In his other hand, Marcus holds up his cellphone. I can just make out that the location tracker is on in some app, and it looks like he could send that information wherever he wants.
"Give her to me, and I won't send this address to the cops."
Clever. But my arm burns from where the thug is holding me, and I pull again, trying to get to Marcus quicker.
"Be smart here, Cilento. Is she worth a visit from the Feds? I've got friends in high places, after all. Or do you send her home with me, and you can deal with your Kendrix issues however you see fit?"
The moment is so tense I could pluck it in the air like a harp string. But as quickly as the estate descended into chaos, it comes to an abrupt halt as Cilento raises his hand.
"Let her go. We'll deal with Kendrix ourselves. I won't have the authorities dirtying up my home."
The guy holding me relaxes, his grip going slack, and I take my arm back, hurrying across the massive tile floor into Marcus's arms.
I'm shaking, the adrenaline taking over, and I know when we're out of here, I'm going to break down. But that can wait. We need to get to safety first.
"If you ever come after me or her again, if you touch what's mine ever again, it'll be the last thing you ever do."
Marcus keeps the gun raised as we back up toward the door. He trusts me to get it open and guide him through it as he maintains eye contact with Cilento.
But then the door closes. We're outside. I'm free.
"We need to get to the car now, princess." I look up at Marcus, still in shock, and I crash my lips against his, needing to feel him against me. "I missed you, too. But let's get out of here."
"You're not taking me back to my father," I reply sharply, leaving no room for argument.
"No, princess. You're coming home—with me."
10
Marcus
"Come on. Let's get you to the couch."
I guide Lila into my living room and ease her down onto the sofa. Her eyes roam the house, wide and curious, but she's shaking, and I know the adrenaline is making her jittery.
"This...this is your house?" She smiles weakly at me.
"Yeah, it's nothing much, but it's safe.You'resafe. Okay?"
Nodding, Lila drops her head and leans forward until it hits my chest. "I can't believe all that just happened. Are you sure we're safe here?"
I lift her chin so she meets my eyes. "Yes, Lila. We are. This place has been set up by the company I work for. Top-of-the-line security features that you can't even see."
Her eyes go glassy. "You came all the way to Cilento's house. Just for me."
I can't help but smile, cupping her cheek and running my thumb back and forth over her skin.
"I'd do it again, princess. I won't let anyone hurt you."
She swallows hard, and I can see the fear in her eyes. "But what now? Are you going to leave? Take me back to my father?"
I shake my head and take her hands, squeezing. "No. Never. In fact, it'd make me damn happy if you promise to never go back to that house again."
"Really?" Lila's brows pinch together, but the corner of her mouth lifts. "I think I can do that, considering how furious I am at...Reginald."
We both hear how she doesn't call him her father.
"But I'd also like to know about us. Are we...do you want..."
