Page 102 of Critical Mass
All they needed was to get outside. Get to Hudson’s car. And get out the gate.
They could do this.
Freedom was in sight.
Just as the thought went through her mind, Dimitri stepped into their path.
CHAPTER
FIFTY-SEVEN
Dimitri moved quicklyfor a man his size, his bulk suddenly blocking the ornate entrance.
Two other security guards materialized at the edges of the foyer—one near the sitting room, one by the corridor that led to her father’s office. Silent and watchful.
They’d been waiting.
“Ms. Ravenscroft,” Dimitri said quietly, his tone almost apologetic. “Mr. Shaw, I’m afraid I can’t let you leave.”
Natalie felt ice slide down her spine. “Excuse me?”
“Your father has given specific instructions. You’re to remain on the property until he returns.” Dimitri’s eyes flicked to Hudson, and she saw something there—recognition, perhaps, of what Hudson really was. “Both of you.”
“I’m not a prisoner, Dimitri.” Natalie’s voice shook with anger and fear. She took a step forward. “This is ridiculous. I’m an adult. I can leave whenever I want.”
“I understand this is difficult?—”
“No, you don’t understand.” Her hands clenched into fists. “Get out of my way.”
Dimitri didn’t move. His expression remained neutral, professional, but there was something in his eyes that lookedalmost like regret. “I’m sorry, Ms. Ravenscroft. But it’s for the best. Your father is concerned about your safety, especially after the incident at your house. He wants you protected until he can assess the full scope of the threat.”
“Protected?” Natalie’s voice rose, echoing in the cavernous foyer. “Or controlled?”
Hudson’s hand touched her elbow gently, a warning. She felt the tension radiating from him, saw him calculating their options.
The guard near the sitting room had shifted his stance. The one by the corridor had his hand resting casually on his hip—right where a holster would be.
They were outnumbered. Outgunned.
Trapped.
Hudson had known it wouldn’t be easy to leave.
But he hadn’t expected this. They’d need to handle this situation very carefully.
If they raised too much of a fuss, they would only make this situation more complicated.
“This is insane,” Natalie breathed, looking from Dimitri to the guards and back again. “You’re telling me I can’t leave my own father’s house?”
“It’s temporary,” Dimitri said. “Just until Mr. Ravenscroft returns and can speak with you both directly. Surely you can understand—given recent events—that precautions are necessary.”
Hudson’s jaw tightened. He could try to fight their way out. But they were outnumbered.
And if he did that, Natalie could be hurt.
He couldn’t let that happen.
Being compliant was the best choice right now.
