by K. C. Lynn
“Yup, you pretend I’m not here and I’ll pretend I didn’t hear you say you weren’t wearing a bra.”
My face turns furiously red and a warning growl erupts from Ryder’s chest. “Fucking watch it, Stone.” Nick chuckles, not in the least put off by Ryder’s warning.
Shaking his head, Ryder steps closer and frames my face. “You ready, baby?”
I inhale a deep breath. “I think so.”
He leans in and kisses my forehead. “Everything will be okay.”
“Don’t worry, Emily. We got your back.”
I smile at Nick’s assurance. “Thank you.” Reaching over, I grab my purse off the bed then as I turn to walk out I hear Ryder suck in a sharp breath.
“What the fuck?”
I spin around to see his eyes bugged out of his head. “What?”
“Where the fuck is the back of your dress?”
“What do you mean? It’s backless.”
“I can fucking see that, and so will everyone else. I can’t concentrate knowing guys are going to be staring at my half-naked woman.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not half-naked. My back is naked…”
“Okay, now I want to see this dress,” Nick chimes in, amused.
“Shut up, Stone.” Ryder growls which makes Nick chuckle again.
Shaking my head, I walk up to him, grab him by the lapels of his suit then pull him down to my mouth and lay one hell of a kiss on him. I forget all about Nick listening in and show him exactly who my heart belongs to. I pull back a moment later and stare up into his heated gaze. “I love you, Jameson, even when you’re acting like an idiot. Now stop being ridiculous and let’s go.” Grabbing his hand, I start out of the room and ignore his tortured groan at seeing my back again. More than anything I wish we could stay here and get wrapped up in our own world, and skip what I know will be a night that will change my life forever.
*
I was bombarded the moment we walked in. Everyone under the sun has been telling me how happy they are that I’ve regained my sight, and they all want to know how I’ve been adjusting to the change. I’ve had to piece together faces with voices for people I have known since I was a little girl and it’s incredibly overwhelming. I should have expected it, and even prepared myself for it, but I make sure to paste a smile on my face and answer as best as possible.
On top of it all, I’m having a hard time playing the charade of happy family with my parents. My mother seems intoxicated already, which is a little earlier than usual for her, but I figure that has to do with Ryder being here with me tonight. She hasn’t hidden the fact that she’s furious about it. While she was placing fake kisses on my cheek she was whispering in my ear, telling me I’m nothing but an embarrassment. Thankfully, she shut up after the look Ryder shot her. Only because I know she didn’t want him to cause a scene and ruin her perfect image. My father has been more distant than usual, which is fine by me. It makes my skin crawl to even be in the same room with him.
Ryder has stayed close, keeping his hand on me at all times, his touch bringing a small measure of comfort. During introductions I made certain everyone was aware of who he is to me, much to my parent’s dismay. Most people didn’t bat an eye because they don’t know him, but the few who do didn’t bother to hide their dirty looks. I wanted to throw my drink at them for it, but Ryder just smirked, seeming happy to piss them off. I also haven’t missed the majority of the women here eyeing him, or smiling at him in a way that has jealousy burning inside of me. Ryder is completely oblivious to it all, his eyes have been trained around the party, constantly searching and watching.
Leaning down, he kisses my cheek. “What time do the girls usually show?”
I look around, finding it odd they aren’t here yet, considering dinner is soon. I wait until my father finishes speaking to a colleague and ask him. “Where are the girls from Serenity Hills?”
He clears his throat. “There has been a change of plans and they won’t be coming tonight after all. But the director, Ms. Pike, will still be here on the facilities’ behalf.”
My heart plummets and I feel Ryder tense next to me while Nick curses in my ear. “That’s too bad, I was looking forward to seeing them.” Knowing we need a little privacy, I excuse us and lead Ryder over to the far corner of the room, pretending to show him some paintings.
“Great, now what the fuck are we going to do?” Nick snaps.
“Something doesn’t feel right,” Ryder mumbles. “Why, all of a sudden, are they not doing it?”
“Who the fuck knows, all that matters is they aren’t, which means we need to come up with another plan.”
“I could search for the key in my father’s office then you could at least have that?” I offer.
“No!” they both snap at the same time.
“I don’t want you leaving this party. I’ll sneak out at some point and look for it. I just need you to tell me where his office is.”
I think it’s silly Ryder would go when I already know where it is, but I know there’s no sense in arguing about it. So I give him directions and hope I’m explaining it right, since the only sense of direction I have is from when I was blind.
“Just be careful, please,” I tell him, terrified at the thought of something happening to him like Rosa.
He pulls me against him. “Don’t worry, baby, I’ll be fine. I’ll sneak out when the time is right.”
Nick chimes in: “If you can get it to me right afterward, Higgins, Crowley and I can search the property while you keep eyes on everyone in there.” I’m assuming Higgins and Crowley are the other FBI Agents they called in to be on standby with Nick.
“That works, if I can get outside to you unnoticed.”
“You can go through the side door that leads to the garden,” I suggest. “I don’t think there is a camera there.”
“There is one off to the right. We’ll disarm it before then,” Nick says, obviously familiar with my father’s security system.
“All right,” Ryder agrees, but seems distracted as he stares at something over my shoulder. “My attention keeps getting drawn to Kensington, he’s been looking nervous as hell since I got here, and now he seems to be in an argument with Prescott Senior.”
I turn and find him next to the bar. Ryder’s right, he seems to be in a heated argument with Kyle’s father. For the second time tonight I’m glad Cece wasn’t able to come, because, if something goes down, I would hate for her to have to witness her father being put in handcuffs. Although I know she’s going to be crushed either way.
After a little more talk of their plan, we take our assigned seats, which is unfortunately at the same table as my parents. Although I knew we would be – image is everything.
To say dinner is awkward is a major understatement. If my father and Ryder aren’t glaring off with one another then it’s Ryder and Kyle. I was hopeful he wasn’t coming, since I hadn’t seen him when we first arrived, but no such luck. Thankfully his table is away from ours, but it doesn’t stop him from staring at Ryder and me. His gaze holds so much hatred I can feel it without even having to look at him. I pull Ryder’s attention back to me by kissing him, hoping it will also make Kyle stop watching us, but all it does is piss my mother off.
She leans in with a fake smile. “Do you mind not acting like a whore?”
I feel Ryder tense and I quickly put my hand on his leg, hoping to stop him from reacting. “Please don’t,” I whisper, knowing it’s what my mother wants.
“What a bitch.” I hear Nick mumble in my ear, which has me feeling embarrassed that he knows how horrible she is to me.
Ryder grinds his teeth with restraint and I feel his body vibrate with fury, but he thankfully holds back. It makes my mother thrilled to know she got to him. So she continues with her usual insults to me. Telling me to watch how much I’m eating because I can’t afford to gain weight. She also remarks how unflattering my dress is on me because it’s a style that suits only pretty, slender girls.
; Of course I know what she says is untrue. I’m a size six, which is in no way, shape or form overweight, but even if I was a healthy twelve, fourteen or even a sixteen I’d still love myself because I know I’m a good person. Its times like these where I think it would do the world good if the majority of people couldn’t see. That way they could only judge someone’s beauty on their souls and not on their looks.
Ryder’s patience snaps at the last insult and he doesn’t hold back any longer. He leans in and gives her the same smile she gave me a few moments ago. “If you don’t shut the fuck up I’m going to make sure everyone at this party knows what a bitter lush you are, who is jealous of her own daughter.”
My father steps in now. His demeanor is relaxed but his voice drips with icy disdain. “You watch yourself, boy, this is my house.”
“I don’t give a fuck. If you don’t want a scene then put a fucking muzzle on her or else the next insult will be her last.”
Oh god… I grab my glass of wine, hoping to calm my pounding heart.
Right when I take a hefty sip I hear Nick say: “Just tell him to take her in the back and fuck the bitterness out of her.”
The wine gets stuck in my throat and comes sputtering back to the surface, making me cough like a fool. Ryder pats my back, barely containing his smirk. “You all right, Em?” I nod but continue to sputter. I eventually get myself under control and try to ignore my mother’s disgusted glare.
“Sorry about that, Emily.” Nick apologizes with a chuckle.
“It’s okay,” I mumble then realize I shouldn’t have replied. Thankfully no one calls notice to it and all talk ceases for the rest of dinner, including my mother’s insults.
The speeches begin with the director, Ms. Pike, thanking everyone for their contributions and support for Serenity Hills. My blood boils at the way she carries on about how much she cares for the girls and their future. She talks about what a safe and loving environment they are in and what a difference Serenity Hills has made in their lives.
“What a piece of work,” Nick mumbles. “I can’t wait to lock her up and throw away the key.”
My father’s speech is last. Near the end Ryder excuses himself to the restroom. I squeeze his hand, suddenly afraid for him to leave. He leans in and kisses my cheek. “I’ll be okay, baby. I’ll try to be quick.” I reluctantly let him go, but the entire time I’m sick with worry.
Once my father’s speech ends a few minutes later everyone stands and begins to mingle. I decide to go to the restroom so I can check in on Ryder. As I make my way over I am intercepted by an older gentleman who looks oddly familiar, though I don’t know why.
“Miss Emily, it’s so nice to see you again.” I recognize his voice but can’t put my finger on who it belongs to. The man smiles warmly at my confusion and extends his hand. “Forgive me, I should reintroduce myself since I’m sure you don’t recognize me, it’s Archer Benedict.” I falter, knowing his name was on the list.
“Keep him talking for me, Emily.” Nick encourages in my ear.
I smile and shake myself out of my stupor before reaching for his hand. “Of course, Mr. Benedict, how…” I trail off the moment my hand connects with his and a memory slams into me, stealing the breath from my lungs.
I run through the woods as fast as my legs will carry me. Tears blurs my vision and my heart pounds in fear from the men chasing me.
“Someone help me. Please!” No one hears me screaming, no one comes for me.
I’m no longer fast enough and I’m grabbed. I get spun around and stare up into the face of Mr. Benedict, the man who just shot that nice lady. He raises his gun at me and I scream louder than I ever have in my life, then suddenly everything goes black.
I snap back into myself with tears streaming down my cheeks, blurring the man in front of me.
“Em, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” Ryder asks through the wire.
Archer watches me, knowing that I know, but I try to compose myself as best as possible. “Excuse me, I was on my way to the restroom.”
He doesn’t believe me but he releases my shaking hand. “Of course.”
I rush out of the dining room and head down the deserted hallway that leads to the bathroom on the opposite end of the house. “Oh my god, Ryder, it’s him. It’s him,” I whisper frantically. “He’s the one who shot that lady. He…” I gasp when, out of nowhere, I’m grabbed from behind. A hand slams over my mouth with bruising force and drags me through a door I didn’t even know existed.
“Em! What the fuck is happening?” Ryder shouts.
Terror robs me of breath as I kick and fight against whoever has me. They squeeze me painfully and bring their mouth to my ear. “I tried to warn you, Emily, but you didn’t listen.” I whimper in fear at the sound of Kyle’s voice.
“Stop, man, you need to calm the fuck down.” I hear Nick shout through the wire. “Get your head screwed on and use your fucking training. You can’t go in guns blazing or everything will fall to shit, and you could end up hurting her more.”
Panic pounds in my ears as I try to comprehend what’s happening. Is Kyle pulling his normal shit or am I in serious trouble here? I feel like it’s a safe bet to assume the latter.
“Take her down. I’m going to make sure the boyfriend is taken care of then we’ll meet you there before heading to the cabin.” I can’t see the person speaking but I register it as Vincent Prescott, Kyle’s father.
When Kyle starts moving again, I fight harder for escape, scared of what will happen if I let him take me. Suddenly, a sharp blade presses against my neck. “Stop fighting or I will slit your fucking throat right here, and don’t think I won’t.”
A terrified sob slips free but Ryder’s voice quickly breaks through my hysteria. “Em, baby, stop fighting. Just do what he says. We’re coming, I promise.”
I stop struggling and follow his instruction. Kyle drags me through another set of doors and down cement stairs. His hand stays over my mouth with so much pressure I have a hard time breathing.
“Pay attention to your surroundings, baby. I want you to hint to me where you are, but only do it when you’re speaking to him. Do not let him find out you’re wired.”
I feel Kyle’s hot breath in my ear that’s opposite of the wire and I’m terrified he’s going to hear them. I know Ryder said no one could but I don’t think he anticipated someone being this close to me either.
I try to see as much as I can, but it’s difficult since I’m being dragged backwards. I have no idea where the hell we are, or that any of this even existed. I still don’t even know where he jumped out from.
Once we reach the bottom of the stairs, Kyle finally eases the pressure over my mouth. “I’m going to remove my hand, Emily. Do not scream, or you will regret it. Do you understand?” I nod. “That’s my girl.”
I ignore his my girl comment, and when he finally removes his hand I suck in lungfuls of much needed air. I look around the long, dark hallway, seeing a row of closed doors on either side of it. “Where are we?” I ask shakily, trying to figure out how I’m going to get information to Ryder. “I’ve never been down here before.”
He pushes me to keep moving. “No, you haven’t, but you will see everything soon enough.”
I wrap my arms around myself to ward off the chill, the cool temperature and the terror coursing through my body has me shivering uncontrollably. I hear lots of ruckus and shuffling through the wire but the guy’s voices are mumbled.
We reach the end of the hallway and enter into a massive open area. When Kyle flicks on the lights I take in my surroundings. The room is plush, fancy and looks like it’s used to entertain. There’s a bar off in the corner and a stage in the center with a microphone standing in the middle of it. Spotlights hang right above it and seats circle it at all angles. My stomach drops when I realize this is where they bid on the girls.
I turn to see Kyle smirking at me. “What is this place? I don’t understand how we got down here. I was close to the bathroom when you pull
ed me through a door I never knew existed.”
“Good girl, Em. Keep talking, baby. I need more.”
Before I can continue, Kyle cuts me off. “Never mind that.” His gaze sweeps down my body, and the look in his eyes has bile rising in my throat. “I have to say, Emily, I love the dress. It’s going to be so easy for me to get it off, or maybe I’ll leave it on while I fuck you.”
I grind my teeth, feeling more anger than fear now. “You’re not going to get away with this.”
He smirks. “No? And who’s going to stop me? Your boyfriend?” He chuckles when I keep silent and then shakes his head. “No one can help you. If you would have just listened to me I could have protected you. Instead you had to be a self-righteous bitch and spread your legs for that fucking piece of trash.” Fury ignites in his eyes as he steps closer and I’m completely caught off guard when he slaps me, the blow so powerful it knocks me back.
“Motherfucker, I’m going to fucking kill him!” I barely make out Ryder’s roar through the pain pounding in my ears. My cheek throbs violently, making my head feel like it’s about to explode.
I have no time to get my bearings before Kyle yanks me back to him by my hair. “You’re so fucking stupid. I warned you to stay away from that loser, but you didn’t listen. You let him fuck what was always supposed to be mine, and now you’re going to pay for it.”
I stumble forward as he starts dragging me across the room, his grip still tight in my hair. “Stop it, let go of me.”
He opens a door at the far end of the room and pushes me through it. I land on my hands and knees on the cold, wet, cement floor. A dim light glows from above, barely lighting the dark cellar that reeks of something awful.
“Em, baby, you still with me? Where are you now?” Ryder asks. I can hear pounding footsteps as if they’re running.
“A cellar,” I mutter without thinking. I’m just about to mentally kick myself when a noise draws my attention to the corner of the room.
I gasp when I see a young girl gagged and chained to the wall, her face a swollen, bloody mess. She sobs uncontrollably and screams behind her gag. “Oh my god!” Getting up, I rush forward and drop to my knees next to her. I quickly realize the foul smell consuming the air is coming from her. She’s so dirty I can’t tell if she’s seriously injured, and the sound of her cries completely breaks my heart. “Shhh, it’s okay, everything is going to be okay.” I try to ease her, but know I don’t do a good job since I’m so terrified myself.
