Chapter 236 The Hostage Choice

Katelyn’s POV The hotel wasn’t like the polished ones back home. Its walls were painted a faded cream, and the lamps flickered on and off with the unstable power supply. Still, it was safe, or at least safer than most places in the city. The owner was a wiry man with sharp eyes who watched everything with quiet calculation. He came to greet us personally when we checked in. His gaze lingered on Ethan and me, the way Ethan carried my bag without complaint, the way I leaned toward him when I spoke. His lips curled into a small smile. “You two,” he said in halting English, “he must love you very much.” Heat rushed to my cheeks. I opened my mouth, but nothing came. Ethan’s hand brushed mine as he slipped the room key across the counter. His expression didn’t change, but I saw the flicker in his eyes, a quiet pride at being seen that way. The owner chuckled and patted Ethan on the shoulder. “Lucky woman, lucky man,” he added before returning to the desk. When we got to our room, Ethan turne