Page 131 of Barinov

I grip the corner of the vanity and shove it to the side so I can check the back. It screeches along the hardwood, carving fresh scars into the floor.

Thirty-four.

Thirty-five.

I trace the newest mark with my nail before sliding it back into place. Thirty-six days. Cade’s trial.

“Guys, I hope you’re watching,” I mutter, peering back at my reflection.

“Wish me luck,” I whisper to Zeke’s red swan before pushing away from the vanity. Smoothing my skirt, I fix my face and step into the hall.

When I get to Luca, he’s—not to anyone’s surprise—lounging in a chair in the center of the living room. Perched on it like a king on his throne with his arms draped lazily over the back and his legs spread wide.

Luca rises and casually strides toward me, smile widening with each step. He reaches out his arm and yanks me into his chest, wrapping me up with no escape.

“Seeing you in this uniform again, my love,” he says, lips grazing against my ears. “Brings more joy to my soul than you can imagine.”

Well… don’t I just love that for you, asshole.

I pull back slightly and glance up to meet his eyes. “What is this about?”

“I want you to dance for me,” he murmurs, taking my hand and guiding me to the chair. He plops down and gently brushes his finger up my thigh.

“Just like old times.”

Old times, my ass.

He nods to someone behind me. I peer over my shoulder to see my brother holding what looks like some sort of small bluetooth speaker.

“Zeke?” I whisper, retreating a step from Luca. “What are you doing here?”

Luca grabs me by the arm and yanks me back into his orbit before I can get too far. “Be a good girl now, Izzy,” he rasps, licking his lips, clearly begging me to slit his fucking throat.

If only I had a knife.

“Come here.”

I look over my shoulder once more and lock eyes with Zeke. He gives a pointed look and a small nod before he turns on the speaker.

I guess it’s showtime.

Chapter 31

CADE

Fayetteville, Arkansas

36 days since Bella’s kidnapping

“Come here,” Luca rasps, dragging Bella closer to him.

The camera glitches for a half a second when she moves. Pixels drag behind her like a smear of wet blue paint.

She peers over her shoulder, quickly glancing at someone out of frame.

“Who’s she looking at?” I whisper, though I fear I already know.

“Money’s on Zeke,” Lex mutters, jaw tight enough to crack his enamel.