He stops. His head tilts to the side as he takes in the sight of me again. “I’m here, Briar Rose, to collect on that favor.”
I swallow the lump that’s formed in my throat, the weight of his words falling heavy onto my shoulders. “What do you wantfrom me?” I ask, doing my best to keep my voice level, though I fear it betrays me.
His dark eyes are locked on me, books forgotten. It’s only the deep intensity of his gaze that holds me in place.
“You,” he breathes.
My lips part in shock but no words spill out. My knees weak under thatgazeof his.
“You’re close with Giovanni.” He clears his throat before continuing on.
I open my mouth in protest but quickly shut it when he shoots me a warning glare.
Do not interrupt me.
“You’ve already been taken once. I think you have some information I might find… useful.”
He wants to interrogate me.
“But mostly, I just need a girl to play the part and be mine, help me to convince Giovanni, and the people he works for that I’m one of them. I need access to that auction. To their list of buyers.”
“I won’t help you with that.” My anger, making me brave. “I won’t help you traffic more girls.” I steel my spine and set my jaw, hoping he can see the resolve in my eyes.
There’s a wild gleam in his when he closes the gap between us, and despite my trembling knees, I don’t back down, tilting my chin so that I hold his eye. He towers over me. I always seem to forget just how tall he is.
I steel my gaze, ready to take whatever comes out of his mouth next, but I’m unprepared when he says, “Good. I don’t want you to.”
My voice stutters. “I—I’m confused.”
“I don’t want you to help me traffic more girls.” His face is serious. “I want you to help me stop it.”
“Stop it?” I blink at him, not quite sure what to believe. “But back at the club…” I trail off, searching his face for any sign he’s trying to manipulate me. But his face is stone. I don’t know what to believe. I don’t know Koen very well but I do knowhis world—men who will say anything to get what they want.
“How do I know I can trust you?” I say finally.
He shrugs, picking up a lock of my hair and letting it run through his fingers as if he couldn’t help himself.
“You don’t.”
I stare at him, long seconds passing us by. “Do I have a choice?”
“You always have a choice, Briar.” His voice is low, and the way he’s looking at me… I can’t quite read the look on his face. “You can stay with me and we can further discuss terms, or I can bring you back to Giovanni.” He shrugs, but I still see the violent gleam in his eye when he says Giovanni’s name.
Not really a choice…I think, weighing which of the two is more of a threat.
Koen checks the time. It’s after two.
“You need sleep. We’ll talk more tomorrow. Someone will be outside.” He heads for the door.
Like a guard?
“So I’m not allowed to leave?”
He turns, his hand still on the knob. “You’re mine now, Briar Rose.” I shiver at the way he says my name. “And I protect what’s mine.”
Considering the matter finished, he turns the knob.
“Yours …temporarily,” I correct.
