“Get up. We’re moving you.”
“What?” Katya stood. “Why?”
“Your boyfriend and the Italians are coming for you. If they find this place, we’re all dead.”
Jorge grabbed her arms and dragged her from the room. She nearly fell down the steps as they hurried down them. Jorge burst through the front door and shoved her inside an awaiting vehicle.
“Drive,” Jorge barked at the man behind the steering wheel.
“Where are we going?” Katya asked.
“To one of your father’s warehouses. Your boyfriend found the others and has taken back the lithium. It’s a matter of time before he finds your father’s estate.”
“Matias is here? In Vegas??” Katya closed her eyes and prayed this wasn’t some sick joke.
“Yes. It looks like he and the Anastasi’s have formed an alliance. Not only that, but they also have the strength of the Surenos on their side. We are a sitting duck if we had stayed there.”
Katya watched as the scenery flew by the window. It felt like they had driven forever before finally pulling through a gated area. There were multiple metal buildings spread out over the property.
“What is this place?” Katya had no idea her father owned it. Hell, she didn’t really know him at all.
“Your father keeps his inventory here. Some of it anyway.” Jorge yanked her arm again. “Get out. This is home for a while.”
Katya surveyed her new prison. “From one hell hole to another,” she mumbled as she walked behind Jorge. She wondered if this might be her chance to escape. Maybe Jorge would leave her here alone, giving her the chance she needed to run again.
“Don’t get any ideas. You won’t be able to escape. Guards are stationed everywhere, and I will stay with you, for now. Plus.” He pushedopen the metal door. “I plan to keep you locked up.”
Katya swallowed as she took in the inside of the building. There was an eating area with a small stove and refrigerator off to the side. But what made her stomach churn was what took up the opposite wall. It looked like something out of a 16thcentury torture chamber. And the bed… Bile rose in her throat as she stared at the straps and chains covering the mattress.
“You like what you see?” Jorge sneered. “Since we’ll be here for an indefinite amount of time, I figured keeping you chained up would make my life easier. After all…” He ran his hand down her cheek, making her shudder. “If I tire of you, I get to kill you. The only reason you’re still alive is because I have so many things I still want to try before ending our time together.” He tugged the loose dress she was wearing, causing her to stumble toward him. “In fact, I think we should break in this place right now.”
Jorge tugged the fabric from her body, exposing her bare skin to him. Jorge had burned all her undergarments a few days ago, telling her they were only a barrier to his needs. Katya shivered at the cool air kissing her skin.
“I see you’re quivering with need, Kitty Kat.” Jorge walked her to the bed and pushed her down. “Don’t worry. I plan to take good care of you.”
Matiasstoodoutsidethemassive estate of Dmitri Ivanov. The house was a measure of the man’s over inflated ego—an ego that would eventually be his downfall.
“It’s empty,” Vincenzo called out as he emerged from the house.
“Where is he?” Bastian asked as he kicked his foot into the dirt.
“I don’t know, but Katya was definitely here. I found where she was being held.”
“Show me.” Matias pushed past Vincenzo and started up the steps.
“Wait. Matias.” Vincenzo jogged up behind him. “You need to know there is evidence of…” his voice trailed off.
“Evidence of what?”
“Look. I don’t think her stay here has been all that pleasant.”
Matias burst through the front door and raced up the stairs. Donny was standing outside the door talking with Massimo. His gut churned with what hid behind the closed door.
“Let me see.” He nodded toward Massimo, who tipped his chin toward Donny.
His heart hit the floor when he stepped through the threshold of the room. A pile of burned clothing covered the floor. Matias could tell it was underwear. Scanning the room, his gut told him she had been a prisoner here—a prisoner that had endured more than she deserved. And it was all over lithium and control.
“We have to find her.” Matias picked up a discarded dress and held it to his face. He inhaled her scent and closed his eyes. “If she’s being hurt, I’ll lose her forever to the monster she calls her father.”
