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“You’re really ruining my mood,” Jason hissed. “The time doesn’t matter. Now drink the fucking wine.”
Boy was he fixated on the wine. If I was drugged once, was he going to drug me again? I needed to keep him talking.
“Was Will really shot, or are you lying?”
“Dammit, Miranda! Yes, he was shot. They all were.”
“Then why are you here? Why weren’t you shot?”
He laughed, throwing his head back. “Because I was prepared. I knew the meeting was going to end badly. I didn’t have the money to give Mario.” He sagged in his chair. “Fucking Will. I never hated him. I just wanted what he had. I just wanted to be respected and admired like him. Fuck. Women always picked him over me, and I got his leftovers. Even you. We saw you at the same time in the club, but Will beat me to you.”
I sighed, rolling my eyes. “I would have never given you a second look.”
“Well, tonight, you won’t have a choice. Drink the goddamn wine, or I’ll pour it down your throat.” His eyes were wild with an evil quality. Like he wouldn’t hesitate to hurt me.
“Why? Did you put something in it? Are you going to take me against my will like the animal you are?” I grabbed the glass and threw it to the ground.
Jason was out of his chair so fast I didn’t see him coming, or the back of his hand. He struck me and I fell onto the floor, onto the broken glass.
I wailed in pain as glass pierced through my legs and hand.
Jason grabbed me by the arm and dragged me across the floor, through the mess I’d made to the closet. Pieces of glass embedded in my bare flesh, tearing it open. I struggled against him. I didn’t want to be put back in the dark.
“You fucking bitch! Look at you! Bleeding all over the goddamn place!” He squeezed the shit out of my arm.
“No! Please! Not the closet,” I screamed, but Jason didn’t listen. He tossed me inside and slammed the door shut. I pounded on it, wincing through the pain. “Let me out! Please!” My breathing grew erratic as my heart ricocheted against my ribs.
Will was shot.
I was drugged.
Norris could be dead.
Will could be dead.
My baby could be dead.
I collapsed on the floor, banging the door but weakening with each thud of my hand.
What if nobody finds me? What if I never see Will again?
I fought the guttural sobs building in me. Nothing else mattered except Will’s well-being. If he was okay, I would be too, even if I never saw him again.
35 Axel
I HADN’T FELT fear like this since I lost Jennie. I’d been too late to save her. I’d be dammed if I was too late to save Miranda. I cut my eyes to York, Scout, and Jones. They were deep in thought. Tessa was at the hospital watching over Simone and would update me on Will.
“Fasten your seatbelts. We’ll be on the ground in ten…”
I tuned out the pilot, keeping my focus on finding Miranda. After I’d left Cori, I called Norris and told him what sounded like a riddle about a shack that was perfect for a queen and by a lake not far from Miranda’s home. It wasn’t a lot of information, but Norris would have a few hours’ to search before we arrived.
But before SJI’s private jet had left the ground, Norris texted.
Norris: Queen Lucas Lake. I’m on my way.
A few minutes later, he’d sent another text.
Norris: Her guy friend is here, Derek. He’s a hunter and knows the area.
