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“But you will join,” he says. “Because I’m offering you a bid now. And you’re going to accept it.”

My mouth falls open. “No…”

“Yes. You’ll accept it because if you don’t…” He leans forward, watching me closely. “You don’t know what will happen, do you? You couldn’t. You still think this is a cult, as if that’s the worst it could be. Cults are silly. For weak, broken people. What you’ve walked into is…beyond your comprehension.”

I clench my jaw, my heart fluttering like a bird in my chest. “You can’t make me join.”

Jesus, why does my voice have to shake?

His smile sends an icy chill down my spine. “Can’t I?”

My lips quiver. “Are you threatening to hurt me?”

He grips my shoulders gently. “Don’t be afraid, little doll. No, I’m not going to hurt you.” That chilling smile returns. “I like you too much. But your friend…” His face grows blank. “He’s starting to get on my nerves.”

I gasp. “Rhett?”

What a stupid question. Of course he means Rhett.

I’m showing my fear when I should be searching my heart to find even a flicker of courage. I judged Rhett when he had a similar confrontation with Damian. It was arrogant of me.

Now I know where his fear came from.

“What—” I inhale a shaky breath. “What would you do to him?”

He lifts a hand and traces it along my bottom lip, looking deep in thought. Then his head snaps up, and his eyes bore into mine. “I don’t know. He might…come to an unfortunate end. It would be his own fault. He might get pulled into the world of drugs.” His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Like Ben Cartwright.”

Oh my God.

Oh Jesus.

Did this man just admit to killing Ben Cartwright?

This can’t be real. I’m dreaming.

Except I’m not, and there’s no other choice for me. I have to join Thornecroft.

If not, Rhett might be killed, and his death will be made to look like an accident.

Am I being irrational? Is this just a bored rich boy playing games with me?

It doesn’t matter. Because I can’t know for sure.

If I want to keep Rhett safe, I have to assume the worst.

Damian lets go of my shoulders, and I sway forward.

“Pack your bags tonight. You’ll be moving in in a couple of days. Your interview will be tomorrow at sundown.”

“Interview?” My voice is barely above a whisper.

He smiles sadly. “Don’t be afraid. I told you I like you.” He places two fingers under my chin and lifts my face. “Don’t change my mind.”

He removes his hand from my chin, turns around, and walks out of the room.

I let out something between a gasp and a sob. Tears spill out, hot and streaming down my face.

Damian