Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
We drove up a hill, and then the van came to a stop. The door was pulled open, and the bag was yanked off my head before they shoved me out of the van. With my wrists still bound together, I walked forward, looking at the Tuscan villa as it stood glorious in the uplighting. The guy behind me pushed me forward. “Move.”
I threw my body back and hit him so hard he faltered backward and smacked into the van door. “Tell me to move again.” I might be handcuffed and they might have guns, but I was still bigger than every single one of them.
He looked pissed off but didn’t do anything.
Bolton would want me to die by his hand, so I knew there would be no retaliation.
They took me through the terrace, a fountain in the center with lights hung overhead. Must have been one of Bolton’s properties. Perhaps he took Astrid here in the summer once the crowds swelled in the city.
They walked me through the double doors, and I entered the home. We passed the foyer then entered the large living room, big enough to comfortably fit twenty people. Scarlett was on one of the couches, her hands tied behind her back, her left eye black and swollen.
She looked at me, and her uninjured eye started to well up.
I was the one about to be shot and dumped in a landfill, but I chose to comfort her. “It’ll be alright.”
Bolton walked into the room in a collared shirt and slacks, a grin on his face. “Glad you could join us, Theo. Take a seat.”
I remained where I stood. “We made a deal.” I continued to stand in front of Scarlett even though I couldn’t do a damn thing to protect her. “Now let her go.”
“We’ll get to that.” Bolton moved to one of the armchairs, practically giddy as he crossed his legs.
“We get to it now. Astrid will understand why you killed me, but she’ll never forgive you for tormenting her friend. Now, let her go.”
“Kill you?” he asked. “Did I say I was going to kill you?”
Then what the fuck did he want me for? What was this plan that I couldn’t see? “Bolton, just the let the woman go.”
His arms rested on the armrests as he gave me a long, hard look. Then he looked at Scarlett. “You want to go home, sweetheart?”
Scarlett didn’t speak.
I didn’t want to think about what had happened to make her so quiet.
“Miss the kiddos?” he asked.
“Stop antagonizing her, and let her go,” I snapped. “I mean it.”
He rolled his eyes before he gestured to one of his men. “Take her home. But keep that gun on Axel until we’re finished here.”
“You have me,” I said. “No gun needs to be on Axel or his family.”
“I’m not stupid, Theo,” he said. “I know he’ll come to your rescue the second he can.”
“His priority is his family,” I said. “He’s not going to leave them after what just happened—”
“Keep the gun on him until we’re done.” Now he raised his voice, his giddiness fading.
One of the guys walked to Scarlett and yanked her hard to her feet.
I slammed my body into his and sent him into the couch. “She can walk, asshole.”
“Theo.” Scarlett spoke to me quietly, like she didn’t want anyone to hear. “It’s okay.”
The guy got back to his feet, took her by the arm, and guided her out, much gentler this time.
Her eyes remained on me as she was led out. “I love you.”
My heart stung…stung bad. “Love you too.” I watched her go with a pain in my heart then I forced myself to look at Bolton again.
He remained in the chair, his elbow propped, his legs crossed. “That was touching.”
I tested the handcuffs that bound my wrists. They were as tight as they could be, so I couldn’t snap them or twist. Couldn’t pop my shoulder out of the socket to move my wrists over my head.
“Sit.” He gestured to the seat beside him.
I continued to stand.
He rested his chin on his knuckles, his blue eyes still on me.
“Now what?”
“Impatient, aren’t we?”
Astrid could wake up at any moment and realize I wasn’t there. I wouldn’t respond to her texts or phone calls. She wouldn’t be able to get a hold of Axel or Scarlett either. Then she would panic. “What’s your plan, Bolton? If you’re going to kill me, let’s just get it done.”
He continued to stare at me, milking every second. “You’ve got a death wish, Theo?”
“Yes. But not for me.”
He smirked before he got to his feet. “I’m curious.” He crossed his arms over his chest and looked at me.
I wanted to throw my shoulder into his chest and knock him backward, but that wouldn’t get me anywhere in the long-term. I waited for him to finish his thought.