Then a sharp, furious voice cuts through the haze.
“…You think I wanted this? I just need to teach the bitch a lesson. Show her who’s in charge.”
My stomach lurches. I blink against the fog in my head, desperate to believe this is just a nightmare.
But then the blur sharpens, and my brother Vince looms into view. The fight. The trunk. The suffocating ride here. It all slams back at once, and my blood runs cold.
Then a voice answers, unmistakably familiar, sending a jolt straight through me.
“Ezra?” My heart leaps. Hope is flaring so violently it hurts.“Ezra…” My voice cracks, barely more than a whisper. “Help me…”
Vince’s head whips toward me, eyes flashing. “You want to talk?”
Before I can brace, his hand lashes out, the slap snaps my head sideways, fire ripping across my cheek. Copper floods my mouth, the taste of blood sharp on my tongue.
The room tilts. My ears ring. And all I can think is that my own brother is enjoying this.
I hear him growl into the phone, voice low and dangerous. “Ezra… I’ve got business to finish.”
Just like that, he hangs up.
When his gaze snaps back to me, his eyes are wild, bloodshot. He grins, then laughs—a slow, cruel sound that bounces off the steel and concrete, evilish.
“Don’t bother, little sister. No one’s coming for you. Not tonight. Not ever.”
“You, fucken traitor,” He continues, growling like a caged animal.
My head is heavy, my tongue feels thick when I force the words out. “What…did you…do to me?”
“I dosed you, bitch. If you’re wondering.” His smile is sharp, almost proud.
“Dosed…me…how…”
“Just a little needle to the neck, sister. No big thing. I needed to get you in here and restrained without trouble. Couldn’t have you scratching and clawing like a wildcat.”
“You’re…fucking…insane,” I slur.
“Maybe.” He shrugs, almost amused. “But it’s your fault, really. Always playing the clever princess, looking down on the rest of us. Acting like you’re better. It was supposed to be me. I’m the eldest. I’m loyal. You?” his lip curls, “you’re nothing but a fraud.”
I let out a bitter laugh, my voice rasping. “Take it, then. Take the crown. I never fucking wanted it.”
He leans in close, making a mock-sorrowful face, his breath hot and sour. “Oh, now that you’re tied up and all alone, you’re ready to hand it over? Where’s the entertainment in that? Too easy. No fun at all.”
I swallow, licking my lips. I need water. Did I scream when he put me in the trunk of his car? I don’t remember.
My throat feels raw and dry. What the hell did he give me?
“What did that Barkov bastard do to you, huh?” Vince’s voice is thick with venom as he waddles closer. He crouches, his face too close, eyes glittering with sick delight.
“I had a tail on you,” he sneers. “Watched you walk into that club. Watched you slink back out every week. You think I wouldn’t find out? You think I wouldn’t notice the cash under your bed? A hundred grand, Leanna.” His lips twist into something feral. “What was worth that much? Your sweet little cunt? Or did you let him stretch you with his fist?”
I swallow bile. He wants me gagging, wants me recoiling. Wants me small.
I lift my chin instead, even as my wrists burn against the zip-ties. My voice is hoarse, but steady. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Is that the truth? Maybe not, but it’s the only defense I have.
I didn’t know who Nik was when I walked into that club. Not then.
