“I just said it, didn’t I? He left and vowed I would pay. She didn’t expect him to return until the threat was carried out.” Another groan had me collapsing to the sofa. All I wanted to do was go back to sleep, but I couldn’t. Not yet. “How long have I been out?”

Blake sat down beside me. “For a while. Listen, I need you to read something for me. I could call it in, get someone to do it, but I don’t want the hassle. I found it at your father’s. Maybe it’ll be of some help.”

My head rolled in his direction and I reached out, taking the paper. The Arabic writing was so poorly scribbled, it took me a minute to decipher.

“Tell me why I should help you anymore than I already have. You tricked me. Lied to me. Stole part of my revenge. Shot me with a dart and drugged me. I feel like shit because of you.”

His mouth twisted and he shrugged. “You’re alive. Does that count for something?”

“No.”

“I called your woman for you while you were out. How about that?”

A big thump in my chest had me sitting up “Now that might count. Tell me what she said and I’ll decide if it’s worth telling you over.”

He sighed, dropping his hand in his lap. “She was asleep. I talked to Slade. Apparently, she had some sort of episode yesterday when she met Gaige’s wife, who I happened to call and question for you, too, by the way.”

I jumped to my feet, feeling nothing but panic set in. “Episode? What sort of episode?”

“He didn’t say and apparently neither did she. From what Elle told me, I’m guessing some sort of flashback or something. Said Lily mentioned it happening on her way there. Something about the sound of brakes setting her off. Then a car honked and she froze up. Busted her coffee cup in her hand and didn’t feel the burn until she snapped back to. If you ask me, I’d say she has PTSD, but I’m thinking you already know that.”

Any form of sickness I felt didn’t compare to the rage that overwhelmed me. “Get me the fuck home. Now,” I roared. “It was pointless for me to leave to begin with. Now Lilian has to do this alone. No. I could have easily given you the names without your interrogation type settings. I could have done that while still being there with her.” I paced, shaking my head, wanting nothing more than to rush back to San Francisco. Being trapped in a small ass room, I was losing my mind.

“The paper, what does it say?”

I turned on Blake, having to stop myself from ripping him off the sofa and pounding my fist into his face. My slave was alone. Probably scared out of her mind. She wouldn’t open up to Slade or anyone else. She needed me and once again, I was unavailable.

I reached over, grabbing the water, but never breaking our eye contact. “It’s an address. But you’ll never know what it is from me if you don’t promise me something right now.”

Blake raised an eyebrow, not the least bit fazed. “And what’s that?”

“When we get off this plane, you’re finished with me. I know nothing more. My uncle will be handled, so you have nothing to worry about that. Just drop me off and go track down everyone else on that list. If you can give me your word, I’ll tell you right now.”

A bored expression faded and he shrugged. “Sure. Doesn’t mean you’ll never see me again, but I’ll stop hassling you.”

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that, but if it bought me enough time, I’d take it. “It’s the penthouse I was shot at. He’ll be looking there to see if I stayed or not. When he does, I’ll finish him off.” It was the truth, but a lie concerning my uncle. He wouldn’t go. He’d send someone to see if I still resided there. Regardless, any inquiry would lead me back to him.

“I’ll have it verified. If you’re telling the truth, you’re off the hook. For now.”

Chapter 39

Lily

The city lights blurred in a spinning motion, getting faster and faster as I stared up at the tall buildings. Laughter echoed around me and I knew it was Bethany’s without even seeing her. Fear embedded deep within and I could feel tugging on my hand.

“Come on, Lily. We’re going to be late.”

A dark SUV was suddenly before me and I jerked back, turning to try to run. Suddenly, I felt so young. So naïve and stupid. What was I doing here, again? Bethany was trying to take me and I was going?

“Lily, hurry, you’re going to make your Master upset. He’s waiting.”

More tugging had me pulling with everything I was capable of.

“Get away from me. I don’t want to go.”

Long blonde hair billowed out around me and I knew I was falling back. Falling with Bethany on top of me. Hitting the sidewalk never registered. All I could feel was her weight as she wrestled with me. Hands grabbed my feet and I screamed. They had me. I knew in my heart they were going to take me again and this time, I’d never be saved. I was as good as dead. She’d kill me. Saul would kill me.

His deep voice was suddenly filling my ears and my mind told me he was the one holding my ankles. I cried, clawing with my hands to try to get Bethany off of me so I could run, but with every movement I made, she grasped me tighter. And I was moving down. Closer to the SUV.