Shades lifted me in his arms, one hand still over my mouth and the other wrapped excruciatingly tight across my chest. I struggled to breathe, as everything was too constricting. He carried me up the stairs to the third floor, and by then I felt like I was going to pass out.

As soon as we got to Tristan’s room, he dropped me to the floor and I gasped for air. “You’re lucky you’re his,” he hissed low, glaring at me with soulless blue eyes.

I jumped to my feet. “Or what?”

He stepped closer and snarled. “Or I’d beat the shit out of you for hitting me. Where we come from, lassies like you respect their men. You’ll learn soon enough.” Turning on his heel, he stormed out of the room and slammed the door.

I didn’t even have to try the knob to know he’d locked me in. Heart pounding, I rushed to the windows and peered out. I had no clue how to save my dad or Connor. Hell, I didn’t even know how to save myself.

Hadley

“Are you calmed down yet?” Tristan asked as he entered his room.

Fighting him was no use. I’d either find myself drugged or beaten, and there was no way I could help my father in that state. “Go to hell. I don’t even know who you are anymore.”

Grabbing my arm, he turned me around and pulled me to him. I used to love looking at his hazel eyes, but now they made me sick. “There are some things you need to know before I take you to Ireland. One, you’re mine. Listen to me and do as I say, and I will give you everything you’d ever want. You’ll learn to love me.”

I scoffed. “You expect me to love you after taking everything away from me? Have you lost your mind?”

“Let’s get something straight, love. Your father took everything away from you. It was his decision to fake your death.”

“Yeah, after Connor coerced him into it,” I snapped. “It was you who wanted me to disappear.”

He trailed a finger down my chin and I stiffened. “When I want something, I get it. This was the only way I could get you all to myself. No more Blake, no more Nick, no more sharing you with the world. Just you and me.”

Eyes wide, I backed out of his touch. Why hadn’t I seen it sooner? “Out of the way? It was you, wasn’t it? You’re the one who killed Scott and shot Nick.”

His lips spread wide. “You’re a smart girl. He deserved it too, taking my idea to be with you . . .” He kissed his teeth in annoyance. “It all worked out perfectly when that crackhead took the fall. The idiot was probably scared the police were going to bust him for the drugs and went on the run. It was all the ammunition I needed for your father. Once your bodyguard was gone, Connor was right there. Just a few more death threats on your life and the deal was sealed.” He stepped forward and backed me into the wall, blocking me in with his arms and hips.

“It was you the entire time,” I stated.

“From the very beginning, love. For two years, I’ve been trying to get you, and now you’re here. Tomorrow we leave for Ireland. Your future and everyone else’s depends on you.”

“What are you saying?”

Pressing his body against mine, I could feel his erection against my hip and thought I might vomit. Trailing his nose up my neck, he breathed me in. “Am I correct in assuming you want your father alive?” he asked, murmuring the words in my ear.

My eyes burned. “Yes.”

He trailed a hand over my breast and rested it on my hips. “I can promise to keep him alive, but you have to show me how bad you want it.” He closed his lips over mine and I jerked away.

“Why are you forcing me to do this?”

Grasping my chin, he pulled me back. “I don’t want to force you, love. If I have to, I will. But I want you to enjoy this as much as I do. All you have to do is give me a chance and I’ll make sure everyone you love and care about stays safe. Defy me and you’ll see how ruthless I can get. Now,” he said, murmuring against my lips, “kiss me like you mean it.”

Tears spilled over my cheeks and I closed my eyes. Opening my lips, I let him kiss me. It made me sick to feel his tongue against mine, his hands all over my body.

Moaning, he pulled back. “Now that’s what I’m talking about. You just gave your father and extra day to live.” He kissed me again and sucked my bottom lip. “When I come back, we can work on giving him another week.” He cupped his hand between my legs. “Be ready for me.”

I held my breath and waited for him to leave before breaking down. As soon as the door shut, I fell to my knees. I knew what he wanted, but I didn’t know if I had the strength to do it; especially if I had to do it every day. I’d rather be dead.

Blake

“For the longest time, I never understood why he felt the need to have that much security,” Nick said. “Now I know.” He passed me the binoculars and I scanned the grounds. There was only one person patrolling, but that didn’t mean there weren’t more.

“Where do you think he would keep her?”

He shook his head. “Not sure exactly. But it’d either be on the second or third floor. That’s where all of the bedrooms are. Downstairs you have the kitchen, library, and other entertainment rooms.”

“Did he ever have security walking around?”

“Nah, not ever. This is a first.”

Probably because he had precious cargo in the house. The sound of a car caught my ear. “Someone’s coming.” A small, red sports car came barreling down the road and I recognized it immediately.

“It’s Hadley’s father,” Nick pointed out.

“I know.” I held up the binoculars and watched him get through the gate with no issues. “Well, this just got interesting.”

“Do you think he put the hit out on you?”

My blood boiled. “I don’t know. If he did, he’ll fucking regret it.” George got out of the car and walked right into the house.

“She’ll be fine, right?” Nick asked.

“I fucking hope so. Whatever happens tonight, I need you to be all in. There’s no hesitating. If you want her out alive, you have to be willing to do whatever’s necessary.”

He nodded. “I won’t hesitate, even if I have to kill Tristan myself.”

“Even knowing you might get killed in the process? If you want to back out, now’s the time to do it. I can do this myself.” The last thing I needed was to worry about him while we were in there. I saw how upset Hadley was when he was in the hospital, and I didn’t want her having to go through that again.

Nick huffed. “I’ll be fine. I’m a fucking hockey player. I like to kick ass.”

Rolling my eyes, I glanced down at my watch. We had two more hours for the sun to go down. We’d already been out there for over three, and it felt like a fucking eternity. Usually, I’d go in guns blazing, but I couldn’t do that, not with Hadley’s life on the line. My phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled it out. It showed up as Hadley.

Nick glanced down at it. “Why does he keep calling from her phone?”

“Because he knows I’ll answer it.” I accepted the call and growled low into the phone. “What?”

“I see you’re still alive. I knew you would be.”

“Can’t say the same for you. What do you want?”

“We’re on the same side, Mr. Evans. And right now, Hadley needs our help. I need you here, tonight. We don’t have much time.”

I scoffed. “Don’t worry, I already know where you are. I don’t need your help.” I hung up, not waiting for a reply. I didn’t trust him, not when he was one of the reasons Hadley was gone.

Nick stared at me. “What?” I snapped.

“It sounds like he’s really trying to help.”

“Doesn’t matter. I can’t trust anyone but myself. I learned that the hard way.”