Page 50 of Room Twenty-Three: Tangled & Teased

“My father is expecting me. He’ll know something is wrong if you don’t take me home.” The words come out quiet because I know what will happen. The people in this world need to silence those who go against them.

“Your father sent me because he is flying to Australia tomorrow. He has business to attend to.”

“How long is he going for?” My voice cracks completely. “W... with my mother?”

Pink lips turn up slightly. “He and your mother will be gone for two weeks.”

They left me alone? They left me with this monster?

My face feels like it’s frozen as I stare at the haziness ahead. Wanting to ask, but somehow I daren’t make the words leave my lips.

Are you going to kill me?

“What do you want with me?” I ask instead.

“What do I want to do with you?” he mutters darkly.

Blinding anxiety rushes through my veins. I try to steady the fear gripping me and hum. My fingers idly tap my thigh as I try to work out a plan. What would Jove, Atty and Beau do at this moment?

Where is my safe room?

I have to think. I need a plan. I need to know what to do the moment the car stops.

I stare blindly out of the window, watching as we zoom past cars.

Think Erin.

I wish I wore laced boots, because at least I could strangle the bastard. Drag his head against the headrest and tighten the noose around his neck.

Yes, we would both die when he crashed the car, but at least I wouldn’t have to endure whatever he planned.

And get revenge for Lydia.

But then I can’t. I never got to tell the men how I felt about them. How I adored them. All of them. Atty and the way he hugged me, the way he made me feel safe and loved. Beau, the romantic of the three men, but the way he cared in room twenty-three, making my dreams come alive. As did Jove, for a man who refused to give me a chance, he gave me everything that night. I’m glad I gave them everything, too.

At least I won’t die a virgin.

I count each breath as I try to regulate my pounding heart before dragging my gaze to meet his once more.

“Why are you doing this?” I hope to reach his better half. Marco was always kind to me before today. There were no crossed words, none I can remember. I don’t understand it. “I’ve known you for years.”

“And I’ve waited for you to notice me for years.”

I swallow, but the thickness in my throat remains lodged.

As the car speeds like a bullet, its engine roaring, adrenaline pumps through my veins as I stare at the road stretched out ahead. I feel my fight or flight is kicking in.

The car speeds, weaving through traffic, effortlessly maneuvering around slower vehicles. The scenery blurs now, just a kaleidoscope of colors as I stop focusing on anything but the places on the road signs.

I press my finger over the Home button on my cell once again. This time it vibrates under my finger. I press it, just as Jove insisted when I was half listening to him.

It vibrates over and over before stopping, just as it did that day.

Message sent.

I just hope they can find me before it’s too late.

Chapter 19

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