Racing Heart/Chapter 4

***Spoiler warning:** Spoilers ahead. Proceed at your own discretion.*

## Overview

Claudia was snuggled up in Jeremy’s loving arms as they watched Die Hard for the third time, one of Claudia’s favorite films. They had numerous bowls of popcorn, a few pieces of which Teddy had eaten. The big Australian shepherd was nestled in Claudia’s lap, snoring peacefully as the night wore on.

But soon there was a rapping at the door.

Jeremy got up to answer, and standing in the doorway was Tyler and his right hand man Tristan. “Dude,” he began, gasping for air. He must’ve ran all the way here. “Kato’s looking for the stash. You gotta move it.”

Claudia hugged Teddy to her chest, now fully awake. “Is he coming for it right now?”

Tyler nodded, but the look behind his eyes told a different story.
Jeremy noticed it too. “Tyler. What is it?”

“He’s looking for her too.”

My blood ran cold as I hugged Teddy tighter. Sensing my fear, he began to growl and jumped off my lap to take his place by my boyfriend’s side.

“What do you mean he’s looking for her?” Jeremy demanded. “Claudia?”

Tyler was quiet.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck! And you just now tell me this?!” He roared.

“Listen dude, I just found out! I wish I could’ve warned you earlier! But we have bigger things to worry about, like getting her and the heroin the fuck outta here,” Tyler snapped.

Jeremy grimaced. “Fine.” He walked over to me and scooped me up in his arms, holding me to his chest. “Tyler, get the heroin and bury it in the flowerbed in the backyard. I’ll get her to Sunset Hotel ASAP,” he ordered.

“But-“

“No buts. Do as I say and he won’t find either of them,” Jeremy said icily. Tyler went to my room, followed by Tristan.

“Can Teddy come? Please?” I asked. “He can be our extra backup.”

Jeremy smiled sweetly at me. “Sure, babe,” he said, and then kissed my forehead. “Claudia, Teddy and I will protect you, don’t you worry.”

Despite his reassurance, I whimpered and pressed my head to his chest. “What if Kato finds me?” My voice was small.

Jeremy tightened his grip on me. “He won’t. I’ll make sure of it. And if he does he’ll have to go through me,” he growled.

Once we arrived at the hotel, Jeremy scooped me up from the backseat and ran with me in, followed by a defensive Teddy. “A room, please?” Jeremy asked the receptionist quickly, thrusting his free hand out holding his card.

“Enjoy your stay,” the receptionist said as we raced into the elevator to get to our floor. Chest heaving, Jeremy punched in the floor number and we started moving.

Finally, we reached our floor, Level 3. Once we got to our room, Teddy let out a warning bark. “Shit fuck,” Jeremy cursed, fumbling with the keys and jamming them into the door as he unlocked it. Setting me on the bed, he kissed my forehead. “Stay safe, baby. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure he doesn’t get to you,” he said sweetly, running out of the room and locking the door behind him.

I hugged one of the plaid pillows tightly and whimpered again. I hope to God Kato doesn’t find me, I thought nervously.

Teddy jumped up onto the king bed to comfort me, licking my face, making me laugh. “Thanks Teddy boy,” I giggled, pulling him into a hug.

Jeremy’s POV