Page 61 of Elicit (Decadence After Dark)

“So how did you end up with Sasha?” Jett urges me to go on.

“I barely remember, to be honest. One minute, I was huddled in an alleyway, trying to stay out of the rain, and the next, I was getting into a warm car with a strange woman who had kind eyes. She took me in, cleaned me up, helped me start to heal, and when I was ready, she put me to work. She never asked for anything more than what I was ready to give.”

“That definitely sounds like Sasha.” He smiles wistfully.

“I liked living with her.” I rest my head wearily against Jett’s chest.

“Well, I like you living here.” He hugs me tightly. Securely. Protectively.

“She said I would be a good fit,” I recall her words.

“You are a good fit. You’re my perfect fit.”

“None of it matters anymore. Silas had to have told my father where I am by now. He’ll come for me himself.” The thought is terrifying.

“He can try. Doesn’t mean it will happen.”

“Of course, it will. Easton Erickson always gets what he wants.”

“Did you just say Easton Erickson? The real estate mogul?”

I nod. Eyes screwed shut. “The one and only.”

“I didn’t realize he had a daughter.”

“No one knows. He kept me hidden most of my life. I was homeschooled in his penthouse and raised by butlers and nannies. He never took much notice of me until I could give him something he wanted.”

“Well, he can want you”—Jett tilts my face up—“but he sure as hell ain’t gonna get you.”

“You don’t know what he’s capable of.” I shake fearfully in his arms.

“You don’t know whatI’mcapable of.” He presses a firm, possessive kiss on my lips. “I told you, I can be ruthless if I need to be.”

I don’t want Jett to be ruthless. I don’t want to be exposed to any more violence. I want the storm to pass. I want calm waters and blue skies. I want peace.

All I want ispeace.

“We’re going to end this, London.” He pinches my chin, securing my mouth an inch away from his. “Tonight.”

OF ALL THE NIGHTS FORLondon’s demons to rear their ugly head.

As if I didn’t have enough on my plate with a sadistic drug runner staying under my roof, a captive girl stashed away in my dungeon, and a house full of unsuspecting clients, I now have to deal with Daddy Dearest.

London and I backtrack through the house with her shaking like a leaf the whole time.

I find a very agitated Kayne and a counseling Alistair tucked in a corner right outside the kitchen.

Before Kayne even has a chance to rip me a new one, I cut him off. “We have a situation.”

“No shit, Sherlock! Your little pet here just caused a scene, and now there are two very pissed-off men stashed in my office demanding to see her.”

“Two?” London nearly jumps out of her skin. I tug her close. “He’s here,” she whispers petrified.

I squeeze her hand.

First things first. “Where is Javier?”

“Occupied. Upstairs with Spice,” Alistair informs me. I suppress my wince. It was inevitable. But just the thought of him being with one of my girls ties my stomach in knots.

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