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“As soon as you do, let me know where he got all that money.”
“Yes, sir.” As he yanked out his phone, I felt more confident that he would watch her like a hawk. Maybe I was testing him again. Maybe I was a goddamn fool.
Only after he moved around the house, his phone in his hand, did I retrieve her from the passenger seat. “Come with me. Watch your step.”
Sarah lifted her head, taking a deep breath. “I can smell the ocean.”
“I’m sure you can.”
“Aren’t you going to remove the blindfold?”
“You’ve yet to earn any privileges, Sarah. I’d keep that in mind. When you learn to respect me and my rules, then you’ll enjoy the time you spend with me.”
She laughed, the lilt the same subtle yet beautiful chorus of vibrations, only this time hearing the sound made me tense. I guided her toward the stairs, leading her up each step in front of her. When we were inside, I removed the blindfold, waiting as she blinked several times.
“Where are they? Where are my babies?” she demanded once again.
“They’re here.”
“I need to see them now.”
“You’re in no position to make a single demand.”
She chewed on her inner cheek, before turning her head away from me. I wasn’t certain by the slight sound she made whether she was impressed with the house or loathing the fake opulence. “Come with me.”
“I’m not going to cooperate with you unless I know the babies are okay. Period. You can beat me all you want.”
Beat.
I’d never abused a woman in my life, and I wasn’t planning on starting now. Unfortunately, she didn’t know that and for tonight, I needed to keep her compliant while I handled Nico. Things would change tomorrow. I backed her against the wall, remaining within a few inches. “You need to remember where you are and who I am. I haven’t brought you to a prison, Sarah. I brought you to my house. If it doesn’t suit you, I’ll hire contractors to change it for you, decorators to make the colors work. I’ll purchase whatever furniture you’d like, but this is the only place you’re going to be allowed for the unforeseeable future.”
She narrowed her eyes, a slight smile curling in the corner of her mouth. “You really are worried. Enemies? I’m certain you have dozens of them.”
“My family has had several enemies over the years. This is no different.”
“Except you weren’t the chosen son to lead nor did you ever desire to. Now, you also have a weakness. Me. You’re vulnerable, especially with my father breathing down your neck.”
The woman was far too smart for her own good. I planted both hands on either side of her, her shackled wrists now a hindrance. I glared down at her, drinking in her essence. I’d thought about the fact she was an angel of mercy, capable of choosing life over death if she wanted to. I found that ironic given the situation. “Weakness can be found in everyone just like sin. It’s how you protect what is most valuable to you that matters. In matters of life and death, choices often need to be made. That’s something I’m certain you understand.”
Her jaw clenched, the fire in her eyes searing a hole in my heart, her hatred burning bright. “Death can often be the only peace.”
“But it will never comfort those left alive.”
“No.” She finally looked away. Why was I fucking with the anguish she wore like a badge of honor?
“I will take you to your dogs. You are to remain inside the house at all times.”
“How long? They’ll need to go to the bathroom.”
“I can’t risk it tonight, not when…” I wasn’t ready to explain anything else to her.
“When? What?”
“Nothing. You have some food for them and water. If there is a mess, one of my men will clean it up. Do you understand?”
She nodded, refusing to back down.
“Good.” I kept my head hovered over hers, our lips centimeters apart. I took several breaths. Then I led her toward the stairs.
