Page 52 of Hunted Vengeance

Chapter Twenty-Three

COLETTE

The soundof a low male voice wakes me up. I’m not sure who it is, but I don’t feel frightened in any way. I still don’t move. It takes me a moment to figure out my surroundings. I’m on a sofa in the hotel, still surrounded by carts of food.

“I love you, too, bye,” the voice murmurs.

Pushing myself up to sitting, I look around, and that’s when I see him. Theron is leaning against the kitchen bar. His gaze flicks up to meet mine, and his lips curve into a grin.

“You’re awake,” he mutters.

“I am,” I exhale.

He chuckles, pushing against the counter before he moves toward me. “You still hungry?” he asks.

Rolling my eyes to the ceiling, I can’t help but laugh. I ate a ton. It almost feels like a dream, but my stomach feeling like it’s about to explode is no dream. I don’t think I can eat for a whole week. I ate everything in advance.

“Don’t make me sick,” I say with a laugh. I open my mouth to ask him where Merrick is, but he begins to speak, somewhat answering my question.

“Merrick and the others had to go do a few things. You’re stuck with me as your babysitter until they get back.”

Sinking my teeth into my bottom lip, I jerk my chin in a single nod. I want to ask when we’re leaving. I want to get out of the city as soon as humanly possible. Like right now. I don’t say that, though. Instead, I bring my feet up to the sofa cushion before I wrap my arms around my shins.

“It’s all good, Colette. We’ll be out of here first thing in the morning. Lucille is anxious to meet you. She’s the only woman in the cockhouse, so she’s excited to welcome another woman.”

I open my mouth to tell him that I’m excited to see her as well. The last time I did was on their wedding day, and I wasn’t able to really speak to her, so I’m excited to have someone whom I can get to know. Although, I’ve never really had a friend before, so I’m not sure how good I’ll be at being one to someone.

There is a knock on the door, and I close my mouth, turning to look behind me at the suite door. There is only one door in and out of here, aside from the sliding glass door that leads to the balcony.

I clench my teeth together, my jaw tensing as I wait for the person on the other side of the door to be revealed. Theron doesn’t act the least bit concerned with someone knocking on the door. Meanwhile, I feel like I’m going to throw up every ounce of the gigantic meal I consumed a few hours ago.

The door opens, and I suck in my breath at the eyes that connect with mine. Opening my mouth, I start to warn Theron, but it’s too late. His body is practically thrown to the side, almost as if he’s nothing but a rag doll.

Scrambling to my feet, I take a couple of steps backward but become frozen solid by the angry gaze that meets mine. I’m not sure what to say, and I definitely don’t know what to do. It is very clear to me that he doesn’t want me for my body. This moment is about control, ego, and pride—nothing more.

Do I attempt to claim innocence in this in an effort to save myself?

Or do I admit my own fault to seem trustworthy?

He shakes his head once, and that’s when I know that it doesn’t matter what I try to say. He doesn’t have a single ounce of desire to hear it. He stalks toward me, and I wonder if I can make it to the sliding glass balcony door and jump off before he can catch me because I am not going to be taken alive. Not by this man and whatever sick games he has in store for me.

I refuse.

Now that I’m free, I’m going to stay that way—or die trying.

MERRICK

I’m notsurprised to see there are about a dozen cars lining the street where Adriano Bellucci lives. I know they are all at his house, too, which is why all four of us are armed with three guns each and two knives.

Because fuck him if he thinks that he’s going to get the drop on any of us. He can get fucked. The five of us unfold from the car and walk toward the front of the limestone building. I know that he sees us before I extend my arm and touch the doorbell.

It opens, and the guy who had been in charge of guarding Colette answers. “Marcello,” I state.

He jerks back slightly, no doubt surprised that I know his name. But I’ve been watching him for weeks, especially when my woman was taken and shipped off to some unknown location. He was one of the people I kept tabs on to see if he was going to go to her. He didn’t.

“I’m here to see Adriano.”

He jerks his chin, never speaking, which is fine with me, then turns and walks toward a living area. We follow behind him in silence.

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