AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No, you just underestimate my determination. I tried to tell you, Marigold, I’m going to elevate you. You’re going to associate with people you only read about now; some of the most powerful people in the world. And you’ll be the envy of all because you’re with me.”
“I’ll never be with you.”
“You will.” He grabbed my chin so I couldn’t look away. “You’re spirited. It’s one of the things I like about you. So I’ll have to take my time. I don’t want to have to break you too quickly. But trust me, it won’t be a problem. I’m a very patient man.”
Brielle appeared at the top of the stairs. I hoped she’d raise a big frying pan and knock him out with it. No such luck. She just inched her way onto the loft, like a little girl who wanted attention but was afraid of making the grown-ups mad.
“Did you kidnap her too?” I asked.
Preston glanced at her. “No. I saved her. Didn’t I, kitten?”
She nodded but kept her lips pressed closed.
“You’ve been a very good girl,” he said to her. “I know it’s been scary, but isn’t it good to be back home?”
She nodded again.
“I told you everything would be okay. You’ve been very brave.”
Her face almost lit up and I could tell that not too long ago, that kind of praise from him would have had her beaming with pleasure. Now she seemed uncertain and afraid.
His brow furrowed and he pulled out his phone. Without another word to me, or to Brielle, he got up and started down the stairs.
“Yeah,” he answered.
Brielle stood at the top of the stairs, watching him. I waited, not sure what I should do. It was dark outside, probably late at night. Or maybe early in the morning. I had no idea where we were or how long we’d driven to get here. Even if I could make it out the door, I couldn’t just leave.
“Don’t worry about it,” Preston said, his voice hard. “Because I have it under control.”
He paused and Brielle looked at me as if to say she didn’t know what was going on.
“The fuck you are. Drew, when have I ever been wrong?” His tone grew angrier. “I made you a fucking millionaire and now you’re questioning me?” Another pause. “I realize that, but the risks are worth it.” He paused again. “Don’t. Drew, don’t fucking talk about her. She’s not part of this discussion.”
Were they talking about me? Brielle? Someone else? I didn’t know.
“They won’t… No, they won’t. I told you, I have everything under control so stay the fuck out of it.”
He got quiet again and I wondered if he’d ended the call. But a moment later, he spoke.
“Are you fucking kidding me? Damn it, Drew. Fine. No, do not come here. Stay where you are. I’m on my way.”
He came back upstairs and pocketed his phone. His face was hard and angry. Brielle shrank away, as if afraid he’d hurt her.
Her fear was certainly justified.
“Nothing good comes without struggle,” he said. “Kitten, I need you to keep being a good girl for me. This is Marigold. She’s special, just like you. I want you to take good care of her tonight. I’ll be back in the morning.”
“Can’t I come with you?” she asked.
“No. This is a big responsibility I’m giving you. If you do a good job with Marigold, you’ll show me I can trust you.”
“Okay,” she said.
“Just stay here and you’ll be safe. There’s a storm outside. I wouldn’t want my girls getting hurt.” He turned to me. “Don’t worry, beautiful. I know this is a lot to take in. This isn’t how I wanted things to unfold, but I’ve had to make a lot of adjustments recently. We’ll get through this together.”
He was absolutely insane. But saying so wasn’t going to do me any good. So I didn’t say anything. He went back down the stairs and out the door. I didn’t have to hear the lock to know we were trapped.
CHAPTER 35
