He set the glass down on a side table, kneeling in front of me with his hands resting on the armrests, his face inches from mine. “You know I always have your best interest at heart, right?”
“Why? Would you like to take me on a rollercoaster again?” I teased with a soft laugh. Once, after he’d fucked me until I passed out and I finally came around, he said the high felt like he’d been on a rollercoaster. I’d never been on one, so I couldn’t compare it to anything. He explained it as a thrill of falling from a dizzying height while strapped in binds.
He chuckled before kissing me. Although slow and deep, my breathing still escalated when he pulled away. “Later, I might.” He dropped a softer kiss on my nose. “Now, I want you to meet someone.” I nodded. “Wilkes,” he called out, rising.
Remaining seated, I looked toward the door as Xavier’s bodyguard walked in, followed by another man. It took a second before recognition had me jumping to my feet. “Luke,” I squealed, rushing toward him and forgetting my injury momentarily.
His smile wide, he opened his arms and swallowed me in a tight embrace. For a man who never spoke except for that night I escaped, he was a welcome sight. Perhaps because I considered him the only friend I ever had. A man who’d seen me suffer yet was prevented from helping.
“Hey, Cinder.” He caressed my back.
“How are you here?” I asked when I leaned back.
“You’re smiling.” He touched my chin, his own smile falling as his eyes drifted to Xavier standing behind me.
I turned to look at him, taking in his blank expression. “Luke is a friend, Xavier. How did you find him?”
“I didn’t. He found you.”
“Can he please stay for a bit?” I asked, remembering this was his house.
“Luke is here to help us, Ella,” Xavier replied, his gaze shifting between me and the other man. “And yes, he’s welcome to stay.” He smiled, settling my heart.
Two minutes later, seated again with Luke on the seat to my right and Xavier to my left while Wilkes stood near the fireplace, Luke told me everything from the night I escaped to how he was sitting in Xavier’s home.
“So, you want me to help trap Kabir?” I asked, sipping my hot chocolate before glancing at Xavier.
He leaned forward in his seat. “You don’t have to.” He smiled, yet his concern was unmistakable.
My gaze shifted to each of the three men; I contemplated Luke’s suggestion thinking back to what Mark said. Maybe this was the way to break the bond. Face my fears. “Are you sure he’ll come?” I set the glass aside, fearing I might crack it with the tension running through my body, something I was trying hard to hide from them.
As always, Xavier had an uncanny way of reading my body language. He was on his feet and kneeling beside my seat before I could pull myself together. Grasping my hand, he brought it to his chest. “You’re safe, Ella. I will never let any harm come to you.”
Immediately, the soft thrum beneath my fingers provided the reassurance I needed. Smiling at him, I dug deep, looking for the strength Mark said I could own. “Do we have to go back to that house?” Surprised at the calm in my voice, I looked at Luke.
“Since you left, Kabir had me keep a check on the house, hoping I’ll find you or you’ll return on your own. He believes you love him and that no one can love you like he does—”
“Even after I took a bullet for Xavier?” I asked, frowning.
“She has a point there.” Releasing my hand, Xavier stood.
Luke pulled a phone from inside his jacket pocket and checked something before he held it up to Xavier with the screen facing us. “Kabir is under the impression you were shot, sir. These are emails between us since that night. When he got to the car, he was delirious. Either from the blood loss or mindset, your guess is as good as mine.” He looked at me. “After I dropped him off, he ordered me to come after you, to watch you, and when the opportunity presented itself, to bring you back. When I arrived at the hospital, I sent a mail advising him that Mr. Sinclair had been shot and he wasn’t doing well. After Wilkes grabbed me and Mr. Sinclair agreed to let me see you, I sent Kabir another message telling him that security was tight because of the shooting and that you were upset. But I could get to you, I just needed time. He bought it.”
“Bought it?” I asked.
Luke smiled. “He accepted whatever I told him. The time he gave me allowed you to heal while Mr. Sinclair was kind enough to put me up at a hotel.”
I glanced at Xavier, appreciating his kindness once more.
“To answer your question, Cinder.” Luke drew my gaze. “Going back to that house is the best way to make Kabir believe this setup. I’ll send him a mail saying that because you’re scared of further harm to Mr. Sinclair, you’re willing to come back home.”
“How sure are you it will work?” Wilkes stepped closer.
Luke sat back in his seat, eying the big man. “Honestly, Wilkes, I’ll be lying if I said yes. The chances of him believing it is higher. I know him. I know how he thinks; he only wants Cinder.” He looked at me. “The difference this time is that Wilkes and his team will be there to keep you safe.”
“Are the cameras on the property?” Wilkes asked.
Luke nodded. “Several in the house but only one at the front gate. He’ll see us drive up and enter the house. There’s a side gate to the property. That’s where you and your team will enter.”
