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As the meeting closed and the others got to their feet, Mason tapped his glass on the table to get their attention. “Remember to be back here in three hours to partake in the festivities celebrating the nuptials of two of our dearest members.” His eyes locked on Gavin’s. “Black-tie of course.”

The man actually expected them to return in three hours time and be prepared for a formal event. Grayson raised a brow. “Should we bring our wives and girlfriends?”

“Of course, nobody attends a wedding solo, do they? You’re welcome to bring both your wife and girlfriend, should you please.”

Gavin shook his head at Mason’s tasteless joke.

Samantha’sarmshadgonenumb from her restraints. She’d expected the big man to remove them when he’d left her in the room, but he hadn’t. She didn’t know if he’d been gone for ten minutes or two hours. Time wasn’t on her side.

Mason’s cruel words reverberated in her brain. He’d taken the things she desired most in life—husband and children—and twisted them into something perverse. His comments about her childbearing years nearing their end were painful to hear as true as they were, but she was certain he’d wielded his words like a Kensei swung his sword. With precision. They were meant to cut her down.

A soft sobbing sound drew her attention. Someone else was in here. Close enough that she could hear them.

“Hello?”

The sobs grew louder.

“Listen, we need to see if we can help each other, I’m Samantha. What’s your name?”

No answer. She tried again. “Maybe if we talk, the time in here won’t be as dreadful.”

“Vanessa.”

“How long have you been in here?”

“Since he brought us back.”

“Back from where?” Sam moved closer to what she assumed was the wall between their rooms.

“I guess these rooms aren’t soundproof.”

“Why would they need to be? It’s underground, so it’s unlikely anyone above would hear us scream.”

“The dormitory in the estate house is soundproof. I assumed these rooms would be, too.”

“I’m glad they’re not. At least that way we can talk to each other. Where did you return from?”

“A cabin. It was supposed to be an FBI safe house.”

“Go on, but start from the beginning. I think we have plenty of time.”

“Three years ago, Mason had another girl invite me to join a sorority.”

“Zeta Gamma Xi?”

“That’s the one. I did everything that was asked of me until I didn’t.”

“What did you refuse to do?”

“Post private pictures of a prominent politician on social media.”

“Wow.”

“I saw the possible fallout and couldn’t do it. That was when I was first brought here to the estate house dormitory.”

“And?”

“A few weeks later, I was offered an out. Instead of being married off to a member of the society in another country, I could remain near home and continue to care for my ailing mother.”