by Helen Scott
“One last thing before we go. You need to be marked so everyone knows you’re an initiate of the Order of Talos.”
“Marked?” Robin’s heart tried to climb her throat.
“Nimue?”
“I’m sorry, Robin. This is going to hurt.” Nimue’s hands wrapped around her wrists, and as Robin tried to pull free, the woman’s power rushed into her, but this time it hurt. Her whole body felt as if it were on fire, and all she could do was scream.
This will help when you come back.
The one thought made it through the searing pain that climbed Robin’s arms and crawled into her chest. She knew there had been more said, more to it than that, but everything else was drowned out by the white-hot pain.
When Nimue released her arms and the power vanished, it was as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water over her. Robin sank to the ground, shaking. She felt a scar forming along her spine, running down her back. Her hand shook as she reached around to the back of her neck, tentatively feeling the area. The intricate symbol was full of curly ques and lines that meant nothing to her. Randall seemed happy with it as she looked up at him with tears streaming down her face.
“You could’ve warned me.”
“Nim did warn you.” He shrugged. “Come on, time to go.”
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Robin.” Nimue’s voice floated to her as the woman’s figure dispersed and became mist once more.
“You too.”
The portal that opened in front of her looked like hell, and she knew that was what it was going to feel like, but it would get her one step closer to freedom.
Chapter 6
Robin wiped her mouth, as the heaving finally seemed to have stopped. Something about what Nimue did and the portal made her stomach very unhappy. As she’d run to the ladies’ room, Randall had called after her. He wanted her to check on something or another once she was feeling better. Just what she needed to hear while she was trying not to vomit in the hallway. She thanked her past self for keeping a bottle of mouthwash in her desk. At least she could get the taste out of her mouth before doing whatever mundane task he had assigned to her.
Back at her desk was a note on her keyboard.
Meet me in the penthouse. Elevator code 5149. Bring any work that needs to be done by tomorrow.
Her belly clenched. He couldn’t be trying to seduce her, not if he told her to bring work. She needed to get her message out to the tattoo shop. She crafted a quick message and reactivated the backdoor program that let her into the printer in the first place. If they had replaced it, she would have to spend time hacking into that one, and time was something she didn’t have right now.
When the printer came online, she breathed a sigh of relief and sent the message through. She used the network to access the security camera in the store and could verify that it had printed while the owner was in the store. Aster’s sister was nowhere to be seen. Robin wondered if they had left, if she had lost her connection to the men Randall had fought at The Farm. A knot formed in her stomach at the thought.
She had never been happier to have such a fast Internet connection. Grabbing her laptop, she made her way to the elevator and punched in the code. The ding of the elevator made her flinch, and as the doors silently slid open, she was so tense she could snap. She tried to practice her breathing, but watching herself in the mirrored walls of the elevator didn’t help her. She needed to mentally prepare for what might happen, even though her stomach turned at the thought of Randall laying a hand on her.
As the doors slid open again, what Robin saw stunned her. The penthouse was full of antiques and ancient tapestries. Definitely not the style she would have imagined. Randall was waiting with a glass of wine as she exited.
“I hope you like pinot.”
“I do.” She’d tried different wines in the cafeteria a few times.
She took the glass from him, thankful to have something to help calm her down. One glass wouldn’t impair her judgment, but it would allow her to relax, which she desperately needed right now.
“I had some food delivered. Feel free to set your laptop up wherever you would like. The dining room is just around the wall there.” He gestured to the wall that jutted out into the open space like a spare rib. The scent of something delicious reached her nostrils, and her body realized it was famished.
Setting down the laptop on the coffee table, which looked older than her grandfather and was probably worth more than her father’s gambling debt, she followed Randall around the corner.
The big mahogany table had clawfoot legs and was covered in takeout containers.
“I didn’t know what you liked, so I got a little bit of everything.”
“Thanks.” This was beyond awkward. She didn’t want to look at him, let alone eat with him, but she was also too hungry to resist the tub of lo mein that sat there calling her name.
“I took the liberty of bringing some of your things up. They are in the guest bedroom. Feel free to make yourself at home in there.”
“Am I staying up here permanently?”
“You don’t have to, but it would be nice if we could spend more time together. I would like you to get to know me before you take Katerina’s place.”
She had saved the lives of the two men who’d attacked Randall at The Farm, by bargaining to take Katerina’s place. She just wasn’t sure what that involved anymore since Randall had said Katerina voluntarily slept with him. She knew there was something rough and cruel involved, though. She had seen the poor woman leaving his office with ripped clothing, blooming bruises, and split lips. The role was not what she’d thought, but she was also terrified to find out what it was. He had never been especially kind to her, so this new development of a glass of wine and dinner made her nervous.
“I see.” She took a sip of her wine and shoved more lo mein into her mouth. The two didn’t really mix well, but she didn’t want to have to make conversation with him. At some point, she would have to get the things she’d stashed in the vents out before he moved her out of her room completely, but for now, she was just hungry. She watched out of her peripheral vision as he picked up some sushi and began eating. Takeout sushi was not what she expected to see him eat. This night was just getting weirder and weirder, but weirdest of all was when he walked away and went to bed. She’d been expecting him to come on to her, or at least try something. Relief overwhelmed her later that night as she finally lay down to sleep, alone. At least for the moment, Randall seemed content to let her adjust to the new situation.
Chapter 7
“There you are!” Thad’s voice echoed throughout the gym.
It had been two days since Leonard had started talking, but Hal still wanted to get more information out of the guy. He knew it was in there, and he wanted it. Fortunately it seemed he intimidated the man, so he’d been working out down there. His theory was that if Leonard could witness how strong he was, then he would be even more intimidated, which would lead to more talking. The added benefit was if he tired himself out enough, he didn’t dream when he slept—at least, not for a while—so the sexy redhead dreams were banished for a few hours every night.
“Hey!” Hal panted as he jogged on the treadmill.
“There’s something you need to see.”
Thad’s tone made Hal’s stomach clench. Something was wrong. He grabbed the towel and water bottle and followed his brother into the hall.
“What? Don’t want to share with the class?” Leonard’s voice called out as they walked away.
When the door shut behind them, Thad finally explained what was going on. “We received a message from Tony. Looks like the hacker who alerted Cin to Aster’s kidnapping has another message for us.” He pulled up the photo on his phone. “Dem is working on decoding it right now, but it looks like it’s a cry for help.”
“The hacker was the redhead?”
“Robin. Yeah.”
“Shit. I knew we would have to go get her. Didn’t I say it?”
“You mean, didn’t you ask us to help you go get her? Yeah, you did. We just needed more info from the jerk in the cage.”
“You know what I meant.” Hal bristled at Thad’s tone. Sure, he’d asked, and he’d told them about the dreams, but none of that meant anything. She’d saved his life and Thad’s. The least they could do was save hers.
“Oh, I know.” Thad chuckled.
Hal followed his brother upstairs as they went to meet up with Dem. He had a good head for ciphers.
“So another code, huh?” Hal made sure his voice was devoid of emotion as he spoke.
“Yeah. It’s one she’s used previously, so this is easier than the first time.” Dem scratched out the message as he spoke.
Within a few minutes, Dem had decoded the whole thing and demanded the laptop.
“Holy . . .” He let out a low whistle.
“What are we looking at?” Thad leaned over his shoulder, studying the screen. “Is that what I think it is?”
“What is it?” Hal’s patience was wearing thin.
“It’s the research they had been doing at the facility Aster was being held at.”
Hal’s brain shorted out for a moment. If they had lost that data in the fire, then maybe the brothers could use it to get a couple steps ahead of these wackos. His brain launched itself into overactive mode. “What did the message say?”
“It gave the web address and log-in for this site, and something about a charity.” Dem shoved the notepad toward him.
His chicken scratch was hard to read, as always, but thankfully, after centuries of deciphering it, he could at least read it without getting a magnifying glass out now.
I have important information that I can’t put here. Meet me at the CANF gala.
That was all it said, other than the website and log-in information.
Hal didn’t know what to make of it. Did she need rescuing? Was she just passing along more information? Did she even want to leave? The questions bounced around in his mind. With his brothers preoccupied with the data, Hal pulled out his phone. A quick search told him that CANF was an Alzheimer’s charity, and they had an annual charity gala, which was tomorrow night. Of course it was. Things could never be easy. Hal went to buy tickets to the gala. He knew at least a couple of his brothers would go with him.
It was almost completely sold out.
All the lower-priced tickets were gone. It looked like he would be shelling out a cool ten thousand dollars per ticket. The charity would be grateful for the purchased tickets, as it helped their cause, and he would get to save the girl. Seemed like a win-win. Besides, it wasn’t as if he didn’t have the money. He and his brothers were all very comfortable. If they were ever short on cash, they could just sell something they had acquired over the years and they would be fine.
“Who’s coming with me to the gala?”
Dem and Thad both turned and looked at him blankly.
“I just bought three tickets at 10k a piece.”
“I’ll go,” Dem offered, while Thad remained silent.
“Okay, I guess I’ll go bug Alec, then. Oh, and it’s black tie, by the way.”
Dem groaned as Hal left to track down his other brother.
“Stop fidgeting with your dress.” Randall’s harsh whisper cut through Robin’s sense of embarrassment at what she was wearing.
The emerald green dress was beautiful; she just hated how low cut it was. The long skirt and long sleeves didn’t make up for the neckline that descended past her breasts. She had been advised via a note on her keyboard that morning to report to the spa located in the building.
Her hair and makeup had been done for her, and she hadn’t looked less like herself her entire life. The woman who had curled her hair into vintage Hollywood waves had returned with her to help her into her dress. She had been taped into the dress. Literally. And she was wearing pasties over her nipples that lifted her breasts into a better shape for the dress. Something she didn’t even know existed until a few hours ago. The pearl earrings and heavy gold necklace were just the icing on a crappy situation, and don’t even get her started on her shoes.
She was so far removed from who she was right now, it was as if she was living someone else’s life.
Every time her fingers drifted to her neckline, or to the dual slits in the skirt of the dress, in a subconscious attempt to cover herself, Randall scolded her.
Robin was meant to be his arm candy tonight. While she would admit that she looked decent now that she was all dolled up, she was definitely not comfortable.
He escorted her around the room, picking at canapés while he bid on seemingly random items. She watched him schmooze. He pulled off the charming but humble young CEO effortlessly. The women he spoke with tittered with excitement at his attention, occasionally shooting jealous glares at Robin. She knew they wanted to be in her place, but they didn’t know the half of it. If she could trade with them, she would in a heartbeat.
Randall’s behavior was different from normal, more attentive and jovial. It had taken her a while to figure out what was going on. Robin had the distinct feeling that he thought this was how a woman was supposed to be seduced. That pretty dresses and jewelry and spa treatments would get her into his bed. None of that worked for her. Ever since she’d put it together, though, she could see the excitement bubbling in him. The bounce in his step, the enthusiastic handshakes, and the glances and smiles he showered on her.
Maybe she gave him the wrong impression. Sure, she smiled and talked to people who talked to her, but it wasn’t as if she could tell people she was being held against her will. Technically she wasn’t. She’d signed a contract. She was his employee; it was just a change in the terms of their arrangement.
Her stomach rolled at the thought of how far he was willing to exploit her humanity. She hadn’t wanted to see people murdered. Was that so wrong? Plus, there was her family to think about. Sure, she could escape—this was probably the best opportunity she was going to have—but then her family would pay the price.
“Randall, do you mind if I go get a drink?” She pitched her voice, trying to make sure she sounded as innocent as possible. She really did just want to get a drink, or two. Maybe three.
His eyebrows drew down, as though he was evaluating the flight risk of her going to the bar. It was only when the people he’d been talking to cleared their throats that he seemed to realize how odd this looked.
“Of course not, sweetheart. Could you bring me back a glass of Cabernet?”
“Sure thing.” She smiled, but it felt so forced, she was worried that she looked slightly crazy.
He patted her hand and gave her shoulder a hard squeeze, reminding her of her place. As Robin walked away, she was able to take a deep breath for the first time in what seemed like days. The urge to disappear into the crowd was stronger than she had expected it to be.
Glancing over her shoulder, she found Randall’s eyes on her. He was going to watch her like a hawk. At least, until the crowd swallowed her. She gave him a little smile before turning in the direction of the bar. Skirting the cocktail tables and winding around the groups of people, she finally spotted her target.
The long sleek black surface only had a few openings. Other than that, people were packed around it like the watering hole it was. Robin took her place, and one of the bartenders gave her a nod to let her know he’d seen her. While she waited, she glanced around the room. A steady flow of people passed the tables that ringed the edges of the room, each one displaying items to bid on. In the corners of the room were a few more formal tables where people could sit down and talk, but this wasn’t really that kind of event. Everyone seemed focused on networking and being seen spending money.
“This spot taken?” a deep, melodic voice sounded behind her.
“No—” Robin’s voice broke as she turned to look at the man who had spoken.
Chapter 8
It couldn’t be. Thor, the man from The Farm, was standing there. Everyth
ing slipped away as she looked at him. He was alive and looked amazing. His long hair was pulled back into a ponytail, but the blond and brown streaks were still visible. He stared down at her, as though he was waiting for a response, but she hadn’t heard him speak. Her eyes took in the amazing sight before her. The three-piece suit looked like it had been tailored to fit him exactly, which made sense since he was not the kind of guy who could just pull a suit off a rack and wear it. The material itself was a black-on-black pinstripe, and the fact that he wasn’t wearing a tie let her have a peek at a little slice of skin before the white shirt covered it.
“It’s Robin, right?”
She nodded mutely. Her heart kicked. The chatter from the people around her flooded her ears while the smell of booze and overly floral perfume filled her nose as the world rushed back in, breaking the spell.
“Robin, is there somewhere we can talk?” His melodious baritone thrummed through her as he leaned down to whisper in her ear. Goosebumps broke out all down her arms.
“Not really. Staying at the bar is for the best. I’m supposed to be getting drinks.”
“If you need rescuing, order a beer for me, okay?” he whispered as the bartender approached.
“What can I get you?” His nasally voice was like nails on a chalkboard after listening to Thor speak. She should probably ask him his name. Otherwise, she was going to accidentally call him Thor out loud, and that would be embarrassing.
“I’ll have two glasses of Cabernet, a shot of vodka, and a beer for my friend.”
“Something dark, please,” Thor said over her shoulder.
“Coming right up.”
“I can get you out of here, if you trust me.”
Robin’s heart was in her throat, possibly making a bid for freedom via her mouth. “I want to—you have no idea how much—but he’ll hurt my family.”
Thor’s face clouded, and she could see the anger brewing within him. “We will rescue them too, if you want. You can stay with him, but when you saved my life at the farmhouse, you clearly put yourself in a position you weren’t happy with, and now I want to help get you out of it, if I can.”
