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“I’m not sure I see an advantage in it for us. Why would we have any interest in participating?”
Mason’s smile was smarmy and left Gavin feeling gross just listening to him. “I believe you’ll find that the network can offer you more opportunities than you could ever imagine.”
“Hmm.”
Gray stood. “We’ll consider your offer.”
Gavin joined him at the door. All three of them knew they had far more to offer then they would get in return, but they’d keep playing the game. At least until their sister was home safe and sound. Preferably under lock and key. He hoped their father never let the girl out of his sight again.
Masonpulledupoutsideof the rustic cabin. He had to admit it was genius for Philip to use an FBI safe house to secure the packages. He chuckled at the G-man’s terminology for the ladies. In terms of beauty, they were appealing packages indeed, but they would get their just reward for their insolence.
He greeted a man at the door, flashing the fake government identification Philip had overnighted to him. “I’ll take them from here. Thanks.” He shook the man’s hand, and watched until he got in his government issued car and drove away. Nothing like having the feds secure your property and return it to you unharmed. He might even believe his tax dollars were going to good use this year.
Swinging the door open, he grinned at the girls sitting cross-legged on the bed in the plain blue cotton sundresses he’d provided only days earlier.
Vanessa’s eyes widened, and she slid further back on the bed as if to escape him. He narrowed his eyes and studied the grime on her clothing. “Since you’ve shown that you don’t appreciate nice things, perhaps I’ll take back that dress.”
“No.”
“Dare you talk back?”
She closed her mouth and remained silent.
“Did you honestly think I would let my ownwifewalk out the door without a backward glance? How could you not have realized that I would come for you? You belong to me. The vows you made before God to obey me and remain by my side are sacred. They will be honored whether you wish them to be or not.”
“Get in the shower.”
He waited until she returned to the room only minutes later once again clothed in the filthy dress. “I brought you each clean clothing, but whether you’ll get to keep it once we return to the manor remains to be seen. Perhaps I’ll let Warden decide. I imagine you’ll be less likely to runaway without it.” He watched his wife shudder. Perfect. Let her wonder about his intentions. A healthy sense of fear would do her some good.
He used the pen in his suit pocket to lift the strap of his wife’s filthy garment. “I imagine it was quite cold last night with nothing but a thin cotton dress.” He tucked the pen back into his pocket and pulled her legs out from under her. “What’s this? You cut yourself?” He shook his head. “It seems you injured yourself running around the woods barefoot. Solitary confinement in separate rooms in the bomb shelter should help you learn your place.”
The only answer was silence. His wife tucked her feet back under her, and stayed quiet. Good girl. Maybe he’d let her off the hook early if she continued to hold her tongue.
“And you, Miss Emmaline. Your new husband is awaiting his bride. The ceremony will take on Saturday night. I should probably push it back a week to be sure you’ve been punished for a suitable length of time before your nuptials, but I want you out from under my roof. I can no longer stand the sight of you.”
Chapter Thirty
Gavinpushedhislaptopclosed. He’d been staring at it for two hours, but he was no closer to finding out who the members of the Continental Alliance were. Perhaps the only way to get a membership list was to accept Mason’s invitation. On the surface, at least. They would be joining as a ploy to gain information, with absolutely no intention of helping the secret society. Of course, he was no idiot, he knew there would be some sort of initiation, whether it was financial, illegal, or immoral, there would be a means of testing them.
He headed down to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat. The sound of Grayson and Jenna’s laughter filtered out to him before he reached them. They were as in love today as they were when they’d wed. He envied his brother. It would be a dream to have that kind of easy relationship with a woman. A true partnership. Most women wanted him for his money. But even the ones who didn’t know he had money weren’t looking for a serious relationship. Too many were in it for the game. Three days had to pass before it was okay for you to call them after a date. And then they would ignore you, so you’d want them more. It was tiresome, and he wanted no parts of it.
Samantha seemed different, but she wasn’t willing to take a chance on him. He could be convincing when he tried, but didn’t know if pressuring her was the right move. Yes, she liked him. If he had to guess, he’d say she liked him nearly as much as he did her, but he couldn’t force her to admit it, so he’d wait her out. Felt a little like a game, but he was at a loss for what else to do.
The laughter died down when Grayson’s cell rang. Gavin stepped into the room and took a seat at the breakfast bar. He grinned at his sister-in-law. “You two are like newlyweds.”
“We are, aren’t we?” Her eyes twinkled.
“I’m glad you found each other.”
“I’ve been watching you and Samantha together. Are wedding bells in your future?”
“Not if she can help it.”
“But you’re smitten with her?”
He shook his head. “I’ll admit nothing.”
Gray cleared his throat. “That was Judge Swisher.”
