I tie my robe tighter and pull the door open a sliver. When I peek out, there isn’t anyone around. I close my eyes and laugh. Claudia was probably wheelingpast the laundry cart, and my mind went racing. I fix the towel on my head and venture into the hallway.
I move across to my bedroom, and then my breath hitches in my throat. Disappearing down the hall are two broad men with scorpions emblazoned on the back of their leather jackets. My mouth hangs open as the hallway empties again.
Did I really just see that?
Before I can blink, a hand covers my mouth, and an arm pulls across my middle. My back thrusts against someone, and panic courses through my body. My breathing accelerates so hard, I suck in the palm to my lips.
“You weren’t supposed to be here,” a voice whispers in my ear.
My heart throbs. It’s Dax.
An ache burrows deep into my skull. Why is he holding me like this? When did he get here? Did he bring his crew with him?
Dax drags me backwards with his hand clasped over my mouth. As he pulls me into my bedroom, the towel falls off my head, and my damp hair cascades by my face. With the curtains drawn, the darkness is both a comfort and a threat. My heart spasms, unable to determine if I should feel relieved in Dax’s arms, or terrified by this disturbing situation.
“Oh, Sassy, why are you here?” His tone is wounded as his hand slides off my mouth. “I’d never have brought them here if I'd known you’d be home. I thought you had plans all day.”
My blood pumps so hard, I can barely keep track of what he’s saying.
“You gotta hide.” His whisper is raspy as he looks over his shoulder, ensuring no one is walking in on us.
“Wha… Wha… What’s…”
“Shoosh,” he hushes, panning around the room.
“Why… Why are they here?”
He turns to me, smoothing his hands down the sides of my head. “I’m so sorry.” He looks to the side, targeting my antique armoire. He pushes me toward it. “In here.”
He opens the door and I lean against him, losing strength in my legs as my head rushes with blood. For a moment, everything is white.
He taps my cheek. “Sass? Come on, baby, get in.”
I blink my eyes open and stare at the closet-full of clothes.
“Murphy, Claudia, and the other staff are tied up downstairs,” he whispers, helping me inside. “They’re all okay. Just stay in here until your family comes home.”
My mind whirs with thoughts, none of which help this situation make sense.
“Is there anything small in here that’s worth something?” he asks.
I shake my head, not understanding. “Huh?”
He snaps his fingers, looking over his shoulder. “A piece of jewelry, or something?”
I flick my thumb against my bracelet, and a chill runs over my skin. I shudder with the realization he’s asking what he can steal. With fear fracturing my reasoning, I unlatch the clasp of my bracelet.
“No,” Dax whispers frantically. “Not that one. It’s your favorite.”
I shake my head, and my whole body convulses in shivers. “Just take it.”
He pushes it back. “No.”
My eyes well and I hiccup a sob, dropping the bracelet in his hand.
Pain strikes his eyes, and he grunts as he pockets the bracelet.
“Okay. Just stay here,” he whispers, grabbing the door. “Don’t make any noise.”
