Page 68 of Diagnosis Attraction

Mrs. Vivian was back all too quickly, holding a coil of rope.

“Tie her arms behind the chair back. Then tie her legs to the chair legs.”

Don’t do it. Don’t tie me up,Elizabeth silently screamed, still fighting the muzzy feeling in her head and trying desperately to project the message toward the woman who was standing meekly beside the chair.

When Mrs. Vivian hesitated, Lang’s reaction was immediate and furious. “What are you waiting for? Tie her up if you don’t want me to shoot you.”

The woman made a low sound and hurried in back of Elizabeth, pulled her arms back, and began to wrap the rope around her wrists.

Don’t make the bonds tight. Give my hands some circulation, Elizabeth asked, not sure if that was going to do her any good. But maybe if the bonds were loose enough, she’d have a chance of getting free. Or maybe she’d get clearheaded enough to zap Lang, although she still couldn’t risk it when he was holding the gun on her.

The hard-faced man named Southwell, who’d already tried to kill Elizabeth and Matt, marched him out of the room.

As soon as they were out of sight, Matt started to send his captor a message that he should let him go. Before he got out more than half a thought, the man raised his gun and brought the butt down on Matt’s head.

He dropped to the floor, desperately trying to cling to consciousness.

“That’s for all your tricky plays,” the thug said, his tone understated. “You got me in a lot of trouble with the boss, and I don’t much appreciate that. You’re lucky I don’t kill you now. But I think Mr. Lang wants to talk to you. I’m hoping he gives you to me when he’s finished.”

He heard the tirade through the fog in his brain.

“Get up.”

When he was slow to comply, Southwell grabbed Matt’s arm and dragged him toward the kitchen. He was aware of being pulled across the tile floor. They stopped as the guy opened a door. Then Matt was being dragged down the steps, his limp body thumping against the risers as they descended into the cold and dark.

The guy reached the bottom, hoisted Matt onto his shoulder, and carried him across an open space to a small room. He tossed him inside like he was a sack of rice. Matt hit the floor and lay still.

Southwell crossed the room and kicked him in the ribs, sending a wave of agony through his side.

“You’ll be damn sorry that you made the mistake of hooking up with Elizabeth Forester. I’ll be back when the boss wants to have a crack at you.”

The thug closed the door behind him, leaving Matt dizzy and disoriented on the cold floor.

In only a few minutes, Elizabeth was tied to the chair, but Mrs. Vivian had at least done what was requested. Elizabeth thought she had a little bit of wiggle room at her wrists, and maybe if she had some time alone, she could get away.

Lang walked over, studying her. “I see the little social worker looks more like a prostitute. The outfit becomes you. Maybe as part of your punishment, I can let my men have some fun with you.”

Elizabeth fought not to react.

“You know, the way your hands are tied thrusts your breasts toward me.” When he reached down and cupped one in his hand, she tried to cringe, but the chair and the ropes stopped her.

He pinched her nipple hard, and she couldn’t hold back a gasp.

“What possessed you to get involved in my affairs?” he asked in a conversational voice.

She forced herself to raise her head and looked at him. “I couldn’t leave those poor women here against their will.”

“You’re a real angel of mercy.”

She didn’t bother with a retort.

“How did you learn about this place?” he asked.

Thinking she’d made a mistake by answering his first question, she pressed her lips together. No way was she goingto tell him about Sabrina. Oh Lord, she thought suddenly. Sabrina was in the woods across the lawn, and the guards were still outside patrolling the grounds. Could she send Sabrina a message? Warn her?

All that was racing through her mind when Lang asked his question again.

“Where did you learn about my private business?”

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