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She wipes at a wayward tear and straightens her spine. “My back is pinned to the wall, Arran. I don’t want anyone else to die. Tell me you’d have done anything different for your sister.”
Sarcastic laughter bursts from me. “I understand. You had a choice to make. Now I do too.” Before she can react, I snatch the collar from her throat.
“Arran!” Crying out, her hand slaps the red line on her skin where the diamonds sat.
“You’re free.”
19
SKYE
I’m free.
Only, my freedom isn’t the kind most people seek. It’s not a gift. And if it is, it comes wrapped up in a pretty death sentence.
Arran knew what he was condemning me to when he so harshly tore the collar I’ve been wearing for eight days.
I spread balm over the red welt on my neck, wincing when it burns. Barely a week, and I grew accustomed to the weight of it. To the way it touched me all day and night. A constant reminder of my indenture to Arran.
Now it’s gone, and, somehow, I’m not sure what stings more. The mark or the absence of the diamonds.
“Skye, are you all right in there?” Carina calls through the bathroom door.
I turn from the mirror. “I’ll be right out.”
After the disaster at the breakfast table, Arran and the other men adjourned to Luca’s study. It was Carina’s idea to separate us. Maybe she was afraid Arran would do more than tear off the choker. But he’s not the type to hurt a woman. In bed, sure. But not in violence. Though I’m not sure there was anything more punishing than taking his protection away when he’s fully aware of the consequences.
We came up to my room and I told her and Emily everything. It all just sort of bubbled out of me desperately, starting with the day Maisie and I tried to run and ending with the bomb going off. All the while, I reached for the collar that wasn’t there but I’d grown so accustomed to.
Mistaking it for discomfort, Carina gave me the salve her housekeeper makes and instructed me to put it on the wound to help with the pain. I didn’t tell her that it wasn’t the soreness that had me touching my throat constantly. I didn’t say that the thing had become a security blanket for me. Yes, it was a reminder that I was owned. But it also meant I was protected. Safe.
When I step out of the bathroom, they’re waiting for me, sitting on the bed that just last night, I shared with Arran.
I shake my head to dispel the images of our bodies entwined, him inside me. The last kiss we shared.
“Come.” Emily pats the spot between them. “Let’s talk.”
“I think I’d rather stand.”
“We won’t bite,” Carina jokes.
I glance at the bed sadly. “It’s not that.”
“Oh. I understand.” Emily’s blue eyes fill with compassion, and I can tell she truly does understand. “The enemy squirmed his way into your heart. Happens to the best of us.”
Carina huffs. “Fucking men.” She stands and grabs me by the arms. “You can pine over him later. Right now, you need to figure out what you’re going to do next.”
“Do you have anywhere else to go?” Emily asks.
“No. Besides, it doesn’t matter if I can find a place to hide. Maisie is still being held prisoner.” I worry my lower lip. “God, the place she was in was a dungeon.”
Tears well up in my eyes. Emily comes to us and offers me a handkerchief. I wipe them, only to have them spring again.
Carina moves away and begins pacing as she taps her chin in thought. “If you knew where Arran’s father was, you could get her freed.”
“Are you suggesting she betray Arran?” Emily seems aghast and intrigued at the same time.
“Betray what? He’s pretty much set her on the street, knowing she’d be a sitting duck. So to speak. I mean, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you want to, and Luca would have to give his protection or he’ll have to deal with me.” She winks.
