Chapter 26 PURE FEAR
THANE
The moment the cab pulled up in front of the hotel, I barely registered it.
My head had been resting against the seat, one hand draped over my forehead, my thoughts spiraling out of control.
“We’re here, sir.”
I straightened and leaned forward just enough to confirm we were actually there. Not that he’d lie. Truth is, my head was just… messed up.
And I still couldn’t believe I had taken a cab for the first time in my life.
I dropped my hand to my lap and started pulling off my wristwatch.
I definitely didn’t have any cash on me, but if he wasn’t dumb, he’d know exactly how much this was worth.
A Rolex Submariner. Latest model. About ten thousand dollars when I got it last year.
Yeah… I was probably the dumbest person alive for handing something like this to a cab driver.
But I didn’t care. I stepped out of the car, leaned toward the window, and held the watch out to him.
He stared at it nervously and I could still see the hesitation in his eyes, like he wanted to argue.
But he didn’t. He just took it anyway.
“Thank you,” I muttered, straightening up.
He drove off before I even stepped back.
I didn’t waste another second. I turned sharply and headed toward the building, unbuttoning the top of my shirt as I walked.
In just a few long strides, I was already inside and moving faster than a tornado.
I didn’t care that the place was mostly empty or that some staff were still cleaning up. I went straight for the bathrooms. I checked every damn corner.
Rachel wasn’t there.
“Rachel!” I shouted as I pushed into the men’s restroom.
All six stalls. Empty. Dead quiet. Like a graveyard.
“Excuse me, sir?”
A staff member approached me. I scanned the room one last time before turning to her.
Her expression shifted instantly.
“Thane Adams?”
Of course. One of the downsides of having a very famous father.
“Yeah,” I exhaled abruptly. “Uh… the party’s over?”
She nodded politely. “About two hours ago.”
Damn it.
“I need to charge my phone,” I said quickly.
She didn’t hesitate. If anything, she seemed even more excited to help. She kept talking, something about how she couldn’t believe she was meeting me in person, but I barely listened.
I didn’t think I was that popular. Then again, Simon Adams’ name was always all over the news. So, I can’t possibly un-popular myself even if I wanted to.
We reached the counter, and she plugged my phone into her charger.
The second it powered on. even at just one percent, I dialed Rachel instantly.
It was switched off. My chest tightened a little as I dialed Noah's next.
Ringing but didn't pick up. The guy has probably passed out by now.
Thankfully, Tiara picked up and for the first time since I got here, I felt like I could finally breathe.
“What is it?” Was the first thing she said with a cold tone. I didn’t blame her. I deserved it.
“I’m sorry. You were probably sleeping…”
“I wasn’t,” she cut in. “So what do you want? I’d like to sleep now.”
I exhaled slowly. “I’ve been trying to reach Rachel. Her phone’s off. So I was thinking… maybe you could tell me where she is…”
I trailed off and inhaled hard, suddenly struggling to form even a simple sentence. I had no idea why it became difficult.
“You don’t care about her, Thane,” she said bluntly. “So tell me why I should tell you where she is, when I know you’ll just hurt her again.”
That hit harder than I expected. My jaw tightened as I bit my lower lip.
“Listen, T… I care about Rachel. I really do. I know I’ve been a dick, but…”
“It’s late,” she interrupted. “Just let her stay with Jae tonight.”
Wait. What?
My brain went completely blank as if it was drained of blood. “Did you just say Jae?”
She paused. Like she was debating whether to answer me.
I didn’t even breathe. “Please,” I said, my voice dropping. “Just tell me. Is she with him?”
“I don’t know,” she replied coolly. “Why should I answer you? You can’t control everyone, seriously.”
I dragged a shaky hand through my damp hair. “Yeah… yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry. So can you tell me now?”
“Fine,” she said. “Noah said she is. And honestly? After everything that happened, I think she’s safer there.”
“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath. “Noah allowed that? Has he lost his mind?”
“Look, Thane,” she snapped. “I don’t know what your problem with Jae is, but I’m on Rachel’s side. And right now, the safest person for her is him. Not you. I’ve supported you enough, and I think I’m done…”
I hung up before she could finish. It actually took everything in me not to slam my fist into the reception desk.
I swear… I’m killing Noah tomorrow.
I unplugged my phone and thanked the lady.
“You’re welcome.” She said with that same flirty smile I ignored.
RACHEL
Jae didn’t deserve to be caught up in whatever was going on with me.
But I also didn’t know if I wanted to push his feelings away. I couldn’t say a word.
We just stared at each other. Until… he pulled back, like he had already come to terms with something.
He cleared his throat and looked at me again.
“I don’t know if you’d like to take a shower,” he said. “I can turn on the heater for you.”
I forced a small smile. “Thank you.”
My voice came out quieter than I expected. With Jae… I didn’t really know how to act. It wasn’t easy being normal around him.
But at the same time, he didn’t make me uncomfortable either.
He leaned closer and helped me sit up, steadying me as I swung my legs over the side of the bed. Our eyes met for a brief, awkward second.
I quickly looked away. I thought he’d say something about it. But strangely, we both pretended it didn’t happen.
He led me toward the bathroom. For someone rich, it was… modest.
Mine back at Simon’s place was twice the size. Once he was sure I could stand on my own, he stepped back and let me close the door.
I finally let out a breath. I didn’t even realize I’d been holding it.
I stepped into the bathtub and turned on the tap. Warm water poured out immediately.
I blinked, surprised. I’d honestly expected some complicated control or remote for that.
When I was done, I reached for one of the spare toothbrushes next to me.
My right arm still ached, so I was careful, using my left hand more as I brushed.
Then I slowly got out of the tub. I thought I was fine. But the moment my feet hit the tile, I lost my balance.
Everything happened too fast. My hand shot out, grabbing the sink to steady myself.
That was one hell mistake. The pain that ran through my arm nearly drove me crazy.
“Fuck!” I cried out.
Before I could even recover, Jae’s voice came from outside the door.
“Rachel? Did something happen? Are you okay?”
I groaned, trying to steady my breathing. “I’m fine,” I said quickly.
Hell. I wasn’t. I felt like I was going to pass out right there.
“You don’t sound fine,” he said, his voice tightening. “I’m coming in.”
Oh God. No. I’m naked.
“Don’t you dare!” I shouted. “I’m nude!”
“I’m not going to look,” he shot back immediately. “Just grab the towel by the tub and wrap yourself. Can you do that?”
“Yes,” I managed.
The moment I told him I was ready, he didn’t hesitate. The door flew open.
And the look on his face when I saw him… It was pure fear