Page 94 of Reign of a Billionaire

Alexei disappeared, and I flicked a glance at Kingston. “Is he okay?”

“He doesn’t like confined spaces.”

I nodded in understanding.

“I don’t like to be suffocated,” I muttered, shoving pieces of rock and metal aside.

“Not many people do.”

A choked laugh escaped me. “True. I meant…” I trailed off, trying to find the right wording. It wasn’t like I could tell him what my mother did to me. I didn’t need his pity, and I was sure he’d endured much worse. “I don’t like to be restrained.”

“Here.” Alexei was back with two saws, saving me further explanation. “Let’s try cutting around the frame.”

Handing Kingston a saw, the two of them got to work as I watched on. To my amazement, the door popped open within minutes, and my mouth parted.

Wails and shouts streamed up through the hole. Without waiting for the two men, I headed through, feeling my way down the dark stairs. I raised my gun as I descended the last step.

I gasped when my vision corrected and they came into view. Five girls were huddled up together, wearing nothing but oversized T-shirts and metal collars. The terror on their faces was like a punch in my gut.

“Those fucking bastards,” I hissed, my nostrils flaring.

They flinched at the harshness in my voice, and I lifted my palms, gun in one. Their eyes immediately locked on it and I cursed myself, quickly tucking it in my back pocket.

“It’s okay,” I whispered. A light switch caught my eye and I flipped it on. “I won’t hurt you.” They were in bad shape. Filthy. Bruised. “I won’t hurt you,” I repeated softly.

“Jesus fucking Christ.” Kingston’s voice held a fraction of the fury I felt.

“Were these girls part of Sofia’s deal?” Alexei asked. The girls cowered in response, and I knew it had everything to do with my mother’s name. Shame swallowed me like a sinkhole. My mother did this.

The girls looked downright terrified now. They shuffled to the corner, wrapping their arms around each other as they watched us, terrified.

I had to let go of my anger and help these girls out.

“We won’t hurt you,” I whispered as they started to shake, their soft cries echoing against the bare basement walls. “We’ll get you out. Okay?” A flicker of hope reflected in their gazes. “Can I get closer?”

At their hesitant nods, I made my way to them, keeping my feet light. Crouching in front of the one closest to me, I whispered, “Can I touch your collar?”

There was a moment of stillness before she inhaled sharply.

“Okay,” the girl with gray eyes answered.

“I’m Liana,” I said, reaching for her collar but keeping my movements fluid and slow.

She lowered her lashes. “Visha.”

“That’s a beautiful name,” I said, flicking a glance to the other girls with a soft smile. “What about yours?” I asked curiously.

“Delilah. Mae. Adira.” I waited for the last girl to say her name, but she simply stared at the wall.

“Louisa. She’s the youngest,” Visha answered for her. “She’s… they… hurt her.”

My hands froze on Visha’s collar, my pulse quickening.It’s a coincidence.

“Liana.” Kingston’s voice frightened the girls, sending them scattering into the corner. But it was what I needed to get my wits about me.

I turned my head, glancing at him over my shoulder and giving him a look that said,It’s okay, I’m okay. “Stay there.”

I couldn’t battle my demons now. These girls mattered more.