Clarence kneels before me. “Tell me how you know him.”
Tears burn in my eyes. It feels like an eternity has passed since Clarence called Malcom. Since I heard his voice—and probably for the last time. If I don’t die here, if by some chance I survive, it will be because Malcom has left the country.
It will be because I’ll never see him again.
“We met when I was in college,” I whisper, knowing that not speaking is more dangerous. I’m terrified of Clarence hurting me. I’ve never been more terrified in my life. I finally have what I’ve always wanted—and this man’s brutality could so easily take it away. I press my hands desperately to my belly, trying futilely to quell my fear. “I didn’t know—about what he does. He didn’t tell me.”
“Mhmm. You were fucking?”
My neck burns. Shame and humiliation rise to fill the room, heavy enough to crush me. I lower my eyes, tears clinging to my lashes. I nod.
“Why did you split up?”
“He left. He said…he wasn’t good enough for me.”
Clarence chuckles. “Hey, hey. It’s OK, baby. Don’t cry.” His rough thumbs brush away my tears. I stiffen, turning to stone at his touch. “God, you’re pretty. You know why he took you, right? It was just to put a baby in that belly.”
Unknowing, he places his hands over mine on my belly. The fear feels thick enough to choke me. I bite back a sob.
“It’s the stipulation. To inheriting the crown of the Scottish mafia. Me or him. I was in the running for a while, though. But I haven’t been as straight-laced as I should have been. I’ve been bad.” He grins, eyes glittering. “But you like bad, don’t you, Emma?”
I tremble, and he brushes the hair from my eyes.
“I had an old flame over the channel. Ten years back, she came moaning and crying that she was pregnant with my kid. Fuck that. I told her to take care of it. I didn’t give a fuck about being a father. Why would I? But now.”
My horror transcends as it dawns on me:he knows.
Clarence seems to read the realization in my eyes. His grin widens. “I had a feeling she kept the kid, so, you know, needing one now, I went to check in. Turns out the little brat isn’t even mine. Surprise, surprise.”
A tear slides down my nose. Clarence brushes it away. His hand remains on my cheek, fingers trailing to brush my lips. I’m too terrified to even be disgusted.
“But it turns out, it’s my lucky day. Isn’t it? I figured watching you and my little brother would pay off. But holy hell. I didn’t think I’d hit the jackpot this big.” He leans forward and kisses me, beard rough against my lips. I sit in utter paralysis, disgust surging through me, eclipsed only by fear. Then he sits back on his heels, grinning wildly. “Pregnant, just like that, huh? Now that’s a jackpot.”
“Please,” I whisper. When he and his men took us, it was from behind the doctor’s office. It was dusk then, streetlights just blinking to life along the small, deserted main road. A bag over my head, Lilly screaming—but not before the shot that struck Pete between the eyes. I knew then it was over. That what semblance of peace I’d finally found was already slipping through my fingers. “Please, don’t hurt me.”
“Hurt you?” Clarence laughs, finally standing. “Come on, Emma. I’m not going to hurt you. Who would that serve, hm? Malcom is out of the picture. We’re waiting him out just to be sure, but I know my brother. Above all else, he is a survivor. And coming here, or staying in Scotland to save you—I mean, it goes against his natural code. He’s a killer, Emma. And he’s gone. But I’m still here, and so are you. I need a child, and you’ve got one growing right here. Divine providence, isn’t it?”
I swallow a rebuke. I can’t fight. Not while pregnant. Not like this. If Clarence takes me, I’ll find a way out. I’ll run.
Clarence’s smile fades. “Emma. You look so angry. Smile for me.”
This time, I can’t stop myself in time. “Fuck you.”
He backhands me so hard I see stars. I blink, stunned and gasping. I’m on the floor. Clarence pulls me up by my hair and flings me back into my chair. I sit crumpled and very still, blood running from my nose.
“If we’re going to be together, we need to set up some ground rules, Emma. First of all, don’t talk back to me. Ever.” He tips my chin up with one finger. “I must say though. I do love a challenge. I can already tell.” He leans toward me, smiling hatefully. “It’s going to be a pleasure breaking you.”
It all happens very quickly then. A huge commotion sounds on the stairs. My brain fumbles for an explanation, and produces one a moment too late—bodies. Bodies falling down the stairs.
Clarence’s guards.
Malcom.
The door slams open and he surges in from the darkened landing. He has a gun in one hand, raised elegantly, deftly.
I’m saved.
The notion is short-lived. As soon as I’ve thought it, I’m wrenched to my feet. Clarence has his meaty, powerful arm locked around my throat. My body shields his as he backs away.
