Page 78 of The Quiet Witness

He typed fast, pressing enter, saw the text was delivered.

Meet at noon tomorrow, usual place. Take the B with you.

Only tomorrow were his teaching hours in the sanctuary. He couldn’t cancel on that, knowing how the women had come to love, even depend on his self defense teachings. During their first lessons they all carried the same doubt in their eyes, their entire posture.

The pre-chewed words whispered in the ears of the so called ‘weaker gender’ convincing them it would make no use in an actual fight. Until, they felt it first hand, the power hiding in their bodies. That said… a smile pulled on his lips. He knew the perfect replacement trainer.

It would give her final hours meaning.

All that was left for him to do was treat her with kindness, watch the blush tinge her cheeks and… enjoy her company.

Lucien knew one thing. If there was indeed a hell, taking her life would secure his place in it.

Chapter 32

Quiet Reconciliation

Ice blue eyes stared right through her.

Max’s voice lowered to a seductive whisper, a crooked smile on his lips as his knife slid over her trembling legs. “What. Do. We. Have. Here?” His voice rose in glee. The knife continued its agonizingly slow descent. “Why don’t we call Lucien in here? Make it a reunion of sorts.”

Kate wiggled in the binds, wincing when the rope dug deeper into her skin, finding no give.

Her eyes sped over the room, but there was no one to help her, nothing but the inky darkness and the monster in front of her. If she were to die, she’d do it with her dignity intact. “I don’t think you want Lucien to come in here.”

“What?!” He edged closer, holding the knife to her throat. “What did you just dare say to me?”

Kate leaned in, the blade sinking into her sensitive skin. “You’re no more than a foot soldier. I heard every word in there. You are… nothing.”

He slid the knife over her throat.

Kate shot up, reaching for her neck, wet. She drew back her hands, heart in her throat. No red. Just… just sweat. Her shoulders dropped.

A nightmare, just a nightmare.

Light poured out from behind the curtains, announcing another day in her current situation. She watched as fine dust swiveled in the bright light.

There was no way out. Even if she managed to shake off Lucien, freedom wouldn’t be in her reach. She felt like a hare, bouncing over the snow, paws digging for grip, while a fox stayed on her tail.

And then there was whatever happened between her and Lucien yesterday evening. It couldn’t happen again. Ever.

She dangled her legs over the bed, ignoring the pin pricks running down them, the tiny spasms moving beneath her skin. Stress like this… she wouldn’t be able to keep it at bay, not for much longer. Kate focused on her breathing, the smell of mint calming her raised heartbeat. Bare feet padding over the bedroom floor, she reached for the door, slipping through to pour herself a cup of coffee.

Ahh, the sweet smell of coffee. Well, technically bitter but whatever. Kate filled the cafetiere to the brim, watching as the ground beans swirled, mixing with the steaming water.

“You’ve made coffee.” She turned to find Lucien standing in the hallway, blinking against the light of the morning, voice gruff.

Kate hid a grimace behind a nonchalant hand. So that’s what he looked like before his morning shot, rubbing over his eyes, yawning like he hadn’t had a decent sleep in years.

Perhaps she should chuck the coffee into the drain because it was nice to see him so… normal.

Thank God for small mercies.

She needed it, because with what she’d discovered last night… a little humor would go a long way for her protesting limbs, for her mind to find a tiny bit of peace.

Kate raised a delicate eyebrow at him. “Splendid observation Sherlock.”

He stretched, a long oomph escaping him. She purposefully glanced away, a show of muscles this early in the morning would be… bad. Even from him, especially from him. A realization that didn’t sit well. He’d lied to her or rather, had danced and skirted around the truth. Who knew what else he was keeping from her. Ever again, Kate. Ever. Again.