Chapter 10: A Debt Too Heavy
Natalie~
The hum of the engine filled the car as we drove through the quiet city streets. My fingers clenched the edges of the seat as unease twisted in my stomach. Jake, sensing my tension, whimpered softly in my lap. The silence between Zane and me felt terrifing.
I cleared my throat, my voice trembling as I asked again, "Where are we going?"
Zane didn't answer yet again. His focus remained on the road, his expression unreadable.
"Sir," I said more firmly this time, my fear giving my words an edge. "Where are you taking me?"
He sighed, the sound carrying a note of exhaustion. "Calm down, Natalie. I'm taking you to a hotel for the night."
My breath hitched at the word hotel, and my grip on Jake tightened. A million thoughts raced through my mind, each one darker than the last.
Sensing my discomfort, Zane glanced at me briefly before turning his eyes back to the road. "Don't get any weird ideas. We'll be staying in different rooms."
I blinked, caught off guard by his bluntness. Jake gave a soft bark as if to echo my unease.
"I'm not taking you back to that shelter," Zane continued. "It's not a place for a young girl to sleep, especially at this hour."
"I'm fine at the shelter," I said quietly, though my voice wavered. "You've already done enough for me. I don't want to owe you more than I already do."