Page 62 of Playing the Game


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“I agree, but what about your job?”

Moving to Miami and away from Hunter could give us the fresh start we desperately need. Otherwise, he’s just a few rooms away.

Knowing him, he’ll pursue her relentlessly. And if I’m in Miami alone, there’s no way I stand a chance of her sticking it out with me. But her job is important to her, so I need to understand if she decides she doesn’t choose to move.

She runs her palm up and down my arm. “Let’s not focus on that part right now. Our first discussion should focus on whether or not you would want me there.”

“Is that even something you’re questioning?”

“It is.” She points to my gunshot wound. “Having me around puts you in danger. You shouldn’t have to risk your life to have me be by your side.”

Her statement makes me acutely aware of how much I’m unsure about. I’ve been using my energy to heal. I haven’t considered anything else while I’ve been in the hospital.

My thoughts grow fuzzy. “You know, Hunter made a comment to me about you being in danger, and now you’re alluding to it. What am I missing? Is someone trying to hurt you?”

“I told you when you woke up, you saved my life. Those bullets weren’t meant for you. They were meant for me.”

“My mind still isn’t clear. Parts of that day, I remember, but other parts are confusing.” I search her expression for a sign she can help fill in the blanks. “Why would someone want to hurt you?”

“I don’t know. None of it makes sense to anyone.”

I glance at the security guards stationed outside of my room. “What do they know about it?”

She stands, wrapping her arms around her waist. “They don’t know anything other than they need to keep us safe.”

“Then what good are they?”

“They’re making sure you stay alive, and that’s enough for me.” Her eyes gloss over.

Whatever is going on with her outside of here, it’s weighing heavily on her. There is a lot more to this than I can grasp right now. My pain medication is taking hold and I’m fighting to stay awake.

“Dori, if someone is after you, I need to know who and why you think that is.” Panic spread through my chest. “What are you keeping from me?”

I get a sinking feeling in my gut. With all the meds I’ve been on, I haven’t been in tune with her moods as well as I usually am.

I study her for a few beats. Her gaze spins with a thousand emotions. She’s hiding something. I can see it in her eyes.

“Why are you looking at me like that, Jami?”

“What aren’t you telling me?”

CHAPTER 14

HUNTER

My chest achesas I rattle my knuckles against Ava’s hotel suite door. My life is being shredded to pieces, and she might have the information I need to get it back together.

She comes into view wearing baby blue yoga pants and a crop top. “Hunter, what are you doing here?”

“Can I come in?”

“Of course. I just got back from working out, so excuse my appearance.” She widens the space to allow me to enter.

I step into the foyer, waiting for her bitchy attitude to present itself. “I’m not here to look at you, Ava.”

She strolls into the living room area. “I see you’re unhappy with me for some reason.”

On edge, I follow her into the room and stop near a refreshments counter. “You’ll need to forgive me. My brain hasn’t registered that you aren’t blackmailing me anymore.”