Hooked (Never After, #1)(62)
But this time, when someone knocks, it’s who I’ve been waiting on.
“Come in,” I say, relief bleeding through my chest as the twins appear. “It’s done?”
They nod, glancing to Moira.
I lean back in the chair, satisfaction dancing through my insides.
See, what Peter doesn’t understand is that while he has the money and the social standing, I have the loyalty. And loyalty is bred from respect. You take care of people, and they’ll take care of you. And if there’s one thing Ru and I have done in this town, it’s take care of our people.
Bloomsburg, Massachusetts, isn’t like anywhere else in the world, and its inhabitants don’t take too kindly to new blood coming in and their town going up in flames.
As it happens, the security guard at the new NevAirLand airstrip is a personal friend. His child had a terrible bout with cancer a few years back, and Ru paid for her chemotherapy, and every doctor’s visit since.
He’ll have to disappear, of course, after looping the security feed and allowing my boys inside to light every single plane on fire. But people are willing to do anything for those they love, and he knows his wife and children will be taken care of—protected by The Lost Boys until their last breath.
True love sometimes requires sacrifice.
Something Peter clearly knows nothing about.
I look to Moira, a grin spreading across my face. “You may leave now.”
She stands, her chin red from where I gripped it, and turns to leave without a word.
“Moira,” I say. She pauses at the door. “Feel free to tell people I gave you a nice ride today. Wouldn’t want to sully your reputation, after all.”
She scoffs, slamming the door behind her, and I grin, jumping to my feet, the sudden urge to head back to my boat making me giddy.
Right as I reach my car, my phone vibrates in my pocket, a single text on the screen.
Smee: Your girl is gone.
35
Wendy
Waking up, I stretch, my body popping from the deepest sleep I’ve had in a long time—even before I was thrown in the basement of the JR. I yawn, rubbing my eyes and gaining my bearings, and as I glance around, half of me expecting to see Hook sleeping peacefully by my side.
He isn’t, of course.
I’m all alone. I sit up in the bed, wondering what I’m supposed to do. I make my way to use the restroom, splashing water on my face, and using the toothbrush that was laid out for me yesterday before the gala.
It’s odd, waking up in luxury, and using the facilities here as if they’re mine. It confuses me; tilts my insides off axis, making it difficult for my brain to remember that I’m not actually free to do anything.
Even if my chains are now invisible, they’re still there.
My gaze snags on the choker.
Well, almost invisible.
I walk back into Hook’s room, my eyes going to the bedroom door, expecting it to be locked the way it was last night. But when I walk over, grabbing the handle and tugging, it opens right up.
The yacht is completely silent and trepidation fills me, making my nerves jump beneath my skin as I make my way down the hallway, padding into the kitchen.
When I get there, I stop short, seeing Smee standing next to the sink.
My hand goes to my chest. “Oh my gosh, hi.”
He smiles. “Hi, Miss Wendy. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“No, I should have known someone would be here.” I wave him off, looking around. “Where’s Hook?”
His brow lifts. “You mean James?”
I tilt my head. It’s the first time I’ve heard anyone else call him that, and it makes me wonder just how close him and Smee are. He told me once that he doesn’t pry into Smee’s life, but I can’t imagine he lets just anyone call him by his given name.
And if they’re close, then that means Smee is just as bad as the rest of them.
I wait for the red-hot anger to spin through me, wanting to destroy everyone and everything responsible for my current situation, but it never comes. Instead, a resolute acceptance settles in my gut. A sick feeling follows quickly after, making me realize just how fast I’ve adjusted to this new reality.
“He’s busy running errands. Told me to make you feel at home.” He smiles. “Coffee?”
I watch him closely, unsure if I should take a drink from someone I don’t know. After all, the owner of this boat drugged me, so I wouldn’t put anything past anyone. This is their world, and I’m here, just trying to wade in their waters. I don’t really know what rule book criminals go by.
Although, technically, I guess Smee isn’t a criminal. He only works for one.
Shaking my head, I force a smile. “Do you think it would be okay if I go sit outside?”
He watches me closely for a minute, his eyes shifting, almost as if he’s debating on how to answer. I hold my breath, hoping he’ll say yes. I’m desperate to get some fresh air, to remind myself that I’m not still stuck in a dark, abandoned room with only my thoughts for company.
“Please, I promise I won’t go anywhere. I just…” My fingers tangle together on the countertop. “I want to soak up some sun.”
He nods. “Go ahead, Miss Wendy.”
A smile breaks across my face and I jump from the table, racing out of the side door and onto the sundeck.