Page 86 of Blackmail of a Billionaire

“What?” a gruff voice answered.

“Please, you have to call my Daddy,” Sierra pleaded. “Whatever you want, he’ll pay you.”

“Shut up or I’ll shut you up.”

The sound of shuffling footsteps faded as the door creaked.

Julia’s heart pounded. This may be the only chance they get.

“Wait!” Julia’s voice cracked with desperation. “I–I–I have to go to the bathroom.”

“Hold it,” the gruff voice growled before the door slammed.

Julia startled at the sound before she let her head fall back. Her desperate attempt to seek information or find an escape had failed. She searched her mind, trying to determine if she recognized the voice. It didn’t sound like Kyle.

“Seriously?” Sierra asked.

“No, I just wanted to look around. Gauge our odds, figure out a way to get out of this.”

“Oh, right,” Sierra answered, her voice rueful. “But then…I’d be here alone.”

“Yes, you’re right. It didn’t work anyway, and I won’t ask again. I’m not leaving you.”

Sierra heaved a shaky sigh. “Thank you, Julia.”

Silence stretched between them for a few moments before Sierra spoke again, her voice shaky. “Julia?”

“Yeah?” Julia asked, craning her neck to glance over her shoulder.

“I’m sorry I was mean to you.”

Julia huffed out a soft chuckle. “It’s okay. And you weren’t that mean.”

Julia continued to struggle against the zip ties holding her to the chair until her wrists bled. Another few seconds passed before Sierra called to her again. “Julia?”

“Yes, Sierra?”

“I’m sick.”

Julia ceased her movements, twisting her gaze toward the woman. “It’s probably from whatever they used to drug us. Try to close your eyes and take some deep breaths.”

“I’m afraid to close my eyes,” she cried.

“It’s okay. I’m right here with you. You can close them, and I’ll keep talking so you know I’m here.”

“Okay,” the woman squeaked out.

“So, umm, I’m not very good at talking. But, uh, I…I didn’t love that red purse, so it’s okay that you didn’t get it for me. I only liked the color.”

“You’re an idiot. That purse was great.”

“Duly noted,” Julia answered with a bob of her head. “I also don’t have good taste in purses. So, maybe it’s best if you do the picking.”

“I have way better taste than you, that’s for sure.”

“I won’t argue with you. Do you feel any better?”

“Not really, but thank you.”

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