Page 94 of Fate's Unseen Shadow

“C’mon, Elizabeth.”

Her head shot up. “Matteo?”

He stood outside the car, his blond hair perfectly styled, teeth shining in a wide smile. “It’s me. Let’s go.”

Ella didn’t have to pretend to act surprised. Seeing him again, knowing he wanted her dead, still shocked her. “Why?” She sat up, knowing it’d hurt worse if they dragged her out of the car. “Are you behind this? I thought it was just?—”

“Me?” Walker headed toward her. “I told you. I’m only the delivery boy.”

“He’s been a great help.” Matteo looked across the hood of the car to Davies. “And maybe this time, Davies will finish what we paid him to do.”

Finish? How could he announce her murder with such calmness? Taking unhurried steps toward the entrance into her condo building, Matteo kept his hand on her upper arm.

“Why are you doing this? What is it you want?”

Matteo sighed. “You’ll find out. But first, let’s see your stepmother. She’s been waiting anxiously for you to get here.”

Ella shoved him as hard as she could, the surprise attack pushing him off balance and making him release her.

She ran.

Fast.

Toward the stairs, which was the only exit. Her mind braced for a gunshot to the back. But she heard the pounding of feet a second before large arms wrapped around her body.

The hard landing on the concrete knocked the wind out of her body and scraped up her arms.

Davies whispered against her ear, “I’ve wondered what you’d feel like under me.”

His soured breath made her gag.

He jerked her hands behind her back, tying them together with something small and plastic. “I like you tied up, too.”

She twisted around, aiming to knee him in the nuts, but he seemed to anticipate the move. He chuckled and fisted the back of her hair, dragging her head back with a painful tug.

“I think we could’ve had some fun.”

“No, she’s a dud in bed.” Matteo pushed open the stairs. “Let’s go.”

“Don’t do this, Matteo. Whatever it is you want, you can have it. Don’t kill me.” She was tied up, surrounded by three large men, and without a weapon. Her only hope was Damon. But what if he didn’t get there in time? Or if he got killed trying?

“Me?” Matteo opened the door, ushering her inside. “I wouldn’t ever try to kill you. I don’t have the stomach for that.” Pulling her tight to his side, he whispered against her temple. “Even though you sucked in bed, I miss having you around.” He kissed her cheek before turning toward the elevators. “This is bigger than you.”

Walker, silent throughout the ordeal, followed him. Davies brought up the rear.

“These halls have cameras, Matteo. They’ll know it was you who took me.” She twisted her head to the side. “Walker, you won’t walk out of here alive. You know that. There’s nowhere you’ll go that you’ll be safe. Do you think you’ll get some fast money and then go back to living in Charleston and running Midnights? Not a damn chance.”

Walker smirked. “He won’t even link me to this.”

“I texted him before Davies threw my phone out the window. He knows you took me.” She managed to lean in his direction. “He will be terrifying.”

Walker slowed down, his throat bobbing with a big gulp.

“Are you talking about the big guy? What was his name? Derek?”

“Damon. Damon Vargas. I think it’s only polite to know his name. Once he tortures Walker, he’ll come for you. He knows you’re behind this. And you’ll be next.” She tried for a smug smile. “I’m sure Davies will make it onto his list. I don’t want you to feel left out back there.”

“So dramatic,” Matteo said, gripping her arm even harder. “No one is coming to save you.”

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