“So you’re the fifth? You’re Adam’s elusive driver?” Dorian said.
She nodded and smiled at him as if to say:Come on, darling, get closer. I dare you.
“I don’t fucking believe it,” T.B. said. “No way this tiny bitch could outdrive me.”
“You never sensed a little animosity between us, sweets? Hint, it’s because you know deep down I whip your ass every chance I get.”
T.B. turned a shoulder to whisper to Dorian. “I still don’t fucking believe it.”
Fingers drumming along his bicep from crossed arms, Dorian frowned. Was there indecision running through his head? Could he not decide whether he believed her, or could he not decide what her punishment should be?
“You’re fucking Adam Vandemilio.”
It wasn’t a question. Still, she chuckled. “Well, darling, I had to get mine somewhere. You could never make me come, could you?”
She swore T.B. blanched before he shook his head.
Dorian dove across the room so fast she barely had time to prepare for his slap. The force of his blow cut her lip. Licking her mouth and tasting her own blood like it was a delicacy, she said, “You can hit harder than that, honey. Come on, I like it rough. Just ask Adam.”
His thoughts were written all over his face as he stepped back with wide eyes while he steadied himself. It took an encouraging nod from T.B. before Dorian straightened his suit jacket and turned to her again.
“How long has this been going on?”
“Long before you.”
She looked at his throat as if she could visualize the knife slicing through his flesh. He must’ve seen her delicious brand of crazy because, in return, he walked over and hit her again. He drew more blood, this time from her cheek.
“Shall we say hello to your lover? No? How about goodbye then.” That low voice that was filled with sweetness, but laced with venom, was suddenly back.
She stiffened, watching as Dorian was delivered a cordless phone on a silver platter. Dorian dialed and made a call. While Dorian was distracted making his call, with the door wide open, she took the opportunity to peer at what lay beyond it. A clinical white hallway with no discernible exit. That would make her escape interesting.
Without warning, Dorian shoved the phone into her face. She didn’t have to ask who was on the other end.
“Baby,” she said, through heavy breaths.
“Oh, baby,” Adam said. “Just hold on. I’m gonna come for you.”
Their affectionate words only made Dorian twist even further into rage, his teeth baring as if he might rip out her throat. But when Adam said he’d come for her, she noticed a flicker of satisfaction in his horrible eyes.
Satisfaction she’d never let him have.
Dorian could try, but she wouldn’t let him lure Adam to her. Wouldn’t let him abandon their plan. If they were going to take down Dorian Blake, it had to be now. She had told him many times not to save her, and even against these circumstances, she had to find a way to make sure that he didn’t try. So that he could finish what they started.
“The prize,” she said.
“What?” His voice was high-pitched and pained. He understood exactly what she was asking.
“Eyes on the prize at all times.”
Before she could say another word of warning, Dorian snatched the phone away, and finished his conversation with Adam out of earshot. When he returned, he still clutched the phone, his hand blocking the speaker.
“He really loves you,” Dorian scoffed.
Her eyes shuttered as she shrugged. Dorian still clutched the phone.
“Tell me, really,” Dorian said. “Why him?”
Mercedes met his eyes and found an almost sincere pain behind them. There was hurt there, hidden behind a fine sheath of rage. No part of what they had was real, but this had only begun because Dorian had always wanted her. Loved her in the way only someone incapable of love knew how.
