Page 163 of To Catch a Sub

Rolf sighed and crossed his arms. “It would be better if it weren’t premeditated.”

“Hypothetical murder,” Andrei amended.

Landon laughed, and fuck if it wasn’t damned close to hysterical. “I don’t even know how we’re going to get there,” he said. “Andrei’s car is fucked.”

Rolf sighed again. “I have a car.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Andrei demanded.

“Because you’d want to drive it.”

“What is it?” Landon pulled on a black shirt, only then noticing that Rolf and Andrei were both already dressed in dark colors. They’d walked in here prepared.

“A Bentley.” Rolf paused. “A plug-in hybrid Bentley Flying Spur.”

“A plug-in four-door?” Andrei shook his head in disgust.

“How many does it seat?” Landon asked.

“Four. Well, five, but not if they’re all our size.”

“The three of us and Colette.” Landon strapped a sheathed knife to his forearm, and hooked a second on his belt. “That’s perfect. Let’s go.”

Together he, Rolf, and Andrei walked through the club to the door. It was open, and full of people, many of whom watched them pass.

If this ever went to trial, there would be plenty of witnesses to testify exactly what time they’d left.

He didn’t care.

All that mattered was getting Colette back, and killing every man who hurt her.

THIRTY-SIX

Colette knew what she should do. How she should behave. She’d survived nearly two weeks as his captive before, and she could do it again.

Colette tried to take deep breaths to calm herself, but with the way her body was stretched and pulled, deep breathing didn’t feel possible. The short, almost panting breaths she was taking only amped up the panic she felt. As did the taste of blood in her mouth and the way her stomach rolled and knotted thanks to the blood she’d swallowed.

Breathing wasn’t helping, so she’d have to think her way to calm.

Yes, the permanent chain cuffs were distressing, but he’d most likely use padlocks to connect them. She’d used her hidden cuff key to pick a padlock before. There was no reason to let fear take over. Like before she just had to wait for the right moment to escape.

But as she watched Tonsure clean a long needle with alcohol wipes, she was afraid.

Not just of the pain she knew was coming, but afraid that it was already too late. That even if rescue came, she’d be permanently changed. Damaged.

It was that fear that finally broke her control. She knew what she should do and how she should act, but when Tonsure approached her with the piercing needle, she kicked him. He fell back, knocking into the other man who hovered behind him. They both went down, knocking over a table, the jewelers kit, and a chair.

Colette stared at them, horrified at what she’d just done—and the repercussions.

Damien grabbed her by the throat, shoving her back against the glass. The added tension on her wrists made it feel like the tendons below her thumb were going to snap, and her shoulder muscles screamed in pain.

He squeezed, cutting off her air.

How many times had Landon grabbed her like this? His command and control of her body was delicious. Never once had she feared for her life.