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I grab a nearby blanket hanging off a chair and wrap myself in the knitted warmth. I need something to fight back the chills erupting over my body.
“You’re so damn self righteous you can’t see an inch past your nose, Bastian Irons. You want the violence to end, and you are willing to sacrifice me to get it? I’m not sure if that makes you a Saint in front of God or a demon at the devil’s side.”
Bastian moves to the door and pulls out a key.
Torment swirls in his eyes when he finally looks at me again. “Both are equally lethal positions, Lili Irons. Trust no one.”
As my step-father speaks, he pulls something out of his pocket. A key, I realize too late.
“What are you doing?” I demand in a rush. My stomach bottoms out because even though my brain is having a hard time understanding, my eyes know how a key and lock work without the middle man getting involved.
“Saving us both.”
Blood drains from my face. “Bastian, no!”
“I’m sorry, my sweet Lili.” He actually has the fucking guts to look torn about what he is about to do.
I rush forward but I am too far away. He’s already closing the door. Metal clinks and I’m locked in with no chance of escape.
I slam a fist on the oak, but it’s no use. “Bastian, don’t do this! Let me out of here, damn you!”
I hear someone come up to my door. There is low murmuring. Something about tailing and watching. Is he talking about my future husband and his crooked family?
“Keep me informed. I want to know where William and his sons are every hour until they are in my living room tomorrow afternoon.”
Bastian’s order to his enforcers comes through loud and clear. Why is he so worried about what the Accandis family is doing now? It’s too late. The damn contract is signed.
“And you, keep her locked in there and don’t let her sweet talk you into letting her out.”
I slam a fist on the oak, a jolt of pain ricochets up my arm and I simply pound again. I can worry about the bruising later.
“Bastian, you rat bastard! The next time I see you I will stab you in the eye.”
There’s a pause and I swear I hear a coloring of humor to what he says through the door next. “I believe you, sweetheart. Now get some rest. Tomorrow will not be easy for any of us.”
“Us?” I shriek. “I’m the one on the chopping block!”
“James, you have your orders.”
I mentally scramble for something that will make him break his oath, but all I come up with is black space. “James, you can’t do this. You gotta let me out of here.”
“Honey, the boss gave an order. I’m sorry.”
Me too.
“Damn it, Bastian. How could you? I trusted you.”
The only sound after that is my breaking heart and his retreating footsteps.
CHAPTER 3
LILI
The next morning the rain hasn’t let up. Thunder rolls over the sleeping Chicago skyline. Gray and black sheets of cotton stretch as far as I can see.
I turn and check the doomsday countdown on my wrist. It’s only eight in the morning. I don’t know what time I fell asleep but the sandpaper in my eyes says I didn't get nearly enough sleep.
Before my feet hit the floor, I replay the events of the previous evening. Using my fingertips, I brush at the tenderness of my lips. I can still feel the punishing kisses and the love bites to my lower lip.
