Page 17 of The Tower

He nods, conceding the point. “I can walk away right now.”

“But you won’t.”

Even in the dark, I can see his brow rise. “Why not?”

“Because you hate my father.”

He’s silent for so long I fear he’s going to say no. Then he says, “And what will you give me in return?”

“Information. About Reed Cosmetics. About any of my father’s operations.”

He chuckles, and his arm around me tightens, forcing my body to press up against his. “I’ve been getting that information for years without your help.”

“I—well, what do you want?”

He lifts his free hand, then traces my jawline with surprising gentleness. The touch burns against my skin like a brand.

“Everything.”

For a moment, I forget how to breathe.

“I don’t know what that means.”

“Does it matter?”

“Of course it matters!”

He chuckles. “Those are my terms. Everything. Yes or no. But hurry. They’ll find us here sooner or later. My money’s on sooner.”

Yes or no.

The devil who bought me or the devil who’s holding me?

“Yes.”

The word is barely a whisper, but from his smug, satisfied smile, I know he heard me.

He takes his arm from my waist, and I suddenly feel so vulnerable that I almost beg him to put it back.

“My car’s in the underground garage. There’s a service elevator that goes directly there. We need to move quickly.”

I nod, pushing aside my questions and doubts. Right now, escape is all that matters.

Grimm slips off his tuxedo jacket and hands it to me. “Cover up some of that white.” Once I put it on, he eases the door open, then takes my hand. “Stay close.”

We slip through the kitchen, Grimm moving with such quiet authority that no one pays much attention to us at all.

At the service elevator, Grimm swipes a key card and the doors slide open instantly. Once inside, he releases my hand, then presses the button for the garage level.

As the elevator descends, reality crashes over me. I’m running away with a virtual stranger—a man my father considers an enemy. I have no plan, no resources, and nowhere to go.

And no idea as to the everything I’ve promised him.

Well, perhaps I have some idea …

I shiver, not certain if the reaction is from fear, revulsion, or desire.

“Second thoughts?”