Page 20 of Devious Secrets

Kaz looks over his coffee cup at our brother. “You’re going to the art gala, willingly?”

Ivan frowns. “Don’t worry about what I’m doing; what are you up to?”

“Nothing good.” Kaz grins.

“Children. I’m shackled with children.” I sigh.

“Could be worse.” Kaz shrugs. “If there’s nothing else, I left a very naked woman in my bed, and she’s going to start getting upset if I’m not back soon to untie her.”

“Willingly tied?” Ivan asks.

“More or less.” Kaz laughs as he heads to the door. “Oh, I almost forgot. Last night’s auction brought in double the revenue than the last one. I’m going to plan for another one before the end of the year.”

“That’s fine.” I wave a hand.

I pull out my phone again, swiping the screen open.

“Is that her?” Ivan glances over my shoulder as he stands from his seat.

She’s standing in the middle of the room, her hands on her hips, her face turned away from the camera.

“It is.” I close the screen, shoving my chair back so I can stand.

“You’re good with me watching Dexter?” he asks as we make our way out of the room and down the wooden steps to the lower level of the manor.

“The man nearly pisses himself when I get near him; it’s probably better you do it anyway.” I have little worry he’s actually involved.

“I’ll chat him up and let you know if anything seems off.” Ivan slaps my back. “I have to get going, and you have a night of fun ahead of you.” He grins.

Standing on the top of the steps of the manor, I pull out my phone again.

I can’t help but take another glance.

This time, my little captive isn’t facing away from the camera.

She’s glaring straight at it.

I’m going to break his nose.

I decided to do it while I’ve been pacing this damn room. Time isn’t a concept I can apply here. There’s no clock. No windows to show where the sun is in the sky, or if it’s even out.

Every moment runs into the next. I’m just on one big damn loop. Even the room is a continual circle. There are no corners, no straight edges, and the door, an arched wooden slab, is locked.

There’s no doorknob, just a round wrought iron door pull, but pulling does nothing to move the damn thing. Pushing didn’t get me anywhere either. I can’t tell if it’s bolted shut or if the door is even real.

It could just be a way to make me think I have a way out when there is none. Maybe he just tossed me in here and will never come back. How long does it take for a human to die without food and water?

My bare feet make no sound on the hardwood as I pace. There’s a narrow bed with a thin blanket and a flat pillow. And a bucket, which I’m getting dangerously close to having to use.

I’ve beaten the door, stomped on the floor, and all I’ve gotten for my effort is scratches, bruises, and a broken fingernail. When he finally shows his face, I’m going to break his nose with the metal bucket.

There’s a rattling at the door, catching me off guard. It’s been so silent, the sound echoes in the small chamber.

Grabbing the bucket, I hurry to the wall beside the door. I have the bucket poised over my head, ready for when whoever comes inside. One fast swing, and I might get a good hit.

Keys rattle. A lock slides open, then a creak of the wood as the door shifts and finally opens into the room.

Shutting my eyes and using all the energy I can muster, I bring the bucket down.

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