See No Evil (Brotherhood Trilogy #1)(55)

“Hey!” He muscles me off him, shoving me back with enough force to create a decent space between us. “We researched this place. We made a smart move. We’ve been monitoring who comes and goes and there’s been nothing suspicious! As far as we’re concerned there are absolutely no ties that could link her with the accused or the family of the victim.” His eyes dip to the floor. A muscle in his jaw flashes me an I’m guilty sign.

The woman steps in front of him, crossing her arms and trying to intimidate me with an icy, cold glare. “If anything, her biggest concern was you. You’re the only one who knows what she really is.”

“Are you accusing me of something?” I seethe, baring my teeth like a rabid dog.

“No. I’m just suggesting that taking your anger out on us isn’t going to help anyone find her.”

“Now back off and let us do our jobs.” The tall guy pulls his jacket straight and dismisses me with a wave of his hand.

My death glare is ignored and Dean Hancock puts a swift stop to anything else I’m tempted to say.

“Head back to your room now, Trey. I’ll bring you an update as soon as anything new pops up.”

I stand my ground, my hands fisted at my sides.

“Mr. Calloway.” He deepens his voice to that low warning I know I can’t mess with. “Off you go.”

My upper lips curls and I fire two more glares at the agents before spinning out of the office. I don’t trust them. I don’t trust anyone…except Kade and Riley.

A breath snorts out my nose and I pick up my pace, running through the halls to my room.

I should have gone to them in the first place.

Out of all the people in this school, we care about Chris the most. Not because she’s a witness or some pawn to be used in a game, but because she’s an awesome chick who, okay…maybe I’m in love with.

The thought tempers my raging anxiety for a quick beat, settling in my stomach—a notch of truth to drive me forward and keep me focused.

“I’m coming for you, baby,” I whisper as I haul ass up the stairs. “I’m gonna find you.”





#33:

The Taloned Mistress



Christiana



The car slows and turns a corner. Because I’m lying in Ivan’s lap and he keeps forcing me back there, I have no idea what’s out the window. It’s night—that part’s obvious—but I don’t know the time.

I’m cold and stiff. Aching. Terrified.

Lurching to a stop, the driver turns and, in a low voice that makes me think of Wolverine, he mumbles, “We’re here.”

Ivan nods and pushes the door open. A cold blast of air shoots down my neck. There’s a faint smell of oil and industry on the breeze, but I can’t figure out where I am. The wind continues to thread beneath my clothing. I shiver but then can’t stop the shakes. My head thumps to the seat as Ivan gets out. I start wondering if I can somehow escape at this point, but with every part of me bound or gagged, I don’t even know where to begin.

Wriggling my wrists, I ignore my burning skin and keep fighting the holds. Ivan reaches back into the car, hauling me out and forcing me to my feet. I start to scream but my cries for help are cut short by a slap to the face.

“Shut up!” An icy female voice sends goose bumps rippling over my skin.

Jerking my head back, I hope my glare is black enough to show the platinum-blonde bitch what I really think of her.

She’s unfazed, grabbing my face and squeezing my cheeks. Her long nails dig into my skin. I taste blood in my mouth; the wound Ivan inflicted earlier has opened up by her rough inspection. She scrutinizes me with her pale eyes, and the shadows cast by the overhead lights give her a ghoulish quality.

“Are you sure it’s her?”

“Yeah.” Ivan nods. “Why else would a girl be stuck in a boys boarding school, right? She started at Eton just after the murder. The timing is too coincidental.”

“And you’re sure she’s a girl?”

Ivan smirks. “I did verify it, but you’re welcome to see for yourself.”

My death glare falters, fear beating through me in sickening waves. I wrestle against my bonds, trying to punch whoever I can reach.

Pincer hands grab me from behind, holding me steady while I’m felt up by another stranger, her tiny hands rough and intrusive. I want to cry and scream, but I’m held still by pain. I breathe through the humiliation, grateful they aren’t stripping me naked on this cold dock.

I scan the area, focusing on the small container ship parked beside an old, dilapidated warehouse. Windows in the top floor have been smashed. They’re crying rusty tears down the corrugated iron. The entire dock looks cold and crappy, yet there are still stacks of containers on the outskirts and the faint smell of diesel tells me this place still runs.

So why the hell have they brought me here?

The taloned mistress lets me go, satisfied that I’m female. My cheeks burn with shame, despite telling myself they shouldn’t. I haven’t done anything wrong here. All I ever wanted to do was tell the truth, give Robbie the justice he deserves.

“Who are you?” My question is muffled by the gag.

She ignores me, flicking her head at the giant beside her. He snatches me from Ivan’s grasp. I start screaming as soon as he throws me over his shoulder, pounding his broad back and feebly fighting against the beast. He doesn’t even flinch.