Page 78 of Ruthless Intent

Mom: What time are you coming home? I’m getting ready for bed, and just wanted to check.

I gnaw on the inside of my cheek.

What should I say to her? I can’t tell her I married Zain, and he’s locked me in the room where Jason was murdered.

Me: I’m staying out tonight. I’ll call you in the morning.

Mom: Staying out? What does that mean? Are you still with Zain?

Me: Yes, with Zain. I’m at his place.

The dots move, then stop, then move again.

Mom: Are you sure that’s wise?

No, it’s not. But that’s something else I can’t tell her.

Me: It’s okay, Mom. I won’t do anything stupid.

I can’t stop a slightly hysterical laugh at that.

It’s too late for that. I’m so deep into stupid decisions, she’s going to need to hire a rescue team to dig me out.

I tip my head back against the door, and close my eyes. I’m tired, emotionally drained, but there’s absolutely no way I can sleep in this room.

I can’t …

I won’t …

“On your feet, Ashley.” The words are accompanied by a thud on the door that makes my entire body jolt.

I throw my head back, and hit the door. The impact leaves me dazed and confused for a second.

Where am I? What time is it? Who’s calling me?

“Move away from the door.” The cool, crisp voice precedes the door hitting my back.

I stumble forward onto my hands and knees, and push myself upright. I turn to face the door just as it opens fully, to show Zain framed in the doorway.

He looks at me, then down at the cell phone on the floor. He stoops, picks it up, and pockets it.

“That’s mine.”

“Not anymore.” He tosses a bag at my feet. “Strip, and put those on.”

“What?”

“You have ten minutes. If you’re not changed by then, I’ll dress you myself.” He steps back, and pulls the door closed. It clicks as he locks it.

I stand there, trying to make sense of what just happened.

Did I fall asleep? What time is it?

My neck hurts. My body aches. My eyes feel like they have sand in them. They’re gritty and sore.

I must have fallen asleep.

I use the heel of my hands to rub my eyes, blink a couple of times, then reach down for the bag on the floor.

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