Page 26 of Back In the Shadows

I silently agreed. “Bass?” My voice cracked. “Hi, baby.”

“Ella. I’m trying, honey. I’m trying.”

“I know you are. I’m so sorry.”

“Why in god’s name would you apologize? I’m afraid it’s my fault that you’re … wherever you are.”

In order not to start blurting out more details about my surroundings, I shifted the conversation. “Are the babies okay?” If we talked about the kids, maybe it would reach Xavier on some level, and he would let me go.

“They miss their mom, as do I.” Sebastian’s voice was tight, and I knew him well enough to realize he was fighting back tears.

I glanced at my captor. “I don’t have any idea of who or why.”

“It’s all right. Just stay safe.”

With that, Xavier picked up the cell and tapped the screen before he held it to his ear. “Here’s your next clue.” He waited and then he spoke again. “Bound by threads invisible, yet tighter than steel, I’m a puzzle wrapped in shadows, what secrets do I conceal? Count the heartbeats, measure the breaths, herfate dances on the edge of depth.” Xavier’s high-pitched laugh echoed through the room, then he hung up. His gaze drifted to me. “Poor Ella, Death doesn’t want to come out and play.” He tsked while he slipped his phone back into his pocket. If I could reach it without him noticing, I could tap the redial button and call Sebastian … but what would I tell him? I had no idea where I was. Regardless, it was the only plan I had until I found the door that led out of this hellhole.

“Come, come.” Xavier stood and held his hand out to me. “Oh, wait. I have to untie you.” He laughed as if it were the best joke he’d ever told.

“Since you gave your word and didn’t give Sebastian any more clues to where you were … I’ll leave the ropes off, but first.” He turned his back to me and strolled over to one of the kitchen drawers. He opened it and retrieved a pistol. The sound of the safety reached my ears. “Locked and loaded, so don’t try anything. Even when you can’t see my gun, it’s always near me. Keep that in mind.” His voice was low, threatening. “I would hate to have to shoot you. It messes up the taxidermy.”

My heart hammered against my ribs. “I won’t give you a chance to shoot me. I promise.”

He studied me momentarily before he strolled in my direction, then untied my wrists and feet. I groaned as I rubbed my arms and legs, hoping they would wake up before I had to walk wherever we were going. Xavier waited patiently for me to stand, then he held out his hand again. I briefly hesitated and then I placed mine in his, imagining it was Sebastian instead. I hoped like hell it helped me get through this nightmare.

He led me over to the couch and grabbed the remote off a little side table I hadn’t noticed earlier. A loud bang sounded, then light spilled down a set of stairs the darkness had been hiding.

“Xavier!” A deep voice called. “Now.”

“No, no. It’s date night,” he called back.

Heavy footsteps traveled down the stairs and closer to us. “Boss isn’t asking. He said now. Take care of her, then meet me outside.”

The door. That’s the path to my freedom. My heart jumped with hope as my mind began to form a plan. But there was an additional problem. Xavier wasn’t alone. I just wasn’t sure if there were men guarding the outside or if they’d just stopped by to tell him his boss wanted a meeting.

“Don’t be sad, Ella McCloud Fletcher. We will have our date when I come back.”

Before I could brace myself, he kissed me again. “In the cage. Hurry, hurry. I can’t be late, or the boss will be angry. That’s very bad.”

I hurried toward the glass cell and crawled back in, checking for spiders as he secured me inside.

He briefly stared at me before he said, “You look tired. Be right back.”

I frowned as I watched him hurry off. A minute later, he returned with a yellow, dingy pillow. He unlocked the container and handed it to me. “Sweet dreams. I’ll see you soon.”

I took the pillow and hugged it to my chest, grateful for a softer place to lay my head. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed one along with the comfort of my bed until I’d landed in this shitty hell hole. My gaze traveled to his, and for the first time since I’d been here, my words were genuine. “Thank you, Xavier. This means a lot to me.”

His expression softened. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He stepped away, my attention trained on him as he hurried across the small room to the hidden staircase. Light and fresh air spilled in as he opened the door, then closed it behind him. The moment he was gone, my mind started to spin with ways to get his gun, shoot him, and then run. If there were more peoplewaiting outside, then at least I could kill them and ask questions later.

I lay down on the cold cement floor and slipped the pillow under my head. The stench didn’t bother me, but I wondered if the man knew how to use a washing machine. If he had one, maybe I could work my way into his heart if I offered to do his laundry. Maybe his walls would crumble if I gave him what he’d apparently never had before—care and love.

I wasn’t sure how long I’d slept, but the sound of the door creaking woke me. After what must have been my third day in this hell, strange footsteps traveled down the stairs and closer to me. Sitting up, I waited to see Xavier appear from the staircase, but small black boots caught the edge of my eye, and I glanced up. My mouth gaped open at the sight in front of me.

“What the fuck?” the young, blonde-haired woman said as she stared at me wide eyed.

14

SEBASTIAN

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