Page 149 of House of Payne

The redhead shakes her head. “I’m sorry.”

Ignoring the rest of my protests, she picks up the tray and raps on the door. It opens, and she hurries out, pausing to give me a sympathetic look.

I bury my face in my hands and sink back to my knees.

I have no idea how long I sit there, raking my fingers through my hair as my mind races.

Sometime later, I hear muffled voices outside my door, and my heart jumps in my throat.

On shaky legs, I force myself to my feet and press my ear to the door. My throat is dry, and I feel unsteady, but I’m determined to get to the bottom of this.

You can get yourself out of this mess, London. All you have to do is ignore the fear and think.

I’m about to move away from the door when I hear feet shuffling. Then I hear their voices again, deep and full of amusement.

“Can you believe he let down his guard for her?”

“No fucking way. I still think she’s just his newest conquest. A man like Mason Payne doesn’t just shack up with a woman.”

“She’s smoking hot, though. I wouldn’t kick her out of bed in the morning.”

They laugh, and it sends a chill racing up my spine.

Are they talking about me?

“Think they’ll let us have a little fun with her before they start questioning her?”

“Probably not. I heard they have all sorts of plans for her. They’ve already gotten in touch with Mason to make their demands.”

I stumble away from the door, nauseous.

I barely make it to the bathroom before I fall against the toilet.

My eyes are burning, and my throat feels raw as I claw at it.

I don’t know why I’ve been trying to convince myself it has nothing to do with Mason, and that I can escape. Wondering about the man behindMason’s mask has only invited misery and heartache into my life.

When I reach for the packet of tissues the redhead left me, I’m surprised to find myself crying again. Heaving, I push myself to my feet and lean against the sink. Then I switch on the faucet and splash water on my face. I shiver, reach for a towel, and pat my face dry.

Of course, this is about Mason.

I knew that as soon as I saw my dad and Noah blindfolded.

I still have no idea why kidnapping me is a good idea. I’m just another notch in Mason Payne’s belt. He won’t negotiate with them for someone like me. If anything, I’ll be left to the wolves, made an example of in case anyone dares to mess with Mason.

You just need to find a way to make them see that. They’ve gone to a lot of trouble to get you here.

I’m not under any delusions as to how this is going to go.

The longer they leave me to the mercy of my thoughts, the easier I’ll be to break.

Why couldn’t I leave it alone?

Why couldn’t I leavehimalone?

Because, like some kind of infatuated idiot, you thought you could fix him. Don’t kid yourself, London. You’re on your own. Whatever connection you think the two of you have, Mason won’t be threatened into submission for you or anyone else.

Whatever happens next, it’s up to me to figure out how to make it out of this alive.