“The stock’s poor this month,” he comments in a heavily accented voice. “I’d pay good money for you, though.” His eyes creep down from my face and linger on my boobs. I force myself not to react, but Angelo has no such qualms.
“I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself before I’m forced to remove your eyes,” he snarls while sliding in front of me.
The man laughs. “Okay, calm down! Just making a small joke.” I’m not laughing though, and neither is Angelo.
The guy gets the message and saunters off down the corridor. The minute he’s out of earshot, I grab Angelo’s hand again and squeeze.
“It’s okay. Come on, let’s check the other rooms and then get the fuck out of here.” I might vomit if we don’t leave soon.
My husband exhales slowly and then nods. “If she’s not here, we’ll have to widen the search.”
“Is there another level?” We’re already in the first circle of hell.
“Yeah, Milo said there’s a lower level connected by tunnels to an adjacent building, also owned by Remington. I expect that’s how he moves the women in and out without being seen.”
I wish Kane were here. And the giant Russian. Nothing and nobody would get past them. Thank fuck Luka isn’t, though. I’m not sure how he’d cope with seeing this. Unlike Angelo and Kane, he’s far softer-hearted.
There are more people appearing around us, which means the auction is creeping ever closer. Time is running out.
A quick walk up and down the corridor reveals no sign of Fina. She’s not in any of these rooms. As much as I was dreading finding her, I’m also sick with disappointment.
What if this is all a wild goose chase? What if Remington has already passed her over to someone?
Monsters like Santini are two a penny in this world. Cut down one, and another takes its place.
Vivian mentioned Santini had a brother, so it’s possible that man has Fina. And if she’s been taken somewhere else, we might never find her.
I swallow a sob, reminding myself I need to stay strong. If I lose it here, people will notice, and the last thing we need is unwanted attention.
Angelo pulls his phone out in response to a message. I’m surprised he gets a signal down here, given how far underground we are. He curses under his breath.
“My father’s here,” he says when I ask what’s wrong.
Great. Now we have him to deal with as well.
I step back as he types a reply and then pockets his phone.
“Kyril’s on his way down with Thea. Kane’s creating a distraction upstairs so we can get access to the level below this one,” he tells me in a low voice. “I need you to go back upstairs and stay with Luka and Kane.”
“But…”
He cups my face. “No buts, sweetheart. I can’t do what I need to do if I’m worried about you.” I hate that he’s right.
“Okay. I’ll go.”
“Good girl.” He drops a light kiss on my forehead before leading me to the door that leads back into the sex club. Nobody stops me as I walk upstairs. The two guards don’t say a word when I re-enter. I gaze around in search of Luka and Kane, but there’s no sign of them.
Then I see a flash of red as Kyril and Thea approach. She flashes me a quick smile before they pass. There’s a murmur of voices and then a faint thud. When I turn around, the two guards are on the floor. Kyril drags them both by their wrists into an adjacent side room and shuts the door.
My mouth falls open at how nonchalant the two of them are about violence, but decide it’s better not to stick around in case more guards come.
“Your guys are in the orgy room,” Thea calls before she and Kyril disappear.
Oh, great.I can’t wait to go back there. I grit my teeth at the thought of witnessing more debauchery, but with so much nudity in there, there’s less chance of being recognized.
The musky smell of sex hits me like a wall when I pass back into the Roman orgy room. It’s not decorated like an actual Roman temple, but the theme still fits.
Trying not to catch anyone’s eye, I search for Kane and Luka. It takes a few moments, but eventually I spot them by a tall potted palm. Kane sees me, and the relief on his face is obvious. He and Luka hustle over.
