Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 64031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
My legs are far too weak, and I can hear Sebastian’s car door open and then his hard steps on the pavement as I whip past branches. More men shout and the tree limbs lash out at me as if to punish me, and I take it. I take every bite of the thin boughs and when I get to a sudden edge, I fling myself over, eager to get away. To fall hard, and that’s exactly what I do. Landing on my back, I hit the cold dirt and roll.
My palm braces against something at the same time my legs bash into the rough trunk of a tree. The bark tears at my legs and I bite down to keep from screaming in agony. It hurts to stand up, but I do. Feeling lightheaded and weak, I stumble at first but keep moving. The voices sound farther away now. I hope they are.
I don’t know which way is which, but I run as fast and hard as I can. I can’t outrun Sebastian; he’s far too big, and I’ve never been a runner. But I’ll hear him when he comes, and I can at least hide.
“Fuck!” Sebastian’s voice reverberates in the forest and it sends birds flying out of the treetops. Their sudden movement makes my heart lurch, and I’m staring up at them as I run into something hard.
Something with hands.
Something that grabs me.
The scream in my throat is held back by a large hand over my mouth.
My heart thumps and my anxiety spikes wildly until he shushes me, holding my small body close to his and hiding behind a thick tree.
“Shh, be calm, Ria.” Nikolai’s voice is the most comforting thing I could have asked for in this moment. Tiny cuts on my arms and face sting as I cling to Nikolai. Tears burn in the back of my eyes.
“I’ve got you now.”
Chapter 16
Carter
“I thought there was nothing to talk about?” I answer the phone with Jase across from me. He’s slow to take his seat in the chair but quiet as he does it. There’s not a sound in the room other than my own heart beating until Marcus answers.
“I forgot I wanted to mention something,” he tells me over the phone. “Are your brothers with you?” he asks me and then adds, “They may be interested to hear this as well.”
“I’ve just messaged them,” Jase answers and sets his phone down on the table. It vibrates with a response and then another.
“I’m glad you’re here, Jase,” Marcus says and I can hear the smile that must be plastered on his face. His voice carries through the space and over to the door as it opens, bringing Daniel into the office. He’s still catching his breath and slowing his pace after taking quick steps into the room.
“And which one is that?” Marcus asks as Declan comes in next, his tablet in hand. “Is it the one attempting to track me?” Marcus asks and instinctively I move my gaze to Declan. He merely stares at the phone on my desk, not answering.
“Of course we’re trying to track you,” I answer Marcus, slowly taking my seat and ignoring my own phone going off. “It’s only fair, and you know it.” He gives a low chuckle, but says nothing.
“What is it you want to tell us?” I ask him and glance at the monitor to see Sebastian’s car parked in the street. I know he was talking to her. The nagging voice in my head is only concerned with Aria, but she’s not even back yet. This call is going to be quick. First I’ll handle this, and then I’ll deal with Aria.
Soon. Soon I’ll have her back, and I’ll take Jase’s advice.
“I have more information regarding the first time the lines were drawn in the sand,” Marcus says. “Lines you failed to see.”
“No more riddles.” I cut Marcus off and grit my teeth before telling him, “I’m tired of games. Tell us who tried to take Addison and Aria.” I harden my voice as I add, “I want names.”
It’s quiet for a second and then another, but Marcus eventually speaks.
“Jase, do you remember the articles I sent you?” Marcus asks and Jase’s gaze narrows as he stares at the phone, not with anger, but with recollection. And we all look to him.
“About Tyler?” Jase asks and instantly my blood turns to ice. “The articles about the woman who hit him?” Jase clarifies and my mind races.
Lines drawn in the sand.
The first hit our family took.
“Tyler’s death was an accident,” Daniel speaks up and then visibly swallows, walking closer to the edge of the desk and daring the voice on the phone to deny that truth.
It was five years ago. Almost six now.
Tyler’s death was before all this. Years ago. After I went against Talvery, once I started making a name for myself, yes. But I was no one. It’s only in the last few years that my name has become synonymous with fear. Jase and I had barely gained ground, let alone anything worth the attention of hurting Tyler.