Page 58 of Enter the Lair
“Yes, she is, and so are you.”She tightened her claws enough that she felt Jordan sway with dizziness before loosening her grip.
She expected Kevin to interfere, yet he watched with only the faintest amusement.
She waited the remaining minutes in silence.
“Time is up.Uphold your end of the bargain,” Kevin said.
She released Jordan, knowing what would happen.She didn’t try to block his elbow as it connected with her temple.
* * *
Brian rushed to her side as she crouched on the ground, trying to calm her rolling stomach.“She’s not to be harmed!”He yelled.
She stifled the contemptuous laugh that bubbled at his words.Like everything he’d done hadn’t scathed her soul.
“She needs to be put in her place.You and my son have coddled her long enough.”The disgust in Kevin’s voice made her look up.
Brian helped her stand.“We have a deal,” Brian said tentatively.
“You of all people know I don’t go back on my word,” Kevin said coldly.
Sarah scented her father’s fear.Her cat tested the surrounding air, assessing the situation, deciding if she needed to take action.Sarah knew she was in trouble.Her tenuous hold on her animal was slipping.
Jordan looked at the red door.“We need to go after Racheal,” he demanded.
“What?”Kevin’s debonair front had slipped.Jordan was looking at the door not at his father.If he hadn’t been distracted, he would have seen the anger on Kevin’s face and backed down.“I have invested too much time in Racheal to...”
Kevin’s voice cracked like a whip, “And my money,” he said, forcing Jordon’s attention back to him.
“I didn’t m… m… mean...”Jordon stammered.
“A Kallan doesn’t go back on his word.EVER.It is the basis of all my business dealings.If you wish to remain a member of this family, you would do well to remember that.”
Jordon looked down.“Yes father,” he said contritely.
Sarah saw Kevin’s jaw twitch.He didn’t think much of his brilliant bastard son.Jordon was terrified of his father.Kevin’s cruelty was apparent.How had she missed this growing up?She hadn’t seen it in Gerry either.
Gerald ran his hand through his hair.He always did that when he was exasperated or bored.“I want her taken to my suite.”
Brian shook his head.“No.She...”
“You know I won’t hurt her.She will be given time to adjust.I just want to speak with her privately,” Gerald said with a tone of finality.
Sarah was watching Kevin’s face as he turned to Gerald.His face lightened.He was proud of his eldest son.When his gaze fell on her however, she was given the impression of being a bug under a magnifying glass.
“You are fortunate my son chose you.The alternative is...painful,” he said, turning and walking away.
Gerald grabbed her arm.“Let’s go, Sarah.We need to talk.”
She had no choice.She allowed him to lead her, knowing that pain lay ahead.
* * *
Devon located the building with the high wooden fence and exterior red door.He knew Sarah was in there.Her emotions were a rollercoaster of fear, betrayal, and determination.They were so chaotic he doubted she realized he was close.
His brothers were no more than five minutes away yet his anxiety grew with Sarah’s.He felt a moment of accomplishment when a woman emerged from the red door, running down the street.Armed guards watched her leave, but didn’t interfere.He recognized Racheal from the photo Sarah had shown him.
He watched the clearly abused scientist, unsteadily run down the street.He sprinted down a side road to intercept her, startling her when he jumped in front.She ran into him, unable to stop her momentum before stepping back quickly.