Page 100 of Freeing Denver

Spider’s lanky limbs are stuffed into an expensive suit. He smiles toothily as I approach, and I want to throw up.

He killed Axel.

He killed Alison.

He took me and put me into this hell.

“Hello Denver,” he croons as I reach the foyer. Eli stands by my side, his arm around my waist. Spider’s gaze drops to my belly. “Congratulations.”

I say nothing, wondering if my nails are sharp enough to tear out his throat, or at the very least remove his eyes. But footstepspull me from the bloodlust creating bile in my throat to the woman who is with him.

She’s a little taller than me, dark hair and blue eyes. She’s my age, wearing a designer dress and heels, her cheeks flushed, her expression neutral.

Spider extends his hand to her, and she goes to him, letting him kiss her temple.

“Denver, I brought you some company.”

The woman’s eyes dart to mine, and every emotion is conveyed between us in seconds. Fear. Desperation.

Spider chuckles. “Don’t be shy. Introduce yourself.”

The woman extends her hand. Her nails are painted blue, and her wrist is bruised.

“Hello Denver,” she says quietly. “My name is Marnie.”

Chills spread across my body, and I can’t move. I can’t speak or think or breathe. The shine in her eyes is a silent request to not react. To not do what I want to do.

To hug Holly’s mother.

The woman who has been missing for years.

The woman Wilder searched for desperately.

My hand trembles as I shake hers. “It’s nice to meet you, Marnie.”

She squeezes my fingers gently, her smile shaky. She knows who I am. She must do, from the way she’s looking at me.

“Well, this is lovely, isn’t it? Two Harlands together again,” Spider says, his grin positively feral. “Let’s have lunch, shall we?”

I let go of Marnie’s hand despite the urge to hold onto her forever. To keep her close to me—as if I could ever do anything to keep her safe when I can’t even protect myself.

But Colt can save us both.

My mind races as Eli guides me into the dining room. Colt is coming, possibly tonight, and he could take both of us home. The thought has me fighting the temptation to smie.

We sit at the table. Spider is at the head, Marnie to his left. I’m to his right, and Eli is beside me. Spider talks about business, and I stare at Marnie. She keeps her eyes on her plate, sometimes adjusting her cutlery or her napkin.

She suddenly touches her finger to her lips, and Spider waves his hand as if agreeing to something.

“You’re pregnant,” Marnie says softly. “Congratulations.”

I swallow. “Thank you.”

She wets her lips, glancing anxiously at Spider. He tuts. “Yes, keep going.”

She’s asking for permission to talk.

“Is it your first?”