His eyes bore into the camera before he drags the sharp blade across Steven’s throat. He gurgles as the blood pours from the gaping wound. My stomach rolls with nausea as I turn my head away, wondering what Steven must have done to deserve such a horrible death.
“Your ex-husband was a dishonest man. He stole a lot of fucking money from me and for that he paid a grave price.” He leans in closer, pressing his forearms to the bed. “You will work off his debt and if you don’t, if you defy me or my requests in any way, I will make sure your daughter suffers a far greater death than what you just witnessed. Do you understand?”
I can’t wrap my mind around what is happening. I retch as my body convulses with the terror and shock of what I have just witnessed. I don’t know what this man wants from me or how he expects me to repay Steven’s debts but I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my daughter safe.
The man’s hand grips my chin, forcing me to face him.
“Do you understand?”
“Y-y-yes,” I finally manage, my lip trembling. “Just, please, don’t hurt my daughter. I’ll do anything you want.”
His hand reaches out to brush the hair from my forehead and my skin crawls with revulsion as I shy away from his touch.
He reaches into his pocket to retrieve a key, unlocking the handcuffs from my wrists.
“There is a change of clothes in the bathroom. Shower and dress. Then wait for my return.”
I nod, moving to sit up once I’m free. I try to remain calm, knowing Asher is out there somewhere searching for us. I know he won’t rest until we’re safe.
Zayne stands and strides toward the door, giving me one final glance before he leaves. “Don’t do anything stupid. Remember, your daughter’s fate lies solely in your hands.”
Once the door closes behind him, a sob pours from my mouth, the nausea bubbling up uncontrollably. I rush to the bathroom and empty my stomach, praying like hell I don’t do anything to mess this up and we both make it out of this alive. Asher is our only saving grace, I just hope he finds us before it’s too late.
Chapter 25
Asher
Danny made is to Marley’s shortly before the medics arrived after hearing the call come over the radio. We were hoping to track them down using the GPS on Peter’s car but we had no luck. However, after doing some digging of our own, we discovered Steven owns a cabin about two hours away. According to Peter, Steven inherited the property from his father years ago and as far as he knew, he’d sold it. At least that’s what he’d told Marley.
Yet another one of Steven’s lies.
The property is a little over two hours away but Danny and I make it there in just under two. It’s dark when we arrive. The place looks deserted with the exception of Peter’s car parked in the driveway. Danny and I gain entry through the back door, quietly creeping through the house, looking for any sign of Marley or Lyla, but after clearing every room on the main floor and upstairs we come up with nothing.
Uneasiness smothers me as we make our way down to the basement.
“Jesus Christ,” Danny swears as we round the corner.
