Page 111 of Pretty Monsters

We pull out on the road, and I can only hope someone inside heard the gunshot, and is willing to help Ted.

"Your compassion has always been your weakness," Damien speaks.

He tsks. "Trusting a junkie whore? Really, you should have known better than that."

I don't react. He's going to unload his plans whether I encourage him or not.

"The moment she left the club I knew you had her. I only had to wait for her to get away to set my trap. So predictable. A junkie always returns to where they know they can get a fix."

"How did you know I'd come?"

He shrugs. "Either you or my son. Neither of you like leaving loose ends. The moment she got away she used a phone to set up a deal, and my partner let me know she was on her way."

"Raven is already on her way here. Now getting her was a stroke of luck. I can't believe my son let her drive on her own. Doesn't he know she's never driven by herself before?"

He chuckles and I grit my teeth. My mind spins trying to formulate a plan of escape. Nothing comes to mind without one or both of us taking a bullet.

"Now, we are going home. I've got a wedding to plan. Did you really think you could best me? I trained you."

The car turns into a vacant lot, and pulls up next to two other town cars. I'm pushed out of the car, with his gun shoved hard into my back. "Don't be stupid. There's still a way you live through this."

Raven is dragged out of one of the cars.

"Sin!" she screams.

"Hello, daughter," he croons.

She stiffens, and lifts her chin. "Let us go. You can't force me to marry anyone."

He regards her like he would any of his possessions. Not an ounce of fatherly affection is present in his gaze.

"I will do as I please. You belong to me, and will finally be a benefit to this family instead of a liability."

She shakes her head, and I want to caution her, but he pushes the gun harder against my spine.

"No, I'll refuse."

"You won't," he insists.

"You can't make me get married, because I already am."

"How unfortunate," he murmurs, but his smile betrays his words. Killing me won't be a hardship for him, regardless of the plans he's made where I'm concerned.

"I won't have to wait for an annulment if you're a widow."

Someone steps out of the other car and strolls over to us. "That wasn't the agreement," the man says.

I don't watch much television, but I've seen enough to recognize the man as Governor Whitmore. "You've got your daughter, now give me my son."

"What?" I choke.

The man smiles at me, there's actual warmth in his expression, but I instantly hate him. If he weren't helping to separate me from my wife, I might have felt differently.

"I've missed you, Jackson."

"Don't let him take her," I beg.

He frowns, but I can see he isn't going to step in to help.

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