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Lucy
I slide down the hallway against the back wall, my ears peeled for any and all noises. I haven’t been in cuffs for a while now, and since we all started having sex, and talking about feelings, I don’t feel the same restrictions I did when I was first captured, but something tells me Saint wouldn’t approve of me slinking around the house alone.
That said, I find more satisfaction in every step I get away with.
I run my hand over the mahogany chair rail, feeling the ridges in the wood that have been etched with tiny flowers and even smaller leaves. There is a lot of detail in this mansion that I’ve never seen in another house, though I’d imagine old homes in Europe look like this. I wonder if Saint had an Italian designer work on this place. The wallpaper is dark red and flecked with a gold patterned stripe that lays beneath the chair molding. Above it, is a dark red paint. The lines are dramatic and sectioned off by heavy mahogany doors and impressive wall sconces that sit next to each doorway. My plan is to wander as far as I can before I’m caught. I won’t leave, but I’m desperate for Saint to see me eating ice cream at the kitchen counter like I own the place. The little grin on his face when he finds me will be well worth the effort. Instead, I’m stopped by voices coming from the door closest to me.
I lean my head against the wood and try to listen, but the timber is thick, and the voices are muffled. The best I can make out is something about the British guy and maybe Dante asking if we can leave the mansion.
Why would he be asking to leave? We have hours left to get this Brit what he wants or I’m toast. I’m not sure now is the time to run.
I twist the doorknob slowly and let the door spring open slightly, just enough that I can hear more clearly what they’re saying. My heart should be racing when I’m doing this, but it’s not. Apparently, that’s the kind of week I’m having.
“No. This doctor is the best. We stay here.”
“And how do you think we’re going to force him into putting his family at risk?”
“She’s seeing that doctor tomorrow,” Saint growls. “Get Liam on the phone.”
Why would Saint call the Brit about my doctor? Is the Brit affiliated with him? Are they doing something crazy to keep me safe?
A rush of heat washes up from my feet and I push the door open faster than I can think it through.
“I don’t need the doctor!” I blurt the words out and stand shamelessly in the doorway, ready for my spanking. Though, by the look in Saint’s eyes, the cuffs are what’s in style.
“What are you doing out of your room?” Saint snarls. “Did you get permission to leave?”
“Why are you calling Liam? What does this have to do with me seeing a doctor?”
The men look at each other with this all-knowing glance that makes my stomach turn itself into knots.
“What the hell is going on?” My voice is strained.
Dante rounds to my side as he hears the emotion in my voice. “It’s going to be okay, bella.” He moves his gaze back toward Saint. “She’s tired. Let’s give her some time to think this over. It’s been a long day.”
Dante turns his gaze on mine. “The doctor Saint hired is the best in the world. He has won multiple awards; he’s operated on many wealthy people and successfully gotten them well. He landed in Miami an hour ago, but we just got the call that he can no longer do the surgery.”
My heart is numb, and the blood drains from my body and into my toes. I knew I shouldn’t have believed this guy could help. I stare back at Dante blankly, biting back tears. “It’s okay. I didn’t think he’d be able to save me, anyway. It was a fruitless effort—”
“It’s not fruitless,” Saint growls. “The Brit must have had his men bug our boat. We could’ve even carried a bug off the ship with us. He knows you’re sick, and he figured out the doctor we were using. From there, he threatened the doctor and his family. If he operates on you, he’s risking his life and the lives of his children.”
“So that’s okay,” I say, breaking from Dante’s grip. Suddenly, I don’t want to be touched. “I don’t need to be saved. I told you that already.” I knew I shouldn’t have let myself believe anything could be different.
“You’re seeing this doctor,” Saint snarls. “Luca, go see what we brought in from the ship.”
Luca takes off before Saint says another word. I realize now he’s changed out of his suit. The man does relax. I could really use a conversation about droids and stormtroopers right now.
“I should’ve looked for a bug after they retreated,” Saint growls. “I know this shit, but I’m distracted.”
My heart twists again. I’m the distraction. I’m the reason they’re putting their lives in jeopardy.
“I’m sorry,” I say.
“Don’t you ever say you’re sorry.” He stalks toward me, his gaze intent with mine, his thumb on my bottom lip as he looks down on me. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to us. I just have to learn how to think more clearly when you’re around.”
“Should I call the men in from the field,” Dante asks, “and have them move to the Brit’s mansion?”
“No,” I say, overstepping my boundaries yet again. “We’re not doing any of that. This British guy hasn’t attacked for two days. Maybe he’s over whatever he thought I did.”
