Page 71 of Jump or Fall
“I’m sorry, sir.” Her stomach clenched. “I just thought a car was following me.”
“It was.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re mine now.”
“Wh–”
A hand clamped over her mouth, and an arm wrapped around her body, restraining her. She thrashed against the person, struggling to free herself.
“Come on,” he drawled. “Everything will be a lot easier if you cooperate.”
She tried to bite the hand over her mouth, but the man holding her spat, “Don’t you fucking dare, bitch.”
“Max, be a gentleman.”
Panic surged through her. Even if she broke free, who could she call? The enforcers wouldn’t touch a Silver, much less a government official. He also knew where she worked—where shelived.
It was useless.
She fought every instinct telling her to get away and stopped resisting.
“Good girl. Get in the car.”
Mara obeyed and watched the city pass through the window, trying to map their route in her head. Within minutes, she lost track, unable to focus with his cold gaze moving over every curve of her body.
Would Lukas look for her? She hadn’t been able to reply before she noticed the car. If this creep wasn’t undressing her with his eyes, she’d try to send him a message now.
Would Lukas even still like her after whatever this man was planning? The Secretary said she was his now. Did that mean forever? Was he going to kill her? Scar her face?
Tears stung the corners of her eyes.
I didn’t do anything wrong.
When the car stopped, he took Mara’s hand and led her through a set of massive doors. This was Division One—the wealthiest part of the city—where people had individual homes. She hadn’t noticed they went through the security gate. The house had a grand stairwell inside. It was so clean and open, their footsteps echoed on the sparkling white tile.
“This way, doll.” His voice was almost giddy. Mara glanced back to see the driver following close, like he expected her to bolt.
The Secretary gestured for her to enter a room, and she did. Every footstep sealing her fate as she walked.
“You can leave, Max.”
The door shut behind her. Secretary Knight strode over to a shiny, dark wooden desk and took a seat in the swivel chair.
“On your knees.”
He’s going to kill me when he’s done.
Slowly, she sank to her knees, eyes glued to the floor. Maybe if she listened, he would kill her quickly.
A pause stretched between them before he stood and paced around her. She balled up her fists, trying to keep the tears at bay.
“Take off your coat,” he ordered.
Squeezing her eyes shut, she obeyed, letting it fall to the floor beside her. His slow steps circled her, like a predator analyzing its prey.
“Now the shirt.”
