Page 37 of Her Wicked Men

“How do you know they want to sell us out?” Thomas asked, his hand balling into a fist on the desk.

“They don’t like the unrest in the family. One of the guys in the office is loyal to our new order,” the man muttered. “They think Stefano is going to roll on us.”

“Only a few of those loyal know where we are, right?”

“Yeah, can’t trust no one these days. Once Matteo takes his place, we’ll rule the city properly.” Vincent turned to sneer at me. “Kill off that damn Slade family once and for all.”

I tried not to let any emotions show on my face as I huddled against the wall of my cell.

“What are we going to do?” Thomas asked as he leaned forward in his seat.

“Wait to see what Stefano decides. But Matteo and Mario are making their demands known now. That they want the Slade family run out of the city in exchange for her. If they don’t agree, then she’ll be bait. Gotta try the easier course first apparently,” Vincent scoffed as he cocked his head at me. “She is a pretty thing. Must be a good fuck if they’re this riled up about her.”

Thomas’ jaw clenched at that, but he just nodded as the man slapped his shoulder.

“Keep an eye on the little bitch, don’t need her offing herself and making this all harder than it has to be.”

“Right.”

With that, he tromped back upstairs, and Thomas leaned back in his seat, giving me an uneasy look.

“Sorry.”

“What for?” I muttered as I leaned my head back against the wall.

“For what he said.”

“You didn’t put the words in his mouth. Besides, it’s not like I haven’t heard harsh words before.”

“Still, it’s not right to speak of a woman like that,” he ground out.

“Can’t control what people say. I need to pee though, any chance you could look away?” I asked as I shifted, the pressure on my bladder becoming too much.

“Sure, I’ll head upstairs, find some food. I’m sure you’re hungry.” He rose and headed up the stairs, and I seized the chance to relieve myself, wishing I could shower and brush my teeth. That’d be much too big of an ask, but at least Thomas wasn’t an asshole. If I was going to become bait and die, at least he’d showed me some kindness.

I finished up and grimaced at the bucket of pee, hating the smell. I needed to drink more water.

I gazed around my tiny cell, pushing down the terror that wanted to rise up.

Being scared wouldn’t do me any favors right now. I needed to contain it and focus on getting out of here somehow.

Thomas was soft, not like Vincent or the others. He was my best shot, but I had to play my cards right.

I huddled back on my cot, the basement door opening after a few more minutes.

“You decent?”

“Yeah.”

Thomas appeared around the corner with a plate of toast.

“I’ll empty your bucket. Wasn’t sure what you’d like, hope avocado toast is good,” he said as he strode right up to the cell door and unlocked it.

“That’s more than I would’ve expected,” I admitted, my gaze fixated on the key he pocketed.

“I know you might want to try to escape, but I’m telling you, you won’t make it out of the building. There’s guys all through it,” he stated as he noticed my gaze.

“Can’t blame me for thinking about it.”

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