Page 26 of Vows From Hell

“The head of the organization goes by the name of Rapscallion. Only a handful of people work for him, but he takes care of us well. He has too many connections, all over the world, for us to get caught. And if by chance we do, he’ll get us out, one way or the other. That is, if we’re useful to him.’’

“I’m assuming you’re useful.’’

“Of course. He knew about me long before I escaped, and once The Terror of the Night was out, he wanted to recruit me, and he did. But let’s not talk about that; we have more important things to discuss.’’

A chill rippled down my spine.

“Such as?”

“That man, Kyle’’ — he spat out his name with distaste — “will come here tomorrow. Of course, he’ll come alone, and then you’ll have a decision to make.’’

All I saw was red — blinding rage. I stood from the chair, knocking it down in the process. My hands trembled as I fisted them and stared at him, half in shock, half in fury.

“Why the fuck would you do that? Do you want to get arrested?”

“No, I want to remove all obstacles, and right now, he’s sticking out like a sore thumb. He knows, Bambi.’’

I remain still in my spot, slowly blinking.

“No,’’ I whispered. “It can’t be.’’

Micah stood up from the chair and approached me, grabbing my thighs and lifting me off the ground. He placed me on top of the table, caging me between his arms as he stared at me.

“You’re smart. Think about it. No matter how successful you are, you’re just a professor. Why would someone of his caliber need you? Why would he fly you out to the same place where your kidnapper is supposed to be?”

Slowly, my mind started piecing the puzzle together. I did find it off how he requested me, but I was so desperate to find Micah again that I didn’t question it too much.

“He wouldn't.’’

“Exactly. Let me ask you, whose idea was to use you as bait?”

“Mine.’’

He nodded. “Not a single person, especially someone of his authority, would put a victim in danger again.’’

“That motherfucker.’’

Tenderly, he stroked my cheek, leaving his finger to linger on my skin. It was soothing, and the rage started to subside as I tried to think about this issue rationally. If Kyle knew, then there was a high chance everyone else knew as well.

“So, what are you going to do now?”

I was taken aback by his question.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…’’ He smirked devilishly. “How will you deal with this problem? Do you want me to remove the threat, or will you do it yourself?”

“Bold words coming from someone who reprimanded me a minute ago for killing someone.’’

Micah closed the gap between us and kissed the top of my nose.

“Let’s just say that you caught me off guard for a moment.’’

I ignored the tingling sensation between my legs.

“Did you outright tell him to come here?”

“If he’s smart enough — and sadly, the motherfucker is smart — he’ll come here alone. And no, I just left him a little clue, that’s all.’’

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