Page 127 of Into the Woods

Like dominoes falling, the pieces clicked together.

“You’re having the auction tonight,” I whispered.

His face twisted as he grabbed my elbow and pushed me back several steps until we were tucked into a small alcove. “Shut up. Discretion is key in this business. Never, ever say words that can be construed as anything other than a business deal.”

I shuddered, recalling the easy way he and the chief justice had discussed merchandise. Nothing they’d spoken of was illegal. They hadn’t said they were trading humans, just that a shipment had been arranged. Legally they could’ve been talking about a couch that Eric’s company was having delivered.

After a beat, Eric’s expression softened. “Brilliant, isn’t it? With as many foreign dignitaries and diplomats as your grandparents have invited, the Paris police have thrown most of their resources into protecting people here. No one will ever know what’s taking place less than a mile away.”

My heart slammed against my ribs, threatening to gallop free. I wondered if Eric could see the shock and horror that must be written on my face.

I needed to call Court. To tell him and the others what was going on. They needed to warn Trick that his team was compromised. My phone was tucked into a small clutch, and all I wanted to do was yank it out and call Court.

Eric whirled me in a fast circle, grinning like an absolute maniac. “Bex, this is going to change everything for us. After tonight, they’ll see how valuable I am. We’ll rule the European sector and be invincible.” He pressed his body against mine, a prominent ridge poking into my belly.

In an instant, my blood seemed to turn to ice, but I had to fake excitement. Couldn’t let him know that I wasn’t Team Take Over the World.

Instead, I looped my arms around his neck and smiled up at him. “Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out, honey.”

He nodded, swaying us as he dipped his head to whisper the rest of his diabolical plan in my ear. “Offering to host the event at my warehouse by the pier was precisely what I needed. It allows me to showcase just how fully integrated an experience I can provide the buyers, from location to delivery.”

I toyed with the ends of his hair while swallowing a wave of bile. “That sounds incredible. I can’t believe you pulled it together so quickly.”

He glowed at the compliment. “I hope you don’t mind cutting the evening short. I’m sure you’ll be able to make an excuse with your grandmother—”

“You want me to leave?” I jerked in his hold.

His eyes narrowed. “Of course I do. We’re partners, Bex. You and I… With my abilities and your connections, we’ll be unstoppable. I need you at my side tonight.”

I swallowed hard. “Okay, Eric. Of course. Let me go tell my grandmother I need to leave. I’m sure I’ll come up with a reasonable excuse. Do we need to leave now?”

“We’ll all leave in a few minutes,” he replied.

“All?” I echoed.

He smiled. “One of the buyers requested something… specific. Delivering on it will help prove my point.”

Before I could ask what the hell that meant, he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it. Then his gaze darkened, and he nearly crushed my fingers. “Where is your ring?”

I hissed a breath, instinctively trying to pull away. “Ow! Let go—you’re hurting me.”

“Where the fuck is your ring, Rebecca?” he snarled.

“I left it at home because we both agreed to wait until after this event to announce the engagement,” I retorted.

A muscle in his jaw ticked. “I suppose I did agree to that, didn’t I?”

I watched him the way I would a dog with rabies, wary and ready for him to attack. “Let me go,” I repeated, my voice low.

His nostrils flared slightly as he tossed my hand away before digging his phone from his pocket. Whatever he saw brought a terrifying smile to his face, and I was rapidly realizing how completely unhinged he was.

“Meet me in the underground parking level in ten minutes, pet,” he murmured, tucking the phone away. “We’ll leave then.”

I nodded and had taken one step away when he grabbed me yet again, this time grinding the small bones in my wrist until I was sure they were dust.

“Don’t make me come and find you, pet,” he warned before leaning in to kiss me hard before releasing me with a small shove.

I stumbled away from him and hurried from the alcove. I had no idea where my grandparents were, and honestly, I didn’t care. Right now, I needed to make a phone call.

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