He inches closer, toe to toe, hip to hip, and grinds the hard length of his cock into me. “Are you sure?” He leans in, his mouth a breath away from my cheek. “I don’t think I believe you, and I wouldn’t be a valued employee if I didn’t tell Luther what I caught you doing.”
Anger heats my chest, his power sickening me. “Tell him whatever you like. Your threats mean nothing to me.”
“Sure they do,” he purrs. “Don’t pretend you’re not scared.”
His toxicity invades me, curdling my emotions. I want to lash out. To tell him he’s nothing but a leashed dog who jumps at his owner’s command. Instead, I pull back and look him in the eye. “I was determining how many guests we have. And now that I’m aware, it’s time for me to prepare refreshments.”
He chuckles, the tone sinister. “Come on, pretty Penny. Admit your little heart is pounding at the thought of me fucking you.”
“Luther would cut off your hands.”
“You’re right.” He drops his hold and steps back with a non-committal shrug. “I guess I’m left to take out my frustration on poor Lilly. You realize she’s still all alone in your room, right?”
Defeat hits me.
It’s a hard punch to the stomach I can’t take without lowering my head to hide my suffering.
I don’t see Chris grin in response. I don’t need to. I already know his mouth is spread wide, his eyes glistening with victory. His reaction is as predictable as the change in seasons.
I inch away, sliding between him and the dining table, then stalk from the room and into the kitchen. I ignore my turmoil as I put on my shoes, then pull a bottle of scotch from a cupboard. I suppress all the unwanted feelings threatening to overwhelm me while I grab liquor glasses and a serving tray.
What I can’t do is pretend Chris won’t make good on his promise.
He always does.
The only thing I can do is live with the guilt that I taunted him into taking his frustration out on my sister.
I grind my teeth and tighten my grip around the neck of the scotch bottle until my fingers ache in protest. I’m still there, strangling the liquor when the sound of the sliding door opens down the hall and the clap of numerous sets of heels approach.
Nina, Abi, and Chloe make their way into the kitchen, Tobias following them with tight-knit brows.
“Dad is looking for you,” he snips. “He’s gone to the bathroom, but he’s not happy you’ve made them wait.”
“I’m on my way.” I pour a finger of scotch into each glass. “Abi, can you check on Lilly for me?” I give the woman a pointed look, then do the same with Chloe and Nina. “Chris was headed to our room and I want to make sure the two of them don’t have another fight.”
Abi’s eyes narrow in understanding. “Sure.” She nods and stalks from the kitchen, Chloe and Nina following.
I ignore Tobias as he continues to scowl in my periphery and grab the tray, my heart pounding beneath tightening ribs as I stalk for the hall leading to the sliding door. The glass is open an inch, letting me hear the soft murmur of Cole and his accomplice.
I can’t make out the conversation, only the hushed tone.
There’s nothing sinister in the voices. If anything, it’s more tinged with conspiracy. Secretive and low.
I suck in a deep breath and square my shoulders as I use the toe of my shoe to slide the door wide. The tap of my heels is almost deafening against the tile. The beat of my heart is even louder.
The men stop talking on my approach, the descending silence thick and uncomfortable. Maybe I should’ve waited for Luther to finish in the bathroom. If these strangers don’t know the rules—if they’re unaware I’m not to be touched—I could be standing before a viper pit.
But it’s too late to back out now.
I won’t scamper away and trigger any sort of predatory chase.
Luther’s son meets my gaze, his dark eyes scrutinizing. I quickly lower my focus, not wanting unnecessary attention as I place the tray on the coffee table and grasp two glasses of scotch. I hand the first to his associate, keeping my attention lowered to forgo another scorn-filled look.
I’m surprised when he grasps the offer gently, his large fingers smoothly wrapping around the rim of the glass. That doesn’t mean I don’t picture the same grip wrapping around a woman’s neck, the effortless glide becoming tight. Squeezing. Choking.
How many times has he tortured the defenseless?
I back away and hold the second glass out to Cole. Just like the other man, his intent toward my offering is slow and calm. There’s no rough grab or harsh snatch. He reaches out, preparing to take the scotch, then doesn’t grasp the glass. His hand only hovers close without contact.
“Aren’t you going to introduce yourself?” His tone holds the same arrogant authority as his father. The same superior self-worth I’ve come to despise.
I swallow over my hatred and chant a mental warning to remain civil.
“I’m Cole,” he continues. “Luther’s son.”
I’m sure he knows I’m well aware of who he is and what he’s capable of. This friendly introduction is merely a taunt.
I raise my gaze, answering him with a spiteful look. It’s impossible to play nice, especially when I’ve conditioned myself to be vicious to all men.
“Have we met?” He rakes his gaze over me, from head to toe and back again. “I’m sure I’ve seen you before.”
I don’t know what he’s angling for—familiarity? Kindness? Or worse, my vulnerability?
“You’re mistaken.” I shove the glass into his hand and backtrack. I’m ready to turn on my heel and flee inside when the glass door slides open and Luther ruins my chance of escape.
“Ahh, there she is.” He strides toward me, sickening pride ebbing off him in waves before he wraps his arm around my waist, awakening my bruises as he drags me into his side. I flow with the movement, not giving him an opportunity to scold me.
“I see you’ve already met my pretty Penny.” Luther tangles his fingers in my dress, reminding me my body is his to control. “I shouldn’t have favorites, but it’s no secret this woman has claimed all my attention.”
“I can see why.” Cole continues to eye me, the visual sweep a violation all on its own. “Is there a reason why I feel like we’ve already met?”
Luther pauses for a moment, glancing between me and his son. “I don’t know. Maybe you’ve seen her on the television. Penny’s not from Oregon. But the news of her disappearance may have crossed state lines.”
“Penny?” the companion asks. “That’s her name?”
Despite knowing I’m not to be touched by anyone but Luther, my unease is high over my status as the center of attention. My position is precarious. Even though these men might not have their way with me, it doesn’t mean Luther can’t demand I put on a deplorable performance.
It wouldn’t be a first.
“Is something wrong?” Luther eyes Cole and grabs the remaining glass of scotch from the tray before taking a seat. “Have you two met before?”
“No.” Cole’s interest evaporates. “She must have a familiar face. That’s all.”