Page 72 of Ariana's Hero

So I sprinted down to the main office, blurting out something panicked, and raced to the entrance to wait for Brett. I wasn’t thinking about Kyle, or hit men, or anything other than getting to Cash.

Except, I didput my pepper spray back in my pants pocket, and the little self-defense ring on my finger. It was just a fragmented thought—Cash would be so mad at me if I went outside unarmed—so I did it.When I see him, I told myself while trying not to burst into terrified sobs,he’ll be glad that I remembered.

Except it didn’t help.

Because five minutes into the drive, I started asking questions. Like,I thought you were upstate in rehab?And,Aren’t we supposed to be going in the other direction?

And before I could do anything else, Brett grabbed my head and smashed it into the side window.

The next thing I knew, I woke up here. I’m not sure wherehereis, other than a partially furnished house with a funky smell and stained carpets and furniture.

I don’t know how long it will take for Cash to get here, but I know he was already on his way before Brett even called. I’m sure of it. Because as soon as Cash got to school and realized I wasn’t there, he’d call Blade and Arrow. And theycan track my earrings.

I just hope they can protect Cash, too. Because he’s going to come into this house alone, I know he will; there’s no way he’d risk going against Brett’s instructions.

What about when he gets here, though? Can he sneak in a gun? Some other weapon? Is it possible that Brett won’t check to see if Cash is carrying something?

God. I wish I could do something. I keep trying to come up with ideas, but it’s hard to think past the pain in my head.

Brett is making one of his circuits around the living room, pausing to peer between the curtains. “Ha!” he crows. “He’s here. Alone, just like I told him.”

My stomach cramps, nausea surging.God.I’m so scared.

Not for myself. For Cash.

What is Brett going to do to him?

If Brett tells Cash to sacrifice himself for me, I’m terrified he’ll do it.

Brett comes back over to the couch, standing beside it and pointing his gun at me. “Don’t try anything funny,” he hisses, jabbing the barrel into my arm. “I need you alive for now, but that doesn’t mean I can’t shoot you.”

There’s a knock at the front door, and everything in my body tenses.

After a loaded silence, Brett sing-songs, “Come in, brother.”

And then, Cash. I want to fling myself into his arms the moment I see him. His eyes go straight to me, so filled with pain and worry I nearly burst into tears. After a moment, his gaze shifts to Brett, and his face turns to stone, pure fury in his expression.

“Brett,” he bites out. “I’m here. Let her go.”

“Oh, Cash.” Brett laughs, a hard, jagged sound. “Come on. Did you think it would be that easy?”

Cash scowls at him. “What do you want?”

“Close the door first. And if you’re thinking of trying anything”—Brett points the gun at my head—“I’ll shoot her.” After Cash obeys, Brett continues. “Lift up your shirt and turn around. Same with your pant legs. I want to make sure you’re not trying to sneak something in here.”

Did he? Fear snatches hold of me. What if Cash tried to smuggle in a gun? Would Brett shoot him?

I thought the trunk was terrifying. And the pond. But this? It’s worse than both combined.

Cash spins around slowly, no weapons in sight. He grits out through a clenched jaw, “See? Nothing. Now,what do you want?”

Brett grins at Cash, evil slinking across his face. “I want everything, Cash. All the things you stole from me. I want them back.”

“What?” Cash takes a step forward, his eyes steady on Brett.

“Yes.” The gun lowers from my head as Brett focuses on Cash. “I want all of it. The company. The house. All the money. And you’re going to give it to me.”

Oh,shit.

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