Page 29 of Wicked Embers

I look around the room for my clothes, but they’re gone. Even my sneakers are gone. “Shit!”

Radomir’s voice cuts through the quiet. “Looking for something?” I spin around, clutching the towel tighter.

“My clothes!” I hiss.

“They have been cleaned and donated,” Radomir tells me.

“What?” My eyes widen. “You have no right to takemystuff.”

A knock on the door interrupts us.

“Come,” Radomir barks, looking at his wristwatch as the housekeeper who helped me earlier enters.

“Sorry, Mr. Molchanov I didn’t know you were here,” she apologizes.

“That’s alright, Tracy,” Radomir tells her. “I was on my way out.” He turns to me. “Please be dressed and ready in twenty minutes.” He swivels on his heel and leaves the room.

“I’ve sent the rest of your new outfits to the estate,” Tracy tells me, holding up an armload of bags. “I kept these back. I will order the rest for your closet in the penthouse during the week.”

“Excuse me?” I look at Tracy with raised brows. My heart has picked up speed. That’s not good. I can’t go to an estate. I need to stay in the city if I’m going to escape.

“Mr. Molchanov requested I stock the penthouse and the estate with your wardrobe.” Tracy smiles. “It saves packing for short visits.”

I hardly register what she’s saying. “What estate?”

“Oh!” Tracy’s eyes widen. “I thought you knew. Mr. Molchanov has an estate on the outskirts of town,” Tracy explains as she starts pulling outfits out of the bags and hanging them on a rail that mysteriously appeared. “It’s beautiful out there.” She smiles at me. “You’re going to love it.”

“Love it?”

“Yes, that’s where you’re going in twenty minutes,” Tracy replies, glancing at her wristwatch. “Speaking of time, you must hurry and dress Miss Dalton. Mr. Molchanov doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

I don’t give a flying fuck about Radomir’s aversion to lateness. My mind is reeling with this information about the estate I’m being taken to. “I, er, excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom.”

I’m about to storm out of the room when Tracy stops me. “Miss Dalton, maybe you want to get dressed before you go out there?” Her brow creases, and her voice lowers. “One of Mr. Molchanov’s men is outside the door.”

“Yes, you’re right,” I say, turning around and eyeing the admittedly beautiful collection of clothes. “What do you suggest?” I ask, pointing at the rack.

Tracy holds up a sleek pantsuit. “How about this? It will cover your phone.”

My eyes widen, and shock zaps through me. “You found my phone?” I whisper.

“Yes,” Tracy nods. “Luckily, I was the one restacking the towels this morning.”

“Did you tell Radomir?” I begin, my voice tight, but she shakes her head quickly.

“No,” Tracy promises me. “I understand that you need to be in contact with the outside world.”

“How much do you know about me being here?” My brow creases, and my eyes narrow questioningly.

“Everything,” Tracy tells me. “I’m Dolph’s youngest sister. I tend to get most of the top information.”

Well, that’s just great!

“Don’t worry, I know what it’s like to be trapped in this world.” Tracy’s eyes darken. “And wanting a way out.” She glances at the door. “You get dressed, and I’ll get your phone for you.”

She turns and leaves me staring after her, wondering if I can trust her, even though I know I really want to. It would be nice to have an ally on the inside.

Chapter 12

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