplane again just for the fun of it.

At least she isn’t barking anymore.

“Okay, now you’re being dramatic,” I grumble under my breath.

She snorts a huff, and I swear I can practically feel the judgment radiating off her.

You know what…fair.

The valet greets me outside, and we’re ushered inside with swiftness and discretion. I don’t know what my sister told them, but I’m going to need to use that line in the future. If the young valet guy recognized me, he didn’t show it. Hell, he didn’t even ask me for my ID when I told him Greer’s name.

I usually have to travel out of the country to receive that kind of treatment.

The Victorian building looks authentic to its time. It’s Gothic revival at its finest. The front windows are tinted so dark I’m barely able to make out the glow of lights from inside, and that’s probably only because it’s dark outside. I’d bet in the daylight, these windows are completely opaque. I guess they really do prioritize their customers’ privacy.

What exactly do the people in West Virginia need this level of privacy for? Is there a mob here or something? An underground drug ring?

The questions leave my mind the moment I walk inside, and the rich scent of sandalwood and white tea greets me. It takes a moment for my eyes to take in all the lush decor. Every detail, down to the fine texture of the carpet, screams luxury and wealth…and something else I can’t quite put my finger on.

“Welcome to Château Mystique,” the concierge says before I can even make it up to the counter. “I see you have a canine companion. Just call downstairs if you’d like us to send someone up to walk her, should you need a… break.” He holds up a slate-black key card. “Your sister has already secured everything, so please enjoy your stay.”

I carefully take the surprisingly heavy card, and he must recognize the look of bewilderment on my face because his smile grows impossibly wider. He lowers his voice to a whisper and says, “If I may offer you a piece of advice?”

I nod, finding myself growing more curious by the second.

“Keep an open mind, yeah? And try to enjoy yourself.” His eyes dart to the back corner, where a sign hangs overhead, a staircase leading underground. “Access to the Private Members’ Lounge is included in all guests' stays. I think you’ll be pleased to find there’s something for almost every preference you may have.”

The look on my face must give my thoughts away.