Page 51 of Red Captive

“Indeed,” the general says. “We can go back and forth on the final clause. It might take months to iron out. In the interim, I wouldn’t be able to send your mother any funds. Not until I had something in writing.” He leans forward and touches the document. “I’ll make the changes, and then I suggest you sign this. You need to meet with the rest of the candidates and then make your choice. Nothing more can go wrong. My brother, the king, is ready to pull the plug on this whole thing and then I can’t help you. I can’t help your mother or your brother. My hands will be tied.”

“I’d be able to go back home. The king would send me home.”

“Don’t get too excited about that prospect, Miss Harris. You would be returned to Draig Island, not to the Mainland.” My heart sinks. “It would be with nothing. Your family would have nothing. Your future and their future would be bleak indeed. Think carefully about how you proceed. All of your troubles could be over. Your family could be rich. Five million dollars is a lot of money. It’s life-changing money.”

The general leans forward and pats my hand. “I promise to do everything in my power to get your family here. That’s the best I have for you at this time.” He looks like he means it.

I want to believe him. I wish I could. What choice do I have? I have to take it. I have to trust them, even though I don’t. Not one damned bit.

“Make the changes, and I’ll sign this,” I say.

Both of them smile. The general positively beams.

“You’re making the right decision, Miss Harris,” the lieutenant says.

I’m not so sure. I’m not so sure at all.

18

Steel

Jen finally leaves the general’s office. It feels like she was in there forever when it was barely ten minutes.

I jump to my feet as soon as she walks out, closing the door behind her, but not before I catch a glimpse of the lieutenant. Those bastards ganged up on her.

“All good?” I ask.

She nods once. “All good.” She doesn’t look that great. Her eyes are clouded, and her features are pinched. I hope those assholes weren’t bullying her. After her ordeal yesterday, she doesn’t deserve it.

“You sure?” I narrow my eyes, walking toward her.

“We’ll be in touch, Miss Harris,” the PA says over me, smiling at Jen before giving me a disapproving look.

“Thank you,” Jen says. “Hopefully before the end of today?” She lifts her brows, waiting for confirmation.

“The general just sent me the requested changes to the document. It isn’t much work at all. I’ll have the contract sent to your apartment later for your perusal.”

Contract? There’s a contract? Probably a good thing. There seemed to be a ton of gray areas before.

“Thank you,” Jen says. “I’ll get Steel to let you know once it’s ready for collection.”

“You be sure to take care of the human.” I get another glare from the PA. “Try to do your job this time, Steel. I have to say, I’m not sure how you weaseled your way back or how you even got this assignment in the first place. If it were up to me…” She shakes her head.

“It’s good to see you, too.” I narrow my eyes. “It’s been so long that I’ve forgotten your name. It’s good to know that I was missed around here.” And pigs fly.

The PA snorts. “You weren’t gone nearly long enough, if you ask me.”

She’s so fucking sweet. Good thing I didn’t ask her.

“I hope you have a wonderful day.” I’m not engaging. It won’t help. I used to get into fights. Not anymore. It isn’t worth it.

I put my hand on Jen’s back for a second, steering her toward the door. We leave the offices and walk to the black SUV parked outside. There are two more, with males waiting inside them.

I nod in greeting.

With a push of a button, I unlock the doors, and Jen gets into the passenger side and buckles in. I get behind the wheel and start the car.

“What was that?” Jen asks. “About you not being gone long enough.” I can feel her eyes on me.

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