Page 96 of Break Me

As if that was possible.

Another thought about him popped into my mind. This was getting ridiculous.

Hissing, I tried to think about anything else, but thoughts of him continued to crowd my mind. I weaved my way through the usual traffic, eager to see my baby. Maybe facilitating getting her a dog was the best idea. After reading about the surgery, I wasn’t eager to give up on the hope she’d grow out of the condition.

When I glanced into my rearview mirror again, I realized my tail was nowhere in sight. He was still likely pinned in traffic. That gave me a smile for the craziest reasons.

There were too many thoughts, too many desires that I’d need to learn to control. Finally, the exit was just up ahead. I’d be five minutes late. The teachers would remain outside. If there wereany press when I got there, I swore to God they would get my full wrath.

I was near the school when my phone blipped. As I pulled up to a traffic light, I grabbed it, touching the screen.

My heart stopped beating for a few seconds as I stared at the picture I’d been sent.

Of my baby.

Talking to a woman I didn’t know. Was that a new teacher? If so, why was I being sent a picture of the two of them together? Already close to panicking, I glanced at the sender. Unknown. Oh, my God.

As soon as the light turned green and the person in front of me didn’t take off, I laid on the horn. I had to get to her. My baby. My little girl.

Another beep.

Now I held the phone, taking a fleeting glance. Another picture, only this time she was being led to a vehicle. No. No. What was happening? What?

If she got inside a vehicle with a stranger, I might never see her again. What could I do? This had nothing to do with me. This was all about Alexsey.

What if he could help?

Another picture.

Closer to a vehicle.

No. No. No!

I was frantic, honking on the horn, narrowly avoiding hitting another vehicle. Oh, God. Oh, God. My baby.

Sobbing, I tried to rationally think about what choices I had. The police. By then…

There was only one person who could help. Maybe.

There was no other choice. I dialed Alexsey, praying he cared enough to help me.

Maybe he really could be the hero I needed. Just this once. Please, God. Just. This. Once.

Alexsey

“It’s my understanding that you’re an accomplished chef,” I mentioned casually as I twirled the knife so the sunlight shining in through the oversized window was able to cast a shimmer of gold across the steel blade.

At least he had the decency to shudder openly, not bothering to struggle even though I only had his hand plastered to the surface of his desk. He’d continued to be difficult, which was grating on my nerves. I needed a simple answer and he acted as if what I sensed he knew would sign his death warrant.

If he didn’t supply me with information, he would face a wrath that would alter his entire life. I was hoping the rather dramatic display of my highly trained kills would finally provide the incentive he needed.

The sweat beading across his forehead was finally slipping free from his cherub face, falling ever so slowly on top of his hand. The stink of the man surprised me given the restaurant was five stars, but there was no mistaking the stench of fear.

Good. I wanted him terrified.

When he didn’t say a single word, I took a few seconds to tap the point of the blade between his index and middle fingers, all five being spread wide open.

“Yes,” he finally said, jerking in my hold.