Page 11 of Vengeful Union

“Which meanshe’s planning something big.”

The grim lookon Drake’s face is more than enough to have me cautious about going ahead with my plan. But there’s no other choice. James Carter is going to die.

We talk a little more,Drake filling me in on the deals Dad’s got with the Russian’s, none of which are too major. But if he starts building again, they will be.

The front door opens,and Drake gets to his feet. “Stay safe and be smart,” he whispers as he moves to the coffee machine.

“Destiny, good, you’re here.”The pleasant way Dad’s speaking to me has me on edge. He usually barks out orders, not talk to me as though I’m a human. “It’s time for you to go back to school.” His brown hair is slicked back, making him look like one of those wannabe gangsters from the eighties, and his suit a size too big for him. He’s got a pinched look on his face as his gaze moves from Drake to me and back again.

Fuck.I hadn’t expected him to send me to school. Not yet anyway. How am I supposed to do this if he’s sending me away? I just wanted six more weeks. Then I turn eighteen. That’s all I wanted. Dad had given me time off to grieve. Whenever he’d bring up me going back, I'd begin to cry. It worked for a while, and he stopped bringing it up. Now, there’s no chance it’ll work again. The conviction in his voice, along with the hard stare, tells me this is non-negotiable.

“When do I leave?”I ask, needing to know how much time I have left.

“Tomorrow morning,”he replies as he turns on his heel and makes his way out of the kitchen. “Harvey is taking you. 7am. Don’t be late,” he instructs.

As soon ashe’s gone, Drake slams his fist down on the wooden kitchen counter. “I don’t trust him. What the hell is he playing at?”

I shrug.“No idea, but whatever the hell it is, we need to figure it out.”

“Don’t worry,Dest, I’ll find out who he’s working for. Just stay safe.”

“Drake,”my father’s voice booms throughout the house.

“Duty calls.”He presses a kiss against my cheek. “I’m not going to lie, Dest, I’m glad you won’t be around him.”

I sigh.“Me too. Watch your back,” I instruct him.

“Always do. See you soon,”he replies, then he leaves me alone in the kitchen.

I should have knownDad would play this card. But damn, I didn’t see it coming, and I hate that he’s doing this. I need to get a message to Levi. He’s currently out of the country, and he’s not due back for another three months. He’s making allies around the world. It’s why he’ll be the best person to take over from my father.

* * *

A noise penetrates my dream,driving me to consciousness. Blinking awake, I notice my lamp is on. I reach over to switch it off, but before I can touch it, a hand clasps around my wrist.

My heart stuttersas my gaze collides with my father’s. “Dad?” I question, my voice shaky.

What the hellis going on?

Dad moves around the bed,and all my dazed mind can do is try to figure out what the hell he’s doing. But then I feel roughness on my skin, which is quickly followed by a burning sensation as he tightens something around my wrists.

My voice isshrill and loud as I ask: “Dad, why have you tied me to my bed?” Fear takes over, and my body begins to tremble.

“If your momhadn’t fucked everything up, I wouldn’t have to do this. But I need the money. Selling you is going to get me more than what I need.”

I swallow back tears.“You’re selling me?” I whisper, horrified.

“Thinkof it as paying your dues.” He turns to the doorway. “Wright, get this done, and quickly.”

“Yes, sir,”the bastard who’s with him says as he scurries toward me. His black hair is in disarray, and his shirt is buttoned up wrong. He looks as though he’s just been dragged out of bed. Knowing my father, he probably has.

“I wantto know if she’s a virgin.”

“Dad,”I gasp. What the fuck is he doing?

“Destiny,shut up and let the doctor do as he pleases.”

I shake my head,pulling at the rope that is keeping me tied to my headboard. “No,” I croak, tears falling down my face as the doctor positions himself at my feet. “Don’t do this.”

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