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As if reading my thoughts, he texts again.

Dom: If something goes wrong, I’ve instructed two trustworthy men to visit my property and set you free. After that, they’ll take orders from you, and you will have all the funds you need if you wish to start a new life away from The Vultures.

I swallow, fighting off the tears that try to spring to my eyes.

Dom: I know this has been difficult for you. I know I’m a stuck record. But if something happened to you, I’d never forgive myself. I’m handing the phone off now. Hopefully, I’ll see you later. Keep safe, Keepsake.

I put the phone on the counter, angrily wiping away my tears. He’s messing with my head again, which I love, hate. He’s playing me like a freaking drum.

I leave the house and walk through one garden to a shed at the rear of the property. Just as I thought there’d be, there are two step ladders. I grunt and groan as I carry one, then the other, to the nearest perimeter wall.

I could setup one ladder, then climb up while carrying the other. It will be difficult, but I’m certain I could do it. Then I could lower the other and climb down without hurting myself. After that, I’d follow the road. It’ll be a long walk–I’d need to take supplies–but I’d make it.

I could be free. This is my chance.

No more head fucks. No more wanting him. No more aching at night as I squeeze my legs together and think about what we did and what else we could do.

No more tightness in my chest as I believe his words, the protectiveness in his smoldering eyes, the warmth of his banter, and the intoxication of him looking at me like I’m the most important woman in the world.

Meatball purrs.Are we going or are we staying?

I turn away from the ladders. Heck.

We’re staying… for now.

When the jail broken cellphone rings, I answer it quickly. I’m in one of the gardens, sitting next to Meatball, who’s sprawled out on the bench.

“Tash!”

“Hey, chick,” she says.

I laugh.

“What’s funny?”

“Just how casual you are after everything that’s happened. We’re both prisoners, but it felt like a normal day when you said that.”

“Prisoners?” Tash says. “Is that how you feel?”

“Isn’t it howyoufeel?”

“No,” she admits. “Rafe explained the situation, and honestly, I went with the flow. Dom hasn’t hurt you, has he? Rafe said he was a good man, better than Rafe, that ‘he left darkness behind a long time ago’ or something like that. Oh, God, don’t tell he lied to me.”

“He hasn’t, Tash, relax. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“You’re safe? Unharmed?”

“Yeah,” I murmur. “And sorry for dragging you into this mess.”

“Hush. In a weird way, I’m happy you did. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have met Rafe.”

My mind spins. “What’s going on with you two?”

“Uh… everything, I guess.” She laughs, and I can tell it’s genuine, that she’s happy. “We got intimate pretty much straightaway.”

“And you haven’t been going insane wondering if it’s right, or wrong, to be with your kidnapper? You haven’t eaten yourself alive with the moral dilemma?”

“No, but something tells me you have.”