Ruthless Heart

Is this becoming more than just revenge? More than arranging a real estate deal?

Do I want it to be more?

I’m playing with fire, I know. Because we’ve been stumbling closer to the edge, but it’s still not too late to back off. But if we have sex, if we cross that line…

There’ll be no going back.

By seven,I’m ready to go, so I grab a cute leather jacket, and head down to the lobby. I’m expecting Kyle to meet me inside like usual, but the black G-wagon is idling on the curb outside.

I guess I’ve upgraded to not needing an escort every time I leave the loft.

I head out, and open the back door, sliding inside. “Evening, Kyle,” I say, expecting his usual monotone grunt. When the car doesn’t pull away from the curb immediately, I look up.

It’s not Kyle behind the wheel.

Instead, I see Chase there, eyes on me in the rearview mirror.

“Chase?” My prickles with anxiety. “What are you doing here?” I remember his rough treatment on the way to New York, and I don’t want to be alone with him.

“What does it look like, Princess?” His voice twists, ugly, on Nero’s familiar nickname. “I’m taking you for a drive. Because it’s high time you and I had a little talk.”

I hear the unmistakable sound of the car locks clicking into place.

I’m trapped.