ALINA’S POV
The cab finally stopped in front of a small hotel tucked between two aging buildings. The sign flickered like it was tired of trying. This will do, I told myself as I dragged my suitcase out, my arms sore, my spirit worse.
I walked in, rain threatening behind me, and asked for the cheapest room they had.
The receptionist didn’t even look annoyed. Just bored. “ID,” he said.
I slid my card across the counter.
He picked it up, glanced at it, then paused. His eyes flicked back to the screen in front of him. His jaw tightened.
“I’m sorry,” he said, pushing it back. “We can’t give you a room.”
I frowned. “Why?”
“It’s the law,” he replied flatly. “You’ll have to leave.”
“What law?” My voice shook despite my effort to sound calm. “I’m paying. I’m not causing trouble. I just ne
