Page 17 of The Veiling

The minute my hands were loose, I massaged my wrists while I continued to fight back the tears.

“The idiots were so distracted with getting back up there to some transaction. They didn’t secure me.”

“I want answers!” I hissed. “You died! Valentino told youbyeat the hospital! Your organs were donated!” I gasped, jerking my head back. “There was afuneral!”

He shook his head. “We can’t discuss it here.”

“As far as I know, you could be behind all this,” I wept. “I don’t trust you.”

Pain filled his eyes as he stood and turned away, marching to the wall. He ran his palms along various cracks and pushed. “I know this house. I just don’t remember where it is.”

“What are you talking about?”

He pivoted around. “I knew the previous owner. I came here for many parties and one night, my girlfriend and I came down here and accidentally bumped into a secret exit.”

“Elise?”

He froze for a moment before running his fingertips along what appeared to be a seam.

“Even if you find the opening,” I murmured, “we’re trapped.”

He turned to face me. “We’re not underground. This is a walk-out basement.”

“They’re watching us.”

“Bullshit.”

“He said they—”

“They would’ve been down here the moment they knew I wasn’t tied up. I’ve been trying to find the exit since they put me down here.”

My mind was spinning. I just wanted to be home where I belonged, planning my wedding, and making sure my baby was okay. My stomach cramped a little and rumbled loudly.

“You should’ve eaten like I told you to.”

I leapt to my feet, trudging to his side, angrily whispering, “Oh, I’m sorry I couldn’t eat when I was trapped in the house of a freaking clown who poisoned me the last time, he fed me. I don’t even know if pregnant women are supposed to eat shellfish. You gave me a poisoned prawn!”

“Shrimp.”

“What?” I curled my lip up.

“I gave you a shrimp.” He twisted toward me. “They’re completely different seafood.” He turned back to the wall, concentrating.

Huffing, I shook my head. “That’s not the point! I probably ruined this baby’s life before—”

“Ah, here. This was where she accidentally pressed the button when she was pinned against the door, and I was—” He cleared his throat. “Never mind.” The door clicked. He peered down at me as he pushed it open. “Stay close to me. I’m not sure how guarded the property is.”

“You don’t even have a—”

He drew a pistol, holding it up with a lazy grin.

“—gun.”

“I’m highly trained.”

I glanced around for any sign of people but saw no one.

“He didn’t even feel me take it. I still have my knife, too.” He snorted as he led me through the door. “The mother-fucker is so panicked about my brother,” he muttered, “he’s hired sloppy amateurs which benefits us.” Softly, he pressed the door, latching it. “No turning back now. We can’t get back in.”

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