Chapter twenty
I hesitated only long enough to make sure the door didn’t latch too loudly behind us, then fell into step with him, my legs pumping to keep up with his runner’s pace. Every step sent a sharp sting through the blisters that had formed under my feet, my chest heaving and thighs burning almost immediately. I forced myself forward anyway. The hotel hallway stretched ahead, exit signs glowing softly, the elevator just around the bend.
He stopped halfway down the hall, lifting a hand. I skidded to a halt, sucking in air. From somewhere ahead came a muffled sound—a door closing, maybe, or a cart rattling somewhere on another floor.
He tilted his head, listening, every muscle locked in place. After a beat, he relaxed just enough to keep going.
“Stay close,” he murmured without t
