Page 17 of Redemption (Favorite Malady Duet #2)

ABIGAIL

I make quick work of washing the rest of the paint from my body, but by the time I’m clean and wearing a fresh dress, Dane is gone.

Someone else is in the manor. I heard them call out for Dane before he left me alone in the bathroom.

Or Daniel, as they had addressed him.

An old friend? Or a family member?

My first instinct is to scream for help, but no one is in sight.

Are they still here? Surely, they couldn’t have left the estate already?

I recall the blood on Dane’s face when he found me in the powder blue house, after he “talked to” Ron.

I will always protect you. Always.

If he thought that this unexpected intruder was a threat to me—or to his ownership of me—there’s no telling what he might’ve done to them.

I force in a breath and try to get my brain back online in the wake of his devastating assault in the studio.

The assault that made me come harder than ever before.

Even when he was the masked man, my forbidden pleasure hadn’t been so ruthless. Dane’s sway over my body is like a hurricane: a destructive but awe-inspiring force of nature.

I shake my head to clear it.

I can’t think about that right now. All I have room for in my brain is formulating an escape plan. This might be my only opportunity to get away from the monster who’s holding me captive.

I tiptoe out into the portrait-lined corridor and find it empty.

I can’t hear so much as murmuring voices in the distance.

Where is he?

If Dane catches me…

My heart hammers in my throat, and I swallow hard against rising panic. There’s no time for terror to take hold.

I break into a light jog, making my way toward the grand staircase as quickly and as quietly as possible. When I reach the top of the stairs, I’m met with more silence.

Dane and the anonymous visitor could be anywhere on the estate now. This house is so sprawling that I haven’t even begun to explore the extent of it. And there’s no guarantee that he’s inside.

If I venture into the open, he might see me.

My descent down the stairs is shaky. Somehow, I will my knees to support me, and I make it into the cavernous entry hall. Sunlight pours through the huge windows that frame the front door on either side. And through the windows, the countryside sprawls on for miles. And…

I clap my hand over my mouth to smother my gasp.

There’s a Jeep parked in front of the manor. I don’t see a silhouette through the passenger window; the vehicle seems empty.

Whoever came to see Dane drove here in this Jeep. And for now, they’re both mercifully out of sight and earshot.

Keys. I need keys.

My frantic gaze rakes over my opulent surroundings, and I can scarcely believe my eyes when they catch on a shining silver car key. It’s been tossed carelessly on a priceless antique table beside the front door.

For a terrified moment, I eye the key like it’s a viper that might strike if I reach for it.

Is this some insane test? Another mindfuck from Dane?

I shake my head and lunge for the key.

It doesn’t matter. I have to try, even if it is an awful ruse.

The metal bites into my palm as I clench my fist tightly. I won’t let go of this key unless Dane pries it from my fingers.

I throw open the front door, choosing speed over silence. My bare feet crunch across jagged gravel, but I barely feel the pain. I’m at the Jeep in seconds, and I fling open the driver’s side door. I climb into the seat and jam the key into the ignition. The engine roars to life.

I barely take the time to sling on my seatbelt before I throw the Jeep in gear and hit the gas. The tires spin in the gravel, and then the vehicle surges forward.

“Abigail!” I hear Dane’s roar even over the revving engine, and I cast a fearful glance at the rearview mirror.

He’s sprinting out of the house, chasing after me on foot.

As though he could possibly catch me now.

A giddy, mad laugh bubbles through the Jeep, and I increase my speed. Then I see the huge, iron gates ahead. They’re closing. He’s trying to lock me in.

He wants to keep me caged.

Not fucking happening.

The gates are only bracketed by a short brick wall that doesn’t even extend fifty yards on one side. To the left is open countryside. This Jeep is more than capable of navigating the gently rolling hills.

I spin the wheel to the left, racing toward freedom.

My exhilarated laugh morphs into a sharp, short scream when the landscape drops out from under me. I’m airborne for a terrifying instant, and then the hood of the jeep tips downward. Bright green grass fills my view through the windscreen.

Metal crunches, the car horn blares, and pain explodes through my skull before everything goes black.