Fallen Heirs (Windsor Academy 3)

“Good job, Jasmine. Go ahead and leave the keys in the ignition and step out of the vehicle.”

I undo my seat belt and get out of the car. I make my way to the passenger side, where Evan is kneeling on the sidewalk, tying his shoe.

“Sorry, give me just a sec to tie this, and we’ll get out of here.”

“No problem.”

I lift the door handle, and I’m just about to swing it open when I feel a sharp prick on my neck.

I slam my hand over the spot. “What the hell?”

Did I just get stung by a bee? I turn around, and that’s when I see my driving instructor throw a syringe to the ground.

“I’m really sorry, Jasmine, but it had to be done.”

“What had to be—” I stumble backward when a wave of dizziness washes over me. “Whoa.”

Holy shit, did he just drug me? The last thing I see before blacking out is Evan coming at me with some rope in his hands.

***

The first thing I notice is rocking—a rhythmic, bobbing motion of sorts. Then, there’s the burning ache in my arms. I try to move, but my wrists are tied together above my head.

What the fuck is going on?

I’m lying on something soft. A mattress, I think. I wiggle my fingers and find that my hands are bound with a soft rope. It almost feels like satin, but it’s thick. I give an experimental tug, but it’s useless. These things aren’t going anywhere. Whoever tied them knows how to tie a sturdy knot. Crippling anxiety seizes me when I remember how I got into this predicament. My driving instructor obviously drugged me with something, but why? Goddammit! How do I keep ending up in these situations?

Get it together, Jazz. Okay, take deep breaths and focus. Try to figure out where you are. Damn it, it’s no use. I can’t see shit. My eyes are open, but it’s pitch black in here. The whirring of an engine causes steady vibrations to rattle around me. When my brain connects that with the rocking motion, it finally hits me.

I’m on a boat.

“Fuck,” I mumble to myself.

“Don’t worry, Jasmine. There will be plenty of time for that,” a deep voice purrs. “Sooner, rather than later, since we’re almost ready to set sail.”

I frantically search the darkness. My eyes must be adjusting because I can see a man’s silhouette in the area where that arrogant voice came from.

“You.”

I blink a few times when the light flickers on and quickly look around. I’m surrounded by dark wood and neutral colors. Plush fabrics and expensive-looking fixtures. The front wall is made of curved windows, but they’re covered in heavy jacquard drapes at the moment—blackout, I’m guessing based on their effectiveness. By the sheer the size of this room, I’d say we’re in the master suite. My eyes make their way over to the posh sitting area where Preston Davenport is lounging, looking incredibly smug.

“Yes. Me.” I flinch when Preston stands and begins walking toward me. “Were you expecting someone else? My son, perhaps?”

God, I hope enough time has passed for Kingston to know I’m missing. I subconsciously try reaching for my locket, but the headboard I’m tied to shoots that idea down real fast.

“Where is Kingston?”

“How should I know? I’m not his keeper.”

Preston takes a seat at the edge of the bed, smirking when I scoot as far away as I can. I flinch when he circles his fingers around my ankle and strokes the exposed patch of skin between my jeans and low-cut socks. I have no idea where my shoes went, but I send a silent prayer to all the gods that I’m still dressed.

I narrow my eyes. “What do you want with me, asshole? How did I get here?”

Preston tightens his grip on my leg, so much so, I know I’m going to have a ring of bruises there. “You certainly are a mouthy one, aren’t you? I see my son hasn’t cured you of that yet.” He tsks. “Shame. Although I can’t say, I won’t enjoy breaking you.”

The captivating eyes I love so muc

h on my boyfriend stare back at me with lust-fueled malevolence. But instead of the warmth and love I usually feel when I’m on the receiving end of those beautiful hazels, I’m cold. Ice cold. The intent behind this sick bastard’s gaze as he’s leisurely roaming my body is crystal clear. He wants to hurt me and violate me, and he’s going to enjoy every second of my agony. Too bad for him, I’m going to do my damnedest not to give him the satisfaction.