Page 149 of Anton

Though my head is still foggy, I’m starting to get clearer than before.

“I had to.” He places a palm on my shoulder, and I flinch. “It’s all right. Believe me, I only want what’s best for you.”

“If you want to help me, please untie me so…so we can talk.”

“I can’t do that, Penny. I know you’ll try to run, but you won’t once you know the truth. You’ll want to stay.”

“What truth?”

Nerves skitter in my stomach as I wait for him to explain what he’s doing. He’s obviously unwell.

“They don’t get to keep you anymore. You’re not theirs.” He says it almost to himself, his gaze growing more distant.

“Charlie, listen to me.” I force myself to keep calm, even though all I want to do is scream. “If you care for me, which I can see you do, you need to untie me so we can have a civilized conversation.”

He ignores me, pinching the bridge of his nose. “We are talking.”

As he starts to pace, I twist my wrists against the restraints, testing how much give they have.

“Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you?”

No. And right now, I don’t care.

“When I found out you were alive, all I wanted was for you to know me. That’s all. I’ve waited for this my whole life, Penny. And now that you’re here, we can finally be the family we never got to be because of them.”

Venom coats that final word, making his hatred for my family impossible to miss. But how far is he willing to take it?

I can’t let him hurt them. I have to stop him. But tied up like this, I’m powerless.

“Charlie…” My pulse stumbles as I pull against the ropes again. “What are you talking about? Who am I to you? Please, just tell me everything. But first, loosen the ropes a little. They’re starting to chafe my skin.”

He watches me carefully before releasing a weary exhale. “Fine. Just a little, and only ’cause I love ya.”

Relief crashes through me when he steps behind the chair and works at the knots. The pressure eases enough that I might be able to slip free if I’m careful.

“That better?”

I nod.

“All right. I’ve got water too, if you’re thirsty.”

“No, I’m fine. But where exactly are we? Can you at least tell me that?”

He considers the question, his eyes narrowing before a grin spreads across his face. “We’re on the farm. Well…underneath it, anyway.”

A sharp breath snags in my chest.

“It’s a few miles from the house, and none of you had any idea I was building this bunker.” His grin sends nausea rolling through my stomach. “I knew once everyone realized you were missing, they’d search everywhere except here. Then, after they give up, I’ll take you away.”

“My family will never stop looking, and neither will Anton. We might need a different plan.”

He laughs. “I know what you’re trying to do. You’re smart, you know that?”

Shit. I’m terrible at this.

“No, I mean it. I don’t want anything to happen to you. You’re my brother.”

The word makes me lightheaded all over again, but it’s the only explanation that makes sense.