Page 24 of Colton

My instincts flare as I block out everything—except her.

I can’t let my father win. I refuse. He can’t have her; she’s MINE.

I push through the narrow corridors, adrenaline coursing through me as I pull Mary along. My mind races, plotting a course away from my father’s eyes and closer to the hidden room I had discovered long ago—one that I hoped would provide refuge.

“Colton, where are we going?” Mary’s voice trembles, and I realize she’s afraid. Of course, she fucking is—she was a maid until ten minutes ago, and now I’m dragging her down dark passageways.

But her fear excites me, I can’t lie.

Because you’re him!

I ignore the voice and focus on responding to Mary, my innocent little doll.

“Just trust me,” I insist, my grip tightening on her hand as we navigate the winding passages.

At last, I spot the barely concealed entrance to the hidden room. The door is old, and I shove it open, praying it holds the sanctuary I need. Mary and I slip inside, and I shut it behind us, sealing us away from prying eyes.

It’s dark inside, the air thick with dust, and I feel a familiar stirring in my gut—a mix of dread and defiance. In the far corner, a dim light flickers, illuminating a small figure huddled in the shadows.

“Who is that?” Mary gasps, her voice barely a whisper, as her eyes dart to the figure.

Ah, fucking hell!

My father has moved his captiveagain, the useless sack of shit.

“Her name is Emilia,” I say flatly, stepping closer to the dim light. “He’s been moving her.”

As we approach, I can see the girl’s eyes widen, glistening with recognition. Her frail frame trembles as she takes in the sight of me, then Mary, shock filling her gaze.

“Don’t hurt me!” Emilia whimpers, holding her hands in front of her face.

“We’ll get you out of here,” I say, forcing confidence into my voice.

“Out?” Emilia whimpers, the pain in her words striking at my core.

“Emilia.” My voice softens, the weight of regret settling over me like a shroud. “I can’t leave you here.”

“I can’t go,” Emilia hisses, drawing her knees to her chest. Her entire body trembles.

“What the fuck?” Mary interjects, her eyes glancing between me and Emilia, confusion and fear drawing lines around her features. “Colton, we can’t just leave her here!”

I don’t have fucking time for this.

“We’re not leaving her,” I snap, stepping closer to Emilia, urgency filling the room with tension. “You need to understand—you have to leave. My father—he’s sick and depraved...” My voice trails off, hoping she’ll fill in the blanks.

“Do you have any idea what he’ll do to me if I try to escape?” Emilia asks, her voice weak, pain lacing through her words. “Your father won’t stop hunting me. He’llneverstop.”

“I know. That’s why we need to move. Now,” I reply, my voice hardening with annoyance. “I’m here to protect both of you.”

One of you, for my own sick purposes.

Mary takes a step closer to Emilia, her gaze sharp with purpose. “You need to trust us. If we’re going to fight back, we can’t leave you behind.”

I nod, liking the fact she’s playing along. “We’re leaving now.”

Just then, a shudder reverberates through the door, and the faint sound of voices echo from just outside the room. My blood runs cold, realization coursing through my veins.

“His men are closing in,” I murmur, my heart racing as I usher Emilia and Mary closer to me. “We need to find a way out. Quick! Follow me!”