AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I blinked at him. “You know?”
“You’re covered in cuts and bruises and your dress is torn.”
I looked down to see that he was right. My dress was torn, and I had welts on my arm and legs, probably from where Rich had grabbed me and then when I’d fallen. “It’s nothing you need to be concerned about.”
“Not be concerned . . . ! Are you serious?”
I finally began to believe that he really wasn’t going to hurt me, and I stood up to leave.
Luc put up a hand. “What are you doing? We need to get you to a doctor.”
“What?! No!” My heart rate instantly spiked, and I started wondering if Luc was in cahoots with Rich. Had I walked out of the lion’s den only to fall right into another?
“I know you said you don’t like going to hospitals, but you’re hurt, and I won’t let him near you,” he repeated.
“No, please. Please don’t send me back to him. What do you want? What is Rich giving you? Maybe I could offer something better.”
“Rich?” A growl came out of his throat. It was so deep that I jumped, hitting my back against the door.
“Rich is his name?” he repeated. His face had become a vision of pure hatred.
“Yes . . . . He’s a . . . he’s a plastic surgeon at the hospital in the city. That’s why I can’t go. Please don’t send me back to him—I’ll do anything!” I started sinking to the floor again, my legs unable to hold me upright, fear once again riding my spine. I did not want to be under Rich’s control again.
A pause fell between us. I wasn’t sure what to do. Should I try to open the door and run for it? He did tell me to go. My senses were all over the place; telling me to leavenow, but also wary that Luc would chase me and lock me away. Although, the longer the pause, the less I thought he’d do the latter.
Then Luc did the worst thing he could have done—he punched the wall so hard his hand went right through the plaster. The suddenness of the action and the loud noise that ensued made me scream, and this time I did go for the handle and make a run for it. However, he was at the door before I could blink, yelling for Damon and Brent. Four burly men instantly came out of various rooms.
“Brent, escort Jill back into my place, and stand guard at her door. I don’t want anyone coming or going from the room. Damon, go outside and secure the perimeter. The rest of you come with me. We have a little visit to pay a certain someone.”
“No,” I cried. “Please don’t lock me in your room! Please . . .” But he didn’t hear me; they were already through the door and running down the stairs.
I looked at Brent, and his look of concern was somewhat reassuring. There was no ruthless need to hurt me in his expression. “Brent—” I began.
“Don’t try to run. We have to follow orders,” he said quickly, cutting me off.
My shoulders drooped. I’d heard that before, but if I was going to be locked away, I’d rather be at my place. I started walking to my room, but Brent put a hand on my shoulder. I instantly tensed, and he dropped his hand as if burned.
“You can’t go back to your place,” he said slowly. “We couldn’t find your purse, and Miti’s spare keys have been missing this week.” He seemed to tense up at that. “It’s for your own safety.”
I’d heard that before too. Giving in, I marched myself back into Luc’s room. At least I was by myself this time. Brent stayed outside and watched me as I closed the door on my fate.
Luc
“You two gowalk around the perimeter while I go in,” I ordered Bruno and Damon.
“Shouldn’t you wait for Brandon?” Bruno asked.
“He’s been unreachable all night. No, I’m going to find out who this Rich guy is right now.”
“Luc—”
I shot Bruno a look and pointed to the side of the building. “Go!” A scowl formed on their faces, but they obeyed.
Jill’s slip was the goldmine I had been waiting for. Whoever this Rich guy was, he would pay for what he’d done to Jill. Aside from Jill, I’d only seen one other woman who was so scared for her life that she would pledge to doanythingto save herself. I had vowed to my sister after we tore her captives apart that we would never let something like this happen to her again. The same would go for Jill.
I now knew without a doubt she was my mate. My one and only. And if this Rich guy had hurt her like Pac had hurt our sister, Sandy, he would be in for a world of hurt.
I was halfway to the hospital when I realized this was a bad idea. When we brought Sandy here, I’d quickly learned how protective the nurses were. It was comforting to see, but I knew they would never let me in to see Rich if he was here, as my anger was worse now. I stomped back to the car and met up with the boys.
