A Debt Repaid (The Debt Duet 2)

“Stop,” I say, holding up my hand. “Stop apologizing.”

The shock on her face turns to a gentle smile. “I … wish I had done better.”

“I know you do,” I say while I rub my forehead. “But it happened, and now we have to deal with it.”

“I already called Nick and told him to send out an alert to all your contacts.”

My pupils dilate. “You didn’t tell them she’s a—”

“Prisoner?” she fills in for me. “Of course not, sir.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “Good.”

I couldn’t take people realizing I’m a sadist on top of the fact that Charlotte’s escaped. That’s a little too much to handle right now. I need to focus on one thing and one thing only, and that’s finding her alive, no matter what it takes. I’ll deal with the aftermath later.

“We need to start a search. Call every staff member and every assistant I’ve ever had. I don’t care what they’re doing, offer them more,” I tell Jill, who’s still clutching her phone as if her life depends on it.

“Yes, sir.”

“Tell them to look for a girl clutching a notebook.”

“Why do you keep mentioning that notebook?” Jill frowns. “Is it that important?”

“It’s why she fled, probably.” I lick my lips and grab her shoulders. “Just do what I ask, please.”

The added please makes her nod and smile. “Yes, sir. I’ll do whatever I can to get her back to you, I promise.”

I nod and take a deep breath.

Now’s not the time to fall for the rage coursing through my veins.

Charlotte’s out there … alone and afraid … searching for comfort and a home to come back to. All I need to do is find her.

The hunt is on.

Chapter 2

Charlotte

Through the city streets, I run as fast as I can in my long white slanted-shoulder dress and high heels. People stare at me wherever I go, but I don’t know if it’s because of the ridiculously fancy outfit or the way I’m running.

I’ve never fled something this fast, never knew my legs could take me as far as they are. Running on pure adrenaline right now, I don’t even know where I’m going. I just know I need to get away from that store and away from Jill.

The shock and horror on her face replay over and over in my mind as my feet take me someplace I’ve never been. A sudden wave of guilt washes over me because he will likely punish Jill for letting me go.

I pause for a moment.

Should I go back?

No, I’ve come too far and sacrificed too much to turn back.

The moment I stole that lady’s key and went out that door, I made my decision. I need to stick to it, no matter the cost.

I need to get away from him—Easton Van Buren, my husband, my tormentor—but at what price?

My lungs feel as though they’re about to burst from running so hard. When I can’t take it any longer, I stop and bend over to catch my breath. Oxygen fills me, but the longer I remain still, the more jittery I become. Though my body is high on the adrenaline that comes with escaping my captor, it’s clouding my mind too. I haven’t thought any of this through.

What will happen to my father now that I’m no longer in Easton’s possession?

Will Easton have him killed?

And the rest of my family too?

That thought alone makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Just because I don’t have the best relationship with my father and brother doesn’t mean they’re not still my family. Somewhere deep down inside, I still love them a tiny bit, and that tiny bit is enough to break me both physically and mentally. Sinking down onto my heels somewhere in an alley, I wrap my arms around my legs. For the first time in forever, I take a moment to think … to breathe, and to come to my senses.

To realize that I’m finally out of that wretched mansion and free to roam the world again.

But where do I go? Back to my father and brother, so I can warn them and keep them safe?

No, they’d send me back to Easton and force me to stay with him so they can keep their dignity … and their lives. They’d barter me in exchange for more wealth if they had to. My father’s done it before, and I don’t doubt he raised my brother the same way. I don’t even know why I care that Easton would kill them. After all, they gave me away in a heartbeat.

Still, none of that changes my current situation.

Sighing, I look out onto the streets at the people living normal lives like normal people do. I can’t blend in wearing these clothes with these shoes and with my experience. I’ll never fit in.