Page 123 of Ice King

“Why are you doing this, Hoffman? It’s obvious I don’t want to be with you.”

He sat down in his seat, looking at me seemingly bored with what I’d said. He was wearing a designer suit as if that would disguise the fact he was a real monster.

“You obviously don’t know what you want, Gigi. After all, I found you wallowing in mud with a goddamn animal. Disgusting. At least I can do something to ensure you aren’t touched by another beast again.”

“You’re the only beast,” I hissed. “If you dare try and do anything to Ford or his family, including destroying his career, I will find a way of dragging you to the wolves.”

He took the time to place his drink on the table, clapping in a slow and steady rhythm. “How cute, Gigi. As long as you’re a good girl, I’ll leave your animal alone.”

“He’s not an animal, you bastard.” I’d fought his advances, ready to tell Ford and his family what was happening when Hoffman had played his final hand in putting invisible chains on me.

He’d shared just how powerful his father and his brother-in-law were and how determined all three men had become in ridding the world of shifters. Including hiring ex-mercenaries as hunters.

The horrors were real and a product of Hoffman’s family.

My only bargaining chip had been to offer my life in exchange for one family.

That didn’t mean I bought that he’d leave them alone. I wasn’t that stupid. However agreeing to come with him and knowing their plans, I could take time in finding a way to expose what they were doing.

Who knew. Maybe one day Ford would forgive me.

“You are,” I added.

The rumble of the plane’s engines meant we would soon be taking off. Tears formed in my eyes, angry and bitter tears that left me as drained as the last couple of days. I’d seen how many times Ford had tried to call me. I’d used every excuse I had to keep him away, knowing that at least he’d be leaving town forthe big NHL announcement. That’s what I’d counted on so he wouldn’t go crazy knowing what Hoffman was doing.

Now I was just sick. So sick including with myself that I couldn’t care less about what happened to me.

But the bastard was not going to hurt my family, including the one who’d treated me like a daughter. Not a chance in hell.

“I suggest you watch your mouth, Gigi, or I’ll need to do something that you won’t like very much.”

“My name isnotGigi.” Without thinking, I tossed the entire glass of wine in his face and jerked to my feet. Before I had a chance to walk away, the bastard grabbed me with one hand, backhanding me with the other. The force broke me free of him and I tumbled over a couple of seats to the floor.

The taste of blood filled my mouth, pain exploding inside my head, but I refused to cry.

“You keep doing that shit, Gigi. You just won’t listen. When are you going to learn?”

He paced the floor while I stared at him, the man upset as if I was the problem.

We both heard the engines being cut and Hoffman snapped his head up.

“What the fuck?” He stepped over me, heading toward the cockpit and throwing open the door. “What’s the hold up?”

“We can’t leave, sir.” The pilot’s voice held real fear. What in the world had I seen in Hoffman? A wolf in sheep’s clothing? Well, I preferred the real thing.

“Why the fuck not?” Hoffman was furious.

“Take a look outside.”

Hearing what the captain had just said, I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the anguish as I searched through the window for what was going on.

There had to be at least one hundred people outside. Maybe more.

Stunned, I pressed my hand to the glass and whispered a single name.

“Ford.”

“What the fuck is going on? Stay here, you slut. I’ll be right back.”