Chapter 44: Change of Plans
Natalie~
Jacob led me through the beautifully lit hallway of the hotel, his hand warm and steady around mine. My heart was still racing from the encounter with Griffin, Marissa, and Lisa. For the first time in years, I had seen Marissa stunned into silence—literally. Jacob had done that. He had turned their cruelty into nothing but an empty echo.
Jacob’s strange power—still swirled in my mind. I had no idea who Jacob really was, but he had defended me, stood up for me in a way no one except Zane, ever had.
We stopped in front of a door. Jacob turned to me, his signature smirk curving his lips as he pulled a key card from his pocket.
"Alright princess, this is your room," he said, sliding the card into the lock. The door beeped softly before clicking open. He pushed it slightly and gestured inside. "Get some rest, Natalie. You need it."
I swallowed, staring past him at the luxurious room. The bright light from the chandelier bathed everything in a beautiful silver glow, making the plush furniture and crisp sheets look inviting. It was the kind of place I knew someone like me didn’t belong in.
Jacob handed me a sleek black phone. "If you need anything, call me."
I hesitated before taking the phone from him. It felt unfamiliar in my grip—sleek, expensive, like the one Zane had given me. The one I left behind when I ran. Something that valuable didn’t belong in my hands. I knew better now. Someone like me—cursed, broken—wasn’t meant for good things.
"I don’t have your number," I muttered.
Jacob grinned. "You do. It’s on speed dial. I’m room 407. Right next door."
He started to turn away, but I reached out, stopping him with a gentle tug on his sleeve. "Jacob..." I took a shaky breath. "Thank you. For everything. You didn’t have to step in back there."