Page 55 of Cruel Master

“I lost the men that tried to kidnap him hours ago,” I defended. “And he was tired. I just wanted to let him sleep.”

Hadrian released Scarlett with a grunt of frustration. “Do you not know how many cameras are stationed around the world?” he demanded. “It’s not just CCTVs that you need to look out for. Get him up here.Now.”

I blew out a breath, and though I wanted to say something snippy in return, I pushed the urge down. He was going to help, and that was enough for now. “Fine,” I said, nodding.

“I’ll come with—” Just as Scarlett tried to make that offer, Hadrian’s hand captured hers and he tugged her back towards his lap until she fell into it with an oomph.

“Not you,” he said. “I need to make something clear to you, Scar, while she goes to get her miracle man.”

This time, I did roll my eyes. Ronald was not a miracle man—well, perhaps he would be if his discovery and formula made it out to the rest of the world—but to me, he was purely a job. One I needed to hurry up and finish so I could go after Jackie.

“I’ll be right back,” I said—not that the two of them could hear me. Once Hadrian dismissed me, they fell into their own little world.

With a sigh, I went back the way I’d come, striding down the rickety staircase leading into the stale air of the closed bookshop on the ground floor. Outside, it looked like the rain had let up and was only a sprinkle.

I headed for the front and quickly undid the deadbolt on the front door before stepping outside. With the rain slowing to a light drizzle, the world felt warmer than before. The nondescript sedan I’d driven here in remained parked on the curb.

Fishing my keys out of my shorts pocket, I hit the unlock button and popped the driver’s side door open. I was already talking before I bent down. “Hey, Ron, it’s time to wake—Ron?”

The passenger side was empty. I looked to the back, wondering if he had woken, found me missing, and decided to nap in the back, but no. The backseat was just as empty.

“What the fuck?” The inside remained untouched, and nothing had been disturbed other than the missing man. The windows were rolled up and unshattered. I stood again, and just as I turned my head, wondering if Ron had stepped out now that it wasn’t raining as hard for a breath, something slammed into the side of my skull.

I stumbled away from the sedan, slamming into the open driver’s side door before falling hard on the ground. My ears rang and stars danced in front of my vision. A somewhat familiar head of ginger hair appeared before me. It was one of the men from the motel and his face was crunched in anger.

“Sorry about this, MissPrice.” The man spit the name in my face as he grabbed my hair, yanking it back and causing a sharp jolt of pain to skit down the back of my neck. I cried out and reached up to alleviate some of the pain. “For not recognizing you before, but don’t worry. This time—we won’t make the same mistake.”

I struggled against his hold as he jerked me up from the ground, my sneakers slipping on the wet pavement. “Let go!” I yelled, flailing. I punched out at him, but he was faster than me and instead, he backhanded me—sending my skull ringing once more as my head snapped to the side. Last time had obviously been luck on my part. He was far stronger than I remembered.

“We only expected Ronald,” he said, “but when Miss Jackie heard there was a woman with him, she knew exactly who you were, and we’re to bring you to her.”

“Jackie?” I blinked as spots of white and black danced in front of my gaze.Fuck. No. Shit.Not yet, I wasn’t ready. My mind reeled.

“That’s right,” the ginger man snapped. “Don’t worry—you’ll be asleep for the drive.”

“Asleep? What—”

I didn’t finish my question. I couldn’t have even if I wanted to because the next thing I saw—thelastthing I saw—was his fist coming straight for my face. Then it was lights fucking out.

26

GAVEN

The Price Mansion had changed much since I’d last been here. Lighter, more feminine aspects replaced the once-masculine decor. Pale curtains fluttering in the windows. Rows and rows of flowers arching up the driveway. Perfectly manicured trees. The sprawling grounds were well kept—they always had been, but now something about them set me on edge.

Perhaps it was the added security and the faceless men who were unrecognizable that led me through the gate. No one I could name. I’d heard that Jackie exchanged guards like some women exchanged boyfriends. I wouldn’t expect anything less. She seemed the type to get bored easily. There was one thing, though—they were silent and unflinching and didn’t speak unless spoken to. Not at all like comrades but like servants.

That was never how Raffaello ran his empire. He ran it with fierceness and an iron fist, but he respected his men and they respected him. He was different from me in that aspect—he had men to take care of and I’d only ever had myself. Things were different now. Matteo got out of the car and followed me up the front steps. After what had gone down at the club, I’d called him and he’d arrived in record time. Now, the two of us were here, ready to step into the belly of the beast. To end this and bring my wife fucking home where she belonged.

No more running, Angel,I thought to myself.Once Jackie is gone, you’re all mine.

After the night I’d been unceremoniously booted from the place that had been meant for my reign, I hadn’t returned. I didn’t want to—not until I was sure it would be mine. Now, though, I saw little other choice.

As I stepped inside the double wooden doors into the foyer, I was catapulted back five years—when I married and was left by my treacherous wife the same night. When I did finally get my hands on her again, I’d tie her to me in a way she couldn’t escape. I’d break her fucking legs to keep her from running, and then—just for extra measure—I’d damn well put a tracker on her. Somewhere she couldn’t reach so I wouldn’t risk her cutting it out herself. I knew she was resourceful. She would if she really wanted to. I had to make it impossible.

I promised myself when I took my first life that this would be my world—and that I would do whatever it took to get what I wanted. Even if it meant taking from others, and destroying their lives, I would do it. The soreness of my hollow insides reminded me too much of hunger, and it was only ever full when she was around.

“Gaven, what a pleasant surprise.” I looked up to the staircase as the same stone-faced man who had let me into the mansion now gestured for me to extend my arms out to the sides. Another man stepped forward and did the same with Matteo. I raised my arms with a scowl, and Matteo followed suit. As we were patted down, my attention returned to the woman descending the stairs.

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