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“She was being held captive by Max Erics. He…” she glances at me, and I nod. “He had hurt her.”
“Hurt her? How?”
I say, “Winter, he hurt me in the same way that he hurts every woman he’s around. I believe I told you about his reputation when I came to you asking for help.”
Winter flinches. “Ari, I tried.”
“Did you? Because I think you could have tried harder.”
She’s silent before asking. “Why didn’t you call?”
“Because I haven’t had a cell phone since my father took it right before he locked me in the basement of my childhood home.”
A server stops by at that moment and asks, “Would anyone like a drink?”
Winter nods. “Whisky on the rocks, please.”
I’m half tempted to order a drink, but I know it won’t do any good. In fact, none of this is doing any good.
I stand. “I should go before I say something I’ll regret. Ellie, I’ll see you later.”
Winter calls my name, but I don’t stop. Not until she grabs my arm, spinning me so I’m facing her.
“I had no idea, Ari. You have to believe me.”
My eyes water and I look up. “I don’t know what to believe anymore.”
“You’re not with Max now. That’s a good thing. How did you get away?”
“I went to Kieran Van der Zee and asked him to help me.”
“Ari, no!”
Tears fall down my cheeks now. “He delivered on his end of the deal and in five days, I guess I’ll fulfill mine.”
“What does that mean?”
“He found someone for me to marry.”
“Who?”
“John Greystoke.”
Her lips part. “Ari.”
“It’s fine. He’s close to death, or so I’m told.”
“Let me talk to Midas. I’m sure we can figure out a solution—”
“The only solution is for Max Erics, John Greystoke, and his son, Clayton, to die. That’s the only way I’m getting out of this deal, and even then, I’m not sure what Kieran will do.”
Winter shakes her head. “This isn’t right.”
“None of this is right, Winter, which is why I could have used your help months ago when I came to you.” I shake my head. “I should go. Have a nice life.”
She stands in the same place as I walk away. Part of me is glad that she doesn’t try to stop me. The other side wishes she fought harder for me and our friendship.
When I step into the hallway, I exhale loudly. Jesus. That was not how I imagined my day going. All I want to do is go home and go to sleep.
