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“Sit,” she commanded me like I was nothing more than a misbehaving child. “You, however, will be meeting with someone else,” she said, squeezing my shoulder and staring at me in the vanity mirror.
I met and held her gaze. “Who?”
She flashed me a wicked smile. “You’ll find out soon enough.” Then she turned and walked out, whistling as if she didn’t have a care in the world.
Chapter Seven
Once my hair was trimmed and highlighted, I received a French manicure, and my makeup was applied. Afterward, I was taken to a dressing room. It sickened me that I was forced to select a dress to be “presented” in. Struggling to find something ugly and unattractive, I realized that wasn’t an option. The clothes offered were stunning. I was pretty sure at least half of them were hanging in Brynn’s closet right now.
Brynn. I missed her so much. Her sass, her laugh, her hugs. Would I ever have the opportunity to see her again?
Finally, I selected a deep blue fitted dress that flared at the skirt. I’d hoped to find something not form-fitting. Michelle handed me a pair of black Louboutin’s, and I slipped them on, towering over her by a few inches. I contemplated kicking her in the stomach, ditching the high-heeled weapons, then running for my life. It was too risky, though. I had to bide my time carefully.
My shoes smacked against the walkway to the white home with black trim as I eyed the area around me. The grass had recently been mowed, the scent tickling my nose. A large, puffy, white cloud floated across the sun and blotted it out momentarily. I spotted a row of smaller homes on the other side of the property and wondered if other people were trapped beneath them. A shiver shot down my spine at the reminder of my days living in darkness—naked and alone.
Michelle led me to the back as she held my arm firmly, digging her nails into my flesh. Fury boiled to life inside me and I imagined grabbing her weapon and beating the shit out of her with it. I’d decided a bullet to the head would be too good for her. Soon. Soon that bitch would get what she deserved.
We reached a door, then stepped into a dark hallway. I craned my neck and peered through the darkness, attempting to see what was in front of me. Michelle flipped a switch, and the bulb in the ceiling illuminated our path with a soft light.
My breath hitched as we passed an elevator. The house appeared to be only two stories, but with every turn, I saw a set of stairs leading down. Nausea swirled in the pit of my stomach. I suspected the elevator went underground, where more human beings were held. Black dots floated in front of me, and I placed my palm against the wall, trying to steady myself.
“Don’t pass out on me now.” Michelle ushered me into a living area. “You’re about to eat. I’m sure it will help you feel a bit better.”
I wasn’t sure I wanted anything—my baby. I fought the urge to place my hand on my belly and reminded myself I needed my strength. If I ate slowly, I might keep some food down. I had to try.
“This is it. Have a seat and eat up.” She motioned me forward.
“Holy crap,” I whispered, stepping into the room.
Michelle nodded to a table filled with fruit, meats, crackers, and cheese. My stomach growled, unwilling to be ignored any longer.
“Good luck.” Michelle gave me an exaggerated wink, then stepped back. She smirked at me before she slammed the door closed. I spun around and turned the handle. The bitch had just locked me in. Although I was thrilled to get rid of her for a while, my fears told me I was about to meet someone much worse than Michelle.
Searching the place, I spotted a crimson red, Victorian couch with two matching chairs. A fire roared in the fireplace, warming the space. Dark bookshelves lined the walls, and a desk was nestled in the corner. If I hadn’t known that whoever this belonged to also operated a fucked-up sex ring, I might have enjoyed this area as well as their taste.
My belly rumbled again. I reluctantly headed over to the snacks and spotted the fresh fruit. If I had pockets, I would sneak some back to the cell for Reid, but no such luck. Selecting a cracker resembling a Ritz, I popped it into my mouth. The crisp, buttery disc melted on my tongue, and I released a groan. Definitely better than any Ritz I’d ever had. I selected another one and loaded it with meat and cheese. I nibbled slowly, searching for something to drink.
Spotting the plates and glasses, I poured some water from the crystal pitcher. Someone certainly liked to entertain. I located a chair near the table of food and sat on the edge of it, alert. Within minutes, I’d polished off a few more snacks, then grabbed an orange. I desperately wanted to take some food back with me … if I went back. A part of me had just lost my appetite. The other reminded me to eat as much as I possibly could and take care of the little one I was growing inside me.
I peeled the orange, the juice sticking beneath my freshly manicured fingernails. My mind shifted to Holden, and I wondered if he was close to finding me. Shutting my eyes for a moment, I allowed myself to feel his arms around my waist, his gentle kiss in my hair, his full lips against mine. A lump clogged my throat, and I quickly popped a piece of the sweet fruit into my mouth. I couldn’t afford to fall apart at the moment. Not when I was minutes away from possibly learning who was behind my kidnapping and the sick shit show I’d witnessed. I wasn’t certain that’s why I was here, but in my mind, there were only two reasons. Either I was about to meet the person responsible for snatching me or the person who wanted to buy me.
Finally realizing there might be a weapon to use, I scanned the area. Nothing. No knives, no forks, no fire poker, no pens or pencils. I jumped out of my seat and hurried to the desk, hoping to locate a letter opener or pair of scissors. One shot to the carotid artery in the neck would kill anyone. I searched the tidy area, then tugged on a drawer. Empty. I tried the next and the next. Every fucking one of them.
Since my fingers were sticky with the juice from the orange, I made my way back to the table and dipped a napkin into my water, cleaning my hands. Tired after getting my belly full, I sank into the chair again and patted my stomach. At least I’d eaten, which meant I’d taken care of my baby. For a fleeting second, I allowed myself to consider what I might look like in a few months. Would I have a bump by then? More importantly, would I still be here or with Holden? One thing I was certain of: I couldn’t deliver my son or daughter in this shithole. There had to be a way to get out of here.
Shifting in my seat, I realized I could see anyone walking into the room. I rubbed my arms, warding off an imaginary chill and wishing for the nightmare to end.
The creak of the wood floors pulled my attention to the left. I gaped at the person who had entered, seemingly from behind the wall. Had they been watching me the entire time? Of course, they were!
I shook violently as my brain scrambled to piece this together, including how I’d gotten here and why I’d been singled out. More importantly, who was running it all? Who was the monster behind the veil?
“Hello, River.”
Chapter Eight
Unable to form words, I stared at the beautiful woman in front of me. Dark hair, brown eyes, cream-colored slacks, and a soft green blouse. She was stunning, but I already knew it the first time I met her.
“Hello, Catherine,” I ground out between clenched teeth. My fists curled as white-hot fury swirled beneath my skin like a demon possessing me.
