Chapter 9. Painful Connection

BELLE

“Nine hundred dollars?” I demanded. “For one night?”

The smiling lady behind the counter of the bed and breakfast that Liam had recommended to me nodded. “This is a very nice establishment.”

It was also the only place with any vacancy in this godforsaken town. It was just great that it cost an arm and a leg to sleep here.

“Are the sheets threaded with gold or something?” I asked.

The woman’s kind expression turned harsh in a matter of seconds.

“No,” she snapped back. “But each room has two king-size beds, views of the ocean, a personal jacuzzi, access to the beach, and a complimentary breakfast every morning.”

“Is there any sort of exception that can be made? Can I make a tab and pay you back when I have the money?” I hated the idea of owing anyone, but I had no other choice. “Please, I have nowhere else to stay.”

“Afraid not, dear,” the woman responded, her tone feigning sympathy. I watched her study my appearance with distaste,