Page 57 of Into the Woods

With that, he disappears from my sight, and I take off to find Winnie.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been right with God, but I don’t let that hold me back now. Bygones, and all that.

Please God, keep Winnie safe and free of any further harm.

And rain hell on those who have lain hands on her with malice in their hearts.

Chapter 24

Delirious

Winnie

I tried to fight.I did everything I could to keep them from taking me. But I failed. Naked and terrified, I was manhandled through the shattered window by men who were at the auction.

I was pulled from Christophe’s bedroom and carried through the woods. Our woods.

I reached out, my fingers grasping for purchase, but all I felt was the rough bark of the gnarled old oak as I was hauled past it.

I tried to scream.

I struggled and tried to break free, but everything went hazy.

The world blurred and went foggy, after I watched them slide a needle into my arm.

I bounced around the cargo area of the SUV they dumped me into, but then…

Everything went dark.

Chapter 25

Disappear

Christophe

We parkat the edge of Alain’s estate and steal in, slitting throats and taking out everyone in our way.

Teague gives silent direction to my guys, and they spread out, clearing the rest of the rooms, ascending the stairs like the well-coordinated team I pay them to be. And I silently cover the distance to Alain’s study—my father’s study. Anything of value is always dealt with in the study.

Winnie is fucking valuable.

The only reason we were able to breach the perimeter and take out Alain’s security is because I fucking grew up here as much as in my own home. I know this estate better than anyone—the safety measures my father had installed before his untimely death. The escape routes and the kill switches—I know them all. My father was adamant that family—all family—be cherished and protected.

I approach the double doors, my Glock drawn and ready. I, on the other hand, am not prepared for the sight that greets me.

Rivulets of black mascara stain Winnie’s face, painting her like a tragic Gothic clown. There are times when a hint of fear in her eyes makes me hard as fuck, but right now I’m irate.

Alain has her perched on his lap; hands cuffed in front of her and terrified. He’s doing his level best to appear relaxed, leaning back in his chair, legs wide as if he needs room for a massive set of balls.

He doesn’t.

The fucker has Winnie spread open; her legs hooked over his. A slimy smirk pulls at his lips, baring his tobacco-stained teeth like a feral animal.

I want to kill him, rip him from this world and leave him as nothing but a stain of a memory.

“Good of you to visit us,” he says as if this isn’t going to end with his head separated from his body.

“Let her go.”

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