“Oh, I hear you have a little girlfriend. I’m going to stay long enough to meet her, darling.”
Darian was about ready to tell a few guys to escort her out when someone tugged on his sleeve. He looked down and saw his beautiful woman.
“Hi, I’m finally here,” Larkin said.
He kissed the top of her head and tucked her against his body. His only thought was to get her as far away from the pit viper, Patricia, as he could.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Patricia asked.
Darian stiffened, and his teeth snapped together. Before he could have Noah escort her away, Larkin was shaking her hand.
Darian saw Larkin’s mouth drop open and pale even more than she already was. He wanted her away to find out what was wrong with her because she didn’t look well. He tried to grab her when she pulled away, pleading with her to walk away with him, but she jerked away and dove into the crowded room, making it impossible to see her.
“Larkin,” he yelled. Goddammit. He turned to Patricia and wanted to wipe the grin off her face so badly, but he needed to find his girl and explain.
“I’ll take care of her, Darian. Go get your girl,” Noah said.
Darian nodded, relieved, and tore after Larkin. He finally made it to the door and looked around frantically. His heart dropped when he saw her in the elevator as the door was closing, making it impossible for him to get to her in time.
“Larkin,” he yelled and then hit the side of his fist against the metal.
He pulled out his phone. “Hicks, Larkin is coming down. Get her into the car, and I’ll be right down.”
“I’ll look for her, sir.”
Less than two minutes later, Darian rushed out of the building. “Where is she?”
“She just got into a cab, Mr. Marsh. I tried to get to her, but she ran from me.”
Darian pinched the bridge of his nose. “Did you get a cab number or license plate?”
“Yes.”
Darian looked up the nearest cab company and asked about one of them picking up a young lady in front of his building. The guy told him he’d call him back after getting in touch with his drivers.
Fuck, the whole night had gone to shit, and all he wanted to do was cuddle up with Larkin and explain everything.
Gage and Brylee hurried through the doorway.
“What’s going on? We saw Larkin run out of the room,” Gage said.
“I’ll explain later,” Darian said. “I just need to find my sweet girl. I’m hoping she’ll just go home. Hold on.” He walked away to call home, to give Elder a heads up, and ask him to call him when she got home.
Brylee pulled her phone out of her pocket when it rang. “Hello.”
Darian saw shock and then worry on Brylee’s face.
“We’ll be right there,” Brylee said. She turned to him. “Larkin is at the hospital. The lady couldn’t tell me too much, just that they’re taking her in for surgery. She just said she was rushed into surgery, not why.”
“Surgery? For what?” Darian yelled.
Brylee shook her head as tears slid down her face. “I don’t know.”
“Let’s go. I have to get to my girl.”
Hicks got them to the hospital quickly, and the three ran in.
“Hello, I’m Mr. Marsh. My girl Larkin was admitted.”