“The same thing I’ve always wanted. You see, my bosses didn’t like it when I came back to them and told them what happened. It’s my ass on the line, which makes me a very desperate man, Bastion.”
“That can’t be all.” I push my hand through my hair and pace again, just to relieve some of the anxious energy running through me.
Sean chuckles again, and the sound makes me want to reach through the phone and rip out his vocal cords with my bare hands. “Now you’re a smart man. Too bad you weren’t smart before. We could have avoided all this unpleasantness.”
“Just spit it out.”
“I want a lump sum payment for my troubles. Bring two million in cash to the address I text you at noon. Do that and let me run the drugs through your club at the newly negotiated rate I spoke about, and you can have your princess back.”
“Done.” I don’t even have to think about it. I’d pay anything to ensure Hattie’s safety.
“Come by yourself. If I see even a hint of someone with you, the girl is dead.”
“How do I know Hattie is still alive?” The words feel like shards of glass coming up my throat.
“C’mon, say something, sweetheart.”
I stop breathing while I wait to hear her, so I know she’s okay. And then her small, frightened voice comes over the line. “Bastion?”
“There, you know she’s alive. See you at noon.”
He ends the call. I practically roar into the vastness of my apartment, then punch the glass. I split my knuckles, but I’m lucky enough not to break my hand. Then I spring into action, checking my safe for how much cash I have on hand. I get on the phone with my banker before calling Gabriele Vitale.
I will gut Sean like a fish if there’s one hair out of place on Hattie’s head.
50
HATTIE
I’ve never been as terrified in my life as I have been in the past twenty-four hours. While a large part of me feels like Sean won’t hurt me because he needs me to draw Bast here, this man is clearly unhinged. I’m not sure if that’s a result of the drugs he’s been doing throughout the day and night, or just his usual self, but every time he comes over to me or looks in my direction, it takes me real effort not to fall apart.
My parents are probably wondering why I haven’t called. I told them I was coming to Seattle, though not the why. My mom would never have let me come here if she thought it was to beg Bast to be tested as a match. But when I told her I was ready to talk to him to discuss what happened between us, she gave me her blessing.
God, I hope she’s okay and that nothing drastic has happened with her health while I’ve been tied up—literally.
They’re keeping me in what I think is a chop shop. Day and night, people have brought cars in here, then immediately guys strip them down into parts.
My skin is crawling, and I want out of here so badly. But the thought that if and when I get freed, it will be because Bast is here makes me sick. The idea of him in harm’s way panics me. Will Sean really let us both walk away if Bast comes through on his promises?
Somehow, I doubt we both make it out safely.
But Bast has to know that too, right? He’ll come with a plan.
“Less than five minutes, sweetheart. Think your man will come through for you?”
Sean’s standing behind the chair I’m tied to, on my right side and bent down so he’s speaking into my ear. His warm breath on the side of my face sends a shudder up my spine.
“Aw, don’t worry. I’m sure he will.”
I say nothing. Though I’ve barely said two words the entire time I’ve been his victim, this time it angers him. He grabs the hair at the back of my head and wrenches back my head.
“You think you’re too good for me or something? Can’t bother responding?”
I whimper when his hand tightens in my hair, pulling hard.
“Get your fucking hands off her.”
The sound of Bast’s voice eases some of my anxiety, but at the same time ratchets it up. This is when all my fears could come true.
