Page 54 of Deep Within Me

“We’ll take care of the boy,” Zeke said to Diaz, knowing he’d only allow Dr. Munez to do so.

As though Liz had read his thoughts, she said, “I’ll take care of him.”

Zeke grabbed her arm. “Jacob.”

His brother looked over. Zeke gestured for him to follow them.

“Zeke.” Isabel stood. “I need to speak with you.”

“Not now,” he murmured, his tone respectful yet firm. “Later. I give you my word.”

He brought Liz into the hall. As they went down it, she murmured, “Will Isabel agitate the others into doing something?”

“No. She’s a good woman. She’s just worried about everyone.”

“You should have let me leave.”

Zeke gripped her arm more tightly.

Liz sighed. “I never wanted to come between you and your clan.”

“You’re not. You won’t. Just do as I say and everything will be all right.”

“You mean, like with my gift? I’m going to prove you wrong about that. You’ll see.”

That was what worried Zeke. She’d insist on healing Pedro or someone else, draining her life force, leaving him. Unless he chained her to their bed, he couldn’t stop her. She’d find a way to convince him he was wrong, when he wasn’t, which left only two other alternatives.

Have her father continue to pour his life force into her, not knowing if it would work or eventually be too much. Or have him and Jacob return some of the healing gift she’d given them when she’d seen to their injuries. Zeke hoped what they returned to her would be far less risky than the force of her father’s power.

“Where are you taking me?” Liz asked.

Zeke shook his head, not trusting himself to answer.

She looked over her shoulder at Jacob who was a few steps behind them. “Where?”

He didn’t comment either.

Zeke led her through the countless halls she’d come down then to the lower level, stopping finally at his bedroom.

“You’re going to keep me prisoner here?” she asked.

He brought her inside. Jacob followed. “Close the door,” Zeke ordered.

His brother did.

Liz looked from the door to Jacob, and finally to him. “What’s going on?”

“Take off your clothes,” Zeke said.

Chapter Ten

Liz didn’t move, not understanding Zeke’s intent. Apparently, Jacob didn’t either.

He stared at his brother, his face betraying his confusion and surprise. So different from days before when Jacob would have delighted in her nudity and would have demanded his right to mount her first.

Liz noticed how he avoided looking at her now.

Jacob went to Zeke and spoke quietly. “What are you doing?”

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