Page 81 of Forbidden Whispers

“Of course, of course,” Jack said. “C’mon, babe, let’s go relieve your dad and give them some privacy.”

As the couple moved away from the table, Noah pulled her close into another embrace and whispered in her ear. “That was Eric. Valentina is rethinking her plan to go to the police and he wants us to come back to the hotel to encourage her. He knows it’s late, but he wants us to come now so they can get this over with tonight and move forward in their relationship.”

Maggie grinned, planting a soft kiss beside his ear. “I’m all about moving forward in relationships. Let’s go encourage them.”

***

They pulled into the motel parking lot, and this time Noah parked the car directly in front of Valentina and Eric’s door. He twisted in his seat to see Boon sleeping comfortably in the back seat. “Should we leave him here this time?”

“I think so,” Maggie agreed. “But let’s drop the windows so he gets fresh air.”

They got out of the car and walked hand-in-hand to the motel room door. Noah stopped before knocking and pulled her close, placing a soft kiss on her lips. He released her and sighed.

“When we’re done here, we have a lot more catching up to do in that area,” he teased. “In some ways, I feel like this is all still a dream,” he said, gazing down at her.

“A dream come true,” she said, rising on her toes to kiss his cheek before he tapped lightly on the door.

“Who is it?” a voice hissed from inside.

“It’s Noah and Maggie,” Noah said.

The door opened to a narrow slit, and a single eye peeked out.

“Hi,” Noah said, then frowned. “Why do you guys have all the lights off?”

“Come join the party and you’ll see,” said a gruff voice as the door swung open and Noah saw the glint of a gun aimed at his chest.

He rolled his eyes and only had time to groan, “Not again,” before he and Maggie were yanked into the room.

Chapter 23

The door was shut and locked behind them before a lamp was turned on.

Maggie gasped and Noah stared in confused shock as their gazes swept over the room. There was blood on the rumpled bedspread of one of the beds where Eric now lay. His hands were bound with duct tape and his chest was bare. His face was a bruised and bloodied mess, with one eye swollen completely shut. Fresh cuts on his chest and arms were still oozing blood.

Valentina sat on the opposite bed across from him. She was unbound, but her eyes were red rimmed and there was a trickle of blood coming from a small gash on her lip. Aside from this, she appeared unharmed.