AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He glances at me, as if he’s afraid to tell me.
“Seb?”
“Kieran just texted. He’s going out of town for work and won’t be back for a few days.”
My heart falls.
Seb continues, “He’s left instructions. You are to continue spending time with Mr. Greystoke daily until he returns. When I asked for clarification on which Greystoke, he said it didn’t matter.”
I shake my head. “Seb, I can’t do that. Not if it’s Clayton…”
His expression is tormented. “Unfortunately, you don’t have a choice.”
My eyes water and I look out the window. Maybe luck will be on my side when we get to the house, and I’ll find that drawer in the office unlocked again…
* * *
Kieran
I’m running scared. I know it, but I don’t give a fuck. Greystoke wants to sign the contract on Monday, so I won’t be here on Monday. No, I need time to fucking think this through. And I can’t do that at the house with the source of my torment so close.
I reread Seb’s text. Ari was crying at the jeweler. He thinks the younger Greystoke is the source of her tears. My first instinct is to act. To go across town, pull out my gun, and shoot him pointblank. But that has consequences, so I’ll come up with a plan. One where he will pay for making Ari cry. But what about the tears I’ve caused? The thought leaves a heavy feeling in my chest as I go to my room to pack.
19
Ari
Kieran has been gone for six days now. Each day that he’s gone, I’m forced to spend time with Clayton, since John is too frail to get out and about. Sebastian does his best to ensure that he’s always around, but Clayton outmaneuvers him. I hold my arm close to my body. My sprained wrist is a parting gift from Clayton as he left the house yesterday after taking me on a drive to the city.Drive. My stomach roils. I guess I should be thankful he hasn’t tried to make me have sex with him in the back of the SUV. No, he’s only made me choke on his rancid dick.
To my dismay, Kieran also locked the door to his office and no other room in the house has a weapon. Even the knives in the kitchen seem to be magically gone.
A knock on the door brings me out of my thoughts, and I let my arm fall to my side even though it hurts.
“I just spoke to Kieran. He’s coming home today.” Seb pauses. “Ariel, he needs to know how Clayton has been treating you.”
I nod but say nothing. The thing is, I’m not sure Kieran will care.
“Did you find out where he’s been?”
I’ve created several scenarios as to what took Kieran away. Most lead to Jane.
Seb flinches, confirming my thought.
“He took Jane on a trip to Italy.”
I hum under my breath. “How nice. Were they shopping for the wedding?”
He doesn’t answer, which is an answer on its own.
“Any idea when he’s going to be here?”
“The jet just landed. If he comes straight home, he should be here by dinner.”
But Kieran doesn’t arrive for dinner. Nor is he there when I wake up the next morning. I leave his office feeling deflated. I rehearsed what I was going to say all night and finally felt like I had found the courage to tell Kieran everything that had happened with Clayton. Too bad he’s not here to tell.
Seb meets me in the hallway, a frown on his face.
“That prick is here to take you to your dress fitting.”
