Lily: Captive to the Dark (15 page)

Chapter 19

Lily

“I hate you,” Bethany sobbed, jerking against the ropes. “I’ll kill you. You watch, I’m going to—”

Jonathon stuffed the gag into her mouth, tying it tight behind her head. His palm pushed against her temple, making her head sway before he stepped back and laughed under his breath. God, they were all sick. Well, all but Alec. He seemed to be the only one I had met that came out of the Brighton family with good morals and a kind heart.

My eyes went back to the body that still lay on the table. I couldn’t stare for long. The sight of Alec, dead, turned me weaker than I already was. It broke down my walls and left me on the verge of weeping. There was no room for that right now. Whatever game Jonathan had planned, I knew it was going to be bad. I had to stay strong. Fight to live. I’d come so far.

“Well, now that we’ve gotten the important part out of the way, I think we’ll go over a few things while we wait for my friend.” He paused, looking over at me and coming forward. The gag was pulled from my mouth. “Before we start…Zain.” His face turned hard. “He wasn’t supposed to live. There’s going to be a lot of people who aren’t going to be happy about that.”

My heart raced as I stared up at him. “What do you know about Zain?” My jaw ached. I moved it open and closed a few times, trying to loosen the tightness.

Jonathon pulled my chair to face the sofa as he sat down. “I’ve been watching him off and on for the last few weeks. You see, my father was prepared for the worst when it came to his illegal activities. He may not have protected us against the loss of his company, but he didn’t mind leaving his contacts my and Alec’s information. They weren’t stupid. They came to me. Knew I was the man for the job.”

He pulled out his phone, checking the time, only to stuff it back into his pocket. “Mr. Amari was concerned over his son’s loyalty when it came to our dealings. I didn’t think he had a reason…until I noticed him following you in secret. It took me awhile to figure out why he kept a routine that didn’t make sense. Then, when he went into Slade Industries...” a smile came to his face, “the pieces came together so clearly. Would have a lot sooner if his stupid father had mentioned you two being involved while you were there.

“I was so concerned over my brother and you, Zain was just an afterthought. But when I put everything together and he took you up to his penthouse, there was never a more perfect time to get rid of you both.”

My head shook. “But why him?”

The door opened and I felt myself push back into the chair. Every inch of my skin crawled as my eyes connected with Zain’s brother.

“Ah, perfect timing. Amir can answer that question.” Jonathon stood. “Lily was just wondering why anyone would want Zain dead. Would you like to enlighten her, or should I?”

Dark eyes turned cold as he walked forward. Another man, who I recognized as one of their guards, followed, shutting the door.

“Slave, surely you don’t have to ask that? I know he told you.”

My teeth slammed into each other as my jaw clenched. I knew he called all of us women slaves, but I only allowed one to refer to me as such, and between us, it didn’t hold the ugliness in which Amir meant it.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Surely, you do,” he said, plainly. “Maybe Jabir can refresh your memory.”

My lips parted at what I knew was coming, but there was nothing I could do about it. I wouldn’t betray anything Zain had told me.”

Whack!
The hit connected on the opposite cheek of where Jonathan had hit. A sound left my mouth while ringing in my ears had my head leaning to try to stop it.

“I do have you to thank for this. Your corruption of my brother led him to kill Samir and Bahr, which made it possible for me to take control. Now, here I am. And, you, right where you belong. In ropes.” He reached forward, pushing back the hair that had fallen over my eye. I instantly jerked away before I could process what it would mean to him. The insult had him glaring.

“You think you’re too good for me?” Fingers squeezed just above my jaw as he held my face to look at his. It made my anger surge.

“I
was
given to Zain,” I said, lowly.

Whack!

Lights flashed behind my eyes and my heartbeat pulsed throughout my throbbing cheek.

“Someone forgets their place.” His fingers locked back on, only making the pain worse. “I considered taking you back home. Making you my own slave. I’d do it right. You’d obey my every command.” My head tried to shake at his words and it caused him to smile. “Thing is, someone else wants you more. Someone who’s going to enjoy breaking you to pieces.”

“No,” I breathed out.

“Oh yes, slave. Saul is anxious for your arrival. It’s almost time to go back home.”

“No,” I sobbed, dragging the word out. I couldn’t go back there. Couldn’t be given to Saul. He’d kill me and bask in it.

Heavy steps came up from behind us. “That wasn’t the deal,” Jonathan snapped. “Lily’s supposed to die. At my hands, not anyone else’s. You were just here to make sure she was dead.”

Amir glanced over at him, but his hand never disconnected from my face.

“The plans have changed and you’ll be compensated generously for it. If you have a problem with those terms, you can take it up with my father. Lily leaves with him tonight. But,” he said, pausing and looking back at me, “as long as you keep her alive, have all the fun you want.”

I was lost with his words. Internally, I was pleading, telling them not to do this. But the survivor knew groveling wouldn’t work. I needed a plan.

A sniffle had my gaze shooting to Bethany. She’d been so quiet. Unfortunately for her, she caught Amir’s attention, too.

“Who’s this?”

Jonathan glanced over, immediately dismissing her, but slowly brought his eyes back. The evil didn’t escape my notice and I felt myself lean more in my chair. “
This
,” he smiled, “is Bethany. Pretty thing, isn’t she?”

Her gaze jerked nervously between Amir and Jonathon.

“Why, yes, she is. What are your plans with her?”

“Death,” Jonathon said. “She was my cover for Lily, but if you’re taking my revenge back to Afghanistan with you, we can negotiate. What are you thinking?”

Amir’s hand dropped and he turned toward her. “One hour. That’s all she’ll be good for. You get rid of the body.”

A whimper left her and she began shaking her head, staring at Jonathan. Mascara trailed down her cheeks and I hated the twisting in my stomach. Amir might not snap her limbs like Saul would, but he wasn’t much better. I wouldn’t wish his sick sexual ways on my worst enemy. Not even Bethany.

“I was going to say a hundred grand, but she ain’t worth it. Half and she’s yours. I’ll take care of whatever is left of her when you’re finished.”

“Done.”

A muffled scream from Bethany filled the room and they both turned back to me, dismissing her.

“And I get her.” Jonathon cocked his head, his eyes raking over my body. For the first time, I wasn’t just revenge. I was revenge tainted with lust. It was a hell of a mixer I knew I couldn’t mentally choke down. Not again.

“Remember, you’re not to kill her. If you do, it’ll cost you your life. I will not fail my uncle. She will be going back alive.”

Jonathan licked his lips. “I won’t kill her, but I guarantee she’ll be begging for me to before it’s over with.” He pulled out a knife and clicked it opened. I knew I should have been scared, but I was more interested in separating us from Amir and his guard. If I could get Jonathon alone, I might stand a chance to escape. The windows surrounding us weren’t boarded over like before. Dark curtains covered the glass, but it was still glass. I could break it if I needed to.

The ropes around my chest fell away and I watched as Amir’s guard began cutting the restraints keeping Bethany secured. Our eyes met and she cried even harder. I wanted to believe an apology was written in her expression, but I knew it was wishful thinking. We were both going to die if it was up to these men and surely she’d be sorry for that.

“Up,” Jonathan said, pulling my shirt to make me stand. The material burned my skin at the force and I commanded my legs to obey. Aside from restroom breaks, I’d been sitting down for days.

A loud, muffled scream had me bringing my attention back to Bethany. Free, I felt torn. If I tried to fight, they’d hurt me more than I could take. I’d be disabled from trying to escape. But my heart pleaded to help her. She might have done things to me that scarred me internally, but she was also going to die. I couldn’t look past that.

“Don’t fight him,” I yelled. “He’ll like that too much and it’ll be worse. Just, don’t—”

A hard shove had me sliding down the hallway, the air exploding from my lungs at the impact.

“She doesn’t need your help.” Jonathon stalked forward, landing a hard kick to my bicep before reaching down and grabbing a fistful of my hair. Pain tore into my scalp as he began dragging me to the back room. Bethany thrashed as the guard held on to her, dragging her in the same direction we were heading.

One room was passed. Two.

Jonathon pushed open a door directly in front of him and I held his wrists to ease the pain. My feet scrambled to find footing, sliding against the wood from lack of friction. The men’s jeans I wore were so long, my feet were covered and they were barely hanging on my hips.

Light shone through curtains and I said a silent prayer as he stopped to toss me inside and shut the door. I scrambled to my feet, pulling up my pants, and searching the area wildly.

“Bed.”

I stepped back, sidestepping as he took a step toward me.

“Where you going, huh? I said
bed
.”

The top part of my body leaned to the left and I watched him mirror my actions. As I moved my shoulders to the right, he was almost on cue with my timing. The room didn’t have anything but a full sized bed in the middle. It was completely bare and my hope sank at no sign of any weapon.

“You going to fight me? I like that, too, you know.”

“Fuck you,” I spat. “You’re not going to get close enough to touch me.”

A laugh filled the room and excitement shone in his eyes. To him, this was a game. To me, I was studying his every move. Rape would not find me again. It couldn’t.

“You ready?” He lunged forward, only to slide to the side. His movements were so quick, it took every ounce of concentration I had to follow his actions. “Which way am I going? Left or right?” He dipped left while I remained still, placing pressure on my toes. I was ready, all he had to do was make his move.

“Your phone is in your pocket, yes?”

Another laugh, but this one sounded genuinely amused.

“You’ll never get to it. Don’t bother even wondering.” He rushed forward and my hand shot out as I jumped to the side. I reached around and pushed down at the back of his head for balance. Jonathon caught himself before he hit the floor. Rage met me head on as he spun around.

Slowly, I eased back to the door as he wheeled around, ducking his shoulders lower. “Lucky,” he said, lowly.

“Deadly,” I countered, not sounding anywhere near as threatening as I wanted. “And I know you don’t have your gun on you. You’ll never make it out of this room alive.”

“Bluff all you want. When I get you within my grasp, you’re going to regret it.”

I had no doubt he was right. But first, he’d have to catch me.

Chapter 20

Slade

“It doesn’t make sense,” Mary stressed as she looked at us. “Play it again.”

A groan came from Blake as he tilted his head to me and raised his eyebrow.

“Do it,” I ordered. “She may be right. It sounds like the sniffle is coming from Bethany, not Lily. If she was so hell-bent on the money, why would she be crying? It doesn’t make sense.”

The voice played back at full volume and the silence throughout the room ended when the recording did.

“That’s my sister. I’m telling you, she’s crying and she wouldn’t do that unless there was a reason. Having Lily and her revenge would have been enough. Ransom? That just doesn’t sound like Bethany. She’s smarter than that. She just exposed her guilt when we were all clueless as to who it even was. It doesn’t add up.”

Zain nodded, bringing his head up from where it was resting on his fists. “She’s right. I think it was Bethany, too, and I don’t believe she made that call willingly.”

A knock on the door was followed by Marcio opening it and Gaige walking in. The power emanating from him couldn’t be ignored. He wasn’t the Gaige who’d told me about his wife and son. This Gaige was different. He was back to being the bad ass agent.

“You said you had news?”

His eyes scanned all of us before coming to settle on me.

“Play it,” I said to Brace.

For what seemed like the millionth time, Bethany’s voice echoed through the living area. Each time Lily screamed, Zain’s fists clenched. I’d seen the reaction too many times and I wasn’t sure how much more I could take.

“That’s my sister,” Mary stated. “And she’s crying. Something isn’t right with that call.”

Silence reigned as everyone looked at Gaige. Had he picked up the crying, too? Did he think it was Bethany?

“Shit,” he mumbled. “Alright, I have to make a few calls. I’ll get one of my guys here, ready to trace any more calls that might come through. I’ll make the rounds with my partner and see if we can locate Bethany. From what her husband told me earlier, they’re no longer together. When I stopped by to ask about their supposed falling out, she was gone. I was trying to track her down when you called.”

“I think she’s in trouble,” Mary said, lowly. “She’s in over her head with someone, and now both her and Lily are going to pay for it. God.” Mary stood, wiping the tears from her cheeks. I immediately followed her toward the kitchen area. When we were far enough away from the others, she turned and threw herself into my chest. “I’m so scared, Slade. I have such a bad feeling concerning all of this. I know I shouldn’t care what happens to Bethany after all that she’s done, but I can’t help it. My heart is breaking. I just want them back. If my sister had any part, I want her to do her time. But…hurt or dead?”

“Shh,” I said, wrapping my arms around her. “We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

The sobs grew heavier and I led her to the bedroom, hugging her tightly against my side. Mary didn’t need any more stress. She couldn’t afford it and neither could the baby.

“You’re going to rest. I don’t want you out of bed for the rest of the night.” I led her to the dresser and opened the drawer, removing a white, silk nightgown. Slowly, I undressed her, easing to my knees to press my lips to her stomach. “Understand? Let’s get you in bed so you can rest. I’ll bring you dinner when it arrives.”

With one more kiss and her nod, I stood, raising the gown to slide down her lifted arms.

“There. Now, let me tuck you in. I’ll be back to check on you in a little while. Do you need anything? Crackers?” A bottled water was already resting by the bed and I took it, handing it over.

“I should be okay.” She took a sip and placed it back down, grabbing a tissue. “Will you let me know if you learn anything?”

I nodded my head and pulled back the covers. “You know I will. Now, lay back and relax. Remember what the doctor said. You need rest, not worry. I’ll do what I can.”

Pressure gripped into the lapels of my jacket as she pushed to her toes and angled her face toward mine. Our lips met and I couldn’t stop my hand from fisting the silk material at the small of her back. I pushed my fingers through the hair at the base of her neck, needing more. Mary was the only one who could calm me and make me forget everything but her. Even if it was only for a few seconds, my soul grounded and I felt myself calm.

“God, I love you.” My deep breaths were met with hers and the green of her eyes pulled me under. I could get lost staring into their depths. Here, I was safe. Free from the dangers and pain of the real world.

“And I love you. Go help them find Lily. I’ll be here.”

I helped her into bed and leaned down for one last kiss. As she curled onto her side, I couldn’t stop myself from placing my lips against her temple before I stood. Walking away was the hardest, but I knew she was right. I had to find my sister and bring her home safe. Maybe even Mary’s sister. What in the hell was going on? There were too many questions and nothing for answers.

The door clicked as I pulled it closed. The men stopped talking as I walked toward them.

“What’s the word? Any news in the last five minutes?” I’d meant it sarcastically, but from the looks on their faces, I’d obviously missed something. “What is it?” My heart raced while I stared between Blake, Gaige, and Zain. All three of them turned toward Brace, who was still sitting at his computer. My guard swallowed hard as he stood.

“Between Blake and Zain, we might be able to break through the shield blocking out the address where Bethany called from. Give me just a minute, boss.”

I took a step back and turned, trying to remember where in the hell I put my gun. My mind was whirling in disbelief. Excitement and nervousness crashed, leaving me turning in a complete circle. Where the hell was my gun?

“Not going to happen,” Blake said, deeply. “You’re not going, Mr. Roberts.”

I spun back, glaring.

“You have to stay with me,” Gaige said, firmly. “I’m your alibi if this ever gets out. If we can pinpoint the location, Blake and Zain have to do this alone.

My jaw clenched. I couldn’t stand it, but he was right. Together, they could bring Lily home. She wasn’t mine anymore. Not really. My sister now belonged to Zain, and suddenly, I was okay with that. I trusted him, wounded and all. He’d almost died trying to save her before. He’d do the same again if it came down to it. And with Blake there, he’d be okay. The man was a professional killer. One who enjoyed it. Together, there was no fear for Lily’s safety.

“Okay. Fine.” I turned to Zain, my eyes glancing over to Brace as he worked to find us the address. “A word with you, first?” I could tell Zain didn’t want to come, but I had to make something clear before he left.

“Sure.”

The walk to my office led me straight to the Scotch. I poured two drinks and we both threw back our glasses, finishing the liquor in one drink.

“Bring her back,” I said, placing the glass down. “Safely.”

Slowly, Zain shook his head. “If we can pull this off, I won’t be bringing her back here, Slade. Not immediately.”

My gaze narrowed. “What the hell do you mean? Where do you plan on taking her?”

His mouth tightened, but he never broke eye contact. “Lily and I have some things we have to work out. If she’s okay, I’m taking her to an undisclosed location and we’re going to fix what’s wrong. That could take days or weeks. I’m not sure yet. I do promise you this, your sister couldn’t be in better hands. I love her with everything I am.” He frowned and turned to stare back to the door. “When I return, I’ll leave her in your care long enough to put an end to this once and for all. After that,” he turned to face me, “I would like your permission to formally date your sister. I want it all with Lily and I won’t hide my intentions. I want her as mine, always. When she’s ready, I want to marry her.”

My eyes widened and I blindly grabbed the decanter. “Marriage.” I glanced over long enough to pour my drink. I had it finished before I could find my voice. “If Lily wants you that way, we’ll go from there. I’m not sure I can give you a blessing until I see the two of you together for myself. But what I can give you is a job,” I ground out. “You’re going to need one of those. As for taking her…” I shook my head. “My sister isn’t going to be dragged across the country to some place I’m unaware of. If you want to work things out, you’ll stay in my place in Washington. That’s final, or else I take back what I said. I want her safe and although I trust you, I want her protected to the max until your family is taken care of.”

“Text me the address.” He was already turning around when I stepped forward.

“No, bring her back here and once I see that she’s okay, you can fly out. No easy access into the estate, remember?”

He paused. “That’s right. Okay, I’ll bring her back here first.”

“Zain?”

“I got it!” Brace yelled from the living room.

Urgency raced through his features as he turned, looking over his shoulder.

“Get a damn vest from Brace. I don’t need you back in the hospital.”

“Blake already offered me one of his. I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.” The door swung fully open and he dashed out, but I was left with uneasiness. What condition was he going to find Lily in? Was she okay? Was she even still there?

With the decanter in one hand and my glass in the other, I joined the rest of them in the living room. Zain and Blake were already rushing for the front door with Marcio following. I didn’t question it. Didn’t have to. He was like another brother to Lily and she was in great hands. If only they could get there fast enough.