“If you were nicer to me, then I may go easier on you.”
“I would never do that with you!”
The fingers tightened, and she winced.
“We shall leave that for now, but I am nothing if not patient. Now where is my book?”
“It is safe. But I will not hand it over until you assure me this is done with.” Beth swallowed to ease the sudden tightness in her throat.
“You are bargaining with me when I have just told you I control your family? Told you I will harm your friend?” His words had a hard edge to them that made her knees start shaking.
She should have told Nathan sooner; he would have helped her. Kept her family and friends safe.
“We have done everything you wanted, and you have given us nothing in return.” Beth rushed to add.
His fingers were around her throat, squeezing in seconds.
“You dare to bargain with me!”
Beth clawed at his hand for release.
“Where is the book?” His hand eased slightly, and Beth sucked in air.
“I-I don’t have it on m-me.”
“Where is it?” He squeezed again, and Beth fought against him.
“Where is the book?” He hissed out the words like the venomous snake he was.
She clamped her lips shut.
He released her, then slapped her hard enough that her head snapped sideways.
“I will kill your friend!”
“No!” Beth launched herself at him, scratching her nails down his face before he could stop her. She grabbed a fistful of his hair and tugged it hard, then raised her knee and jammed it into his groin as Lucas had shown her.
“Andrei!” He roared the name, and suddenly a huge man appeared before her as she turned to run to the door. His arm wrapped around her waist as she went to pass him, lifting her off her feet.
“Bitch.” Logan stalked to where she stood struggling. Once again, he gripped her throat. “You and your family are nothing but my puppets!” He growled the words into her face, then drew back his hand and slapped her hard.
“Bastard!” She spat out the blood at his feet.
“I would have gone easy on you had you been nicer, Bethany.” He pushed his face into hers. “But now I find you no longer appeal to me. Andrei, however, would love to spend some time alone with you.”
She struggled to get free, but it was hopeless.
“You would have been a fiery mistress in my bed.” His hand grabbed her breast and squeezed.
“There is another copy!” She wheezed out the words.
“What?” His face was suddenly inches from hers again.
“I made a copy of Mr. Valentine’s book, and it will be delivered to someone if I do not return home safe.”
He laughed at her. “You are not that brave or wise, Bethany. I doubt you would have thought of doing such a thing.”
“And yet I just told you I did.” His shocked expression told her he understood her meaning.
