“Isn’t it?”
He shrugged as he twirled his knife. “No. Not really. Sure, it’s a bonus because I don’t think you’re good enough for my sister, especially after all the shit you did to her, but it’s also about a contract you made with me and broke.”
I shook my head and looked away from him. “I didn’t do shit. I stayed away just like you wanted.”
“You had her in your home.”
“Because I was fucking returning her, dick. Not because I was keeping her.”
“Did you consider keeping her?”
I shook my head and looked away from him.
“Did you?” He pressed.
“No.”
“Don’t fucking lie to me,” he snarled.
“What the fuck does it matter? I didn’t. I returned her. She’s safe. I ended the worry. What the fuck do you want from me?”
“Just to watch you suffer for a bit more.”
“Kill me or let me go.” I glared at him. “Stop being a pussy and do it already.”
He regarded me wordlessly for a moment, his green eyes intense.
“Rosalie had a visit from her stalker again. At least now I know it wasn’t you or Cole.”
I frowned. “What? Is she OK?”
“She’s fine. Shaken up a bit, Evan tells me. Ryder fell victim.”
“What happened?” I ventured, my throat tight.
“Mm, an exploding box at the door. He opened the door, and it went off. He was shot in the chest. He’s been going through it lately, what with Cole giving him a head injury and now this.”
“Rosalie is OK?”
He nodded. “Mostly.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” I demanded. “What about Ellis?”
“That seems to be the issue.” Church’s eyes darkened. “My niece could have been gravely injured. This does not sit well with me. Had she opened the door, it would be her and not Ryder.”
I swallowed. “Let me out of here. I can do more good outside than in here. I can protect them.”
“I will protect them.” He sat forward. “Your job is to hang out here and await your punishment.”
“What the fuck do you want from me? Do it already! What’s happening to Cole? What about E?”
“Don’t worry about it.” He got to his feet, and I followed.
“Whatever you’re thinking about doing, rethink it.”
“Just tell me if they’re OK.” I balled my hands into tight fists.
“Part of the punishment is not knowing. Be grateful that’s all I’ve done so far,” he answered.
