She’s intelligent to the point of brilliance, but she’s also obedient and docile. She’s fragile.
I’ve spent my life quietly protecting her. Mostly from our father. The beatings I took so she didn’t have to…
Which is why I’m not sure I can leave her in the hands of this savage.
Ryker’s eyes meet mine. “You think I want to be married to her for life? This is a short-term proposition, that benefits both me and her. She gets my protection, and I get a third casino. Then she can go wherever she wants, do whatever she wishes.”
His words make sense and my shoulders relax but my heart rate doesn’t slow. Likely because I know Ryker’s kind and he’ll say whatever suits him to get his way.
“Do I have your word that you’ll let Sasha leave the marriage if she chooses?” My hand with the ring clenches. Much as I want out of the marriage so that I can go hunt revenge, I won’t leave her exposed. That is a deal-breaker.
“You have it, with one caveat.” His gaze doesn’t waver from mine. “She stays with me until your father is neutralized or dead. For as long as he is a threat, she’s mine to protect.”
I jerk my chin in acceptance because he’s chosen the exact right words to gain my consent. If I can be certain that Sasha remains safe, while I am free to act, both my sister and I win. Because, I have every intention of ending my father’s life one way or another. “I accept.”
“Excellent,” he gives me a rare smile that does little to soften his dark, harsh features. Then he sticks out his hand.
I stare at his mitt of a palm, giant compared to mine, and slowly place my fingers in his. He squeezes my hand, his eyes shining with triumph before he lets me go.
I clear my throat, resisting the urge to wipe my palm down my pant leg.
“Tomorrow, make certain you get into the second car, alone.”
My mouth twitches down. This is where I’m taking a big risk. Alone, I’ll have no protection. Ryker could drive me into the woods and kill me without a single person ever knowing. “Where is the car taking me?”
“Airport.”
My brow furrows. I have two passports with aliases. But using one will certainly be traceable to my father, the one person I really need to hide from. Which is why, I’m not sure the airport is the best idea. “To go where?”
“England,” he shrugs. “Someone I know has a private jet and will be leaving Vegas tomorrow at noon. I’ve arranged for one of the staff to help you hide on the flight. It will make you untraceable.”
I have to give Ryker credit on one front. He’s smart. “Am I going to be in a part of the plane that is not temperature controlled?”
“You are thorough, I’ll give you that,” Ryker says as he quirks one of his shaggy eyebrows. I guess he’s decided I have a few redeeming characteristics too. “But no. You’ll be in an unused bedroom.”
“Bedroom?” Not even my father has that kind of money.
He shrugs. “Successful businessman.”
“And when do I get my money?”
He points at the duffle behind him on the kitchen counter, next to the coffee pot. “Now.” Then he pulls out a manilla folder from underneath the bag. “Or at least, right after you sign the contracts.”
“And after I arrive in England?”
“Go wherever you wish.” His tone changes. Darkens. “But I’d recommend traveling quietly. Pay in cash, use trains.”
I hold out my hand, the ring catching the light as I take the folder from him and open it, reviewing the documents.
I’m no lawyer, but they’re reasonably straightforward.
One side of my mouth twitches down into a frown as I consider for a moment. I don’t feel great about any of this.
Then again, if I’m going to accomplish the impossible, the first thing I need is freedom. It’s that simple.
Drawing in a deep breath of air, I pick up the pen he’s slid across the counter and sign my name next to the X.
Silently, he hands me the duffle. “Sasha will need your dress. Make sure it’s in the other car.”
