Playing Dirty (Risky Business, #2)(84)

“They’ll kill you if you go back, is that it?” Parker asked. “Given your history, I’m sure the CIA would offer you clemency and protection if you’d tell them what you knew.”

Viktor’s laugh was bitter. “As if anyone can protect me from them. I’m living on borrowed time as it is. I might as well make the most of it. And torturing those who caused my downfall is the best revenge I could possibly have.”

He grabbed my braid and hauled me upright. The pain was excruciating and I scrambled to ease the pressure, getting to my feet with my hands still tied.

“Let’s play that game. The one Americans are so fond of,” Viktor said. “What is it called? Oh yes. Truth or Dare.” His cold eyes focused on Ryker. “You first, Detective. Truth? Or Dare?”

Ryker’s head was bowed, his chest covered in sweat and bruises, but he looked up. He looked at me, at the blood dripping from my mouth, then focused on Viktor. “This oughtta be good, *. Dare. I choose dare.”

“I thought you would!” Viktor said with a wide smile. “A cop is known for their bravery, their courage. A dare is a natural choice, after all.”

Viktor walked to the fire burning inside the barrel and picked up something from the floor. A tire iron. My heart stuttered in my chest. He held it into the flames.

“This is a test of not only your courage, but your ability to endure pain,” he said. Taking the tire iron from the fire, I saw the end of it glowed with heat. He walked over to Ryker.

“I’m going to press this into your side for ten seconds,” he said. “If you ask, I will remove it. But then she”—he pointed at me—“will endure the rest of the time you could not. If you refuse, she’ll endure all ten seconds. Understood?”

I was horrified. “No! Please, Viktor! Don’t—” But Ryker was already nodding.

“Fine.”

“No!” I screamed as Viktor pressed the tire iron to Ryker’s flesh. Every muscle in his body went rigid, his face contorting in pain. He gritted his teeth, grunting, but didn’t flinch away. I could smell the stench of burnt flesh and tears streamed down my face.

“You sonofabitch!” I yelled, jumping to my feet, but two of the guys had their hands on my shoulders instantly, shoving me back down.

Ten seconds was an eternity when someone you loved was hurting.

After what felt like way more than ten seconds, Viktor stepped back. There was a livid brand in Ryker’s skin and his head hung again. I couldn’t tell if he was conscious or not.

“Tell me, Parker, do you care that Sage is f*cking someone else?”

Parker glanced at Viktor, then stared straight ahead. “Sage and I aren’t together.”

Viktor looked at me. “Is he telling the truth?”

I gave a jerky nod.

“I suppose there’s an easy way to find out,” Viktor said, returning to the fire. My gut twisted as I watched him again heat the tire iron.

“Please, don’t hurt them again,” I begged through lips gone numb. I had no real hope that he’d listen, but I had to try.

“Oh, this one isn’t for them,” he replied, inspecting the glowing metal. “This one is for you.”

“Don’t even think about it, Viktor,” Parker furiously cried out. “I’ll kill you!”

Viktor ignored him, approaching me until he stood at my side. “He’s not in much of a position to argue, is he, my dear?” he said to me.

I didn’t answer, my eyes glued to the metal. My whole body was quaking in terror.

“Tell me the truth, Parker,” Viktor said loudly. “You still want Sage, don’t you? Tell me the truth or I put out her eye.”

He held the tire iron next to my face and I leaned away, but then was forced back upright by the guard. He forced my head to stay still and I could feel the heat emanating from the tire iron as it moved closer.

“Stop it! Yes! I still want Sage, now stop!”

At Parker’s yell, Viktor froze. I couldn’t breathe. The metal was only an inch from my eye and I didn’t even blink. After a moment, Viktor stepped back and I thought I’d lose control of my bladder, I was so relieved.

Too scared to even cry, I sat in the chair, gasping for breath and shaking from head to toe.

“Let us hear it then,” Viktor said, waving a hand at Parker. “Why let the detective take her?”

Parker’s lips pressed together and I knew he didn’t want to answer.

“Answer or I will not hesitate this time,” Viktor said, raising the tire iron and pointing it at me.

“She loves him.” The words sounded pulled from Parker’s chest. “I let her go because she loves him.”

“A faithless woman.” Viktor looked at me. “Fickle and inconstant in her affections. I would wager she feels nothing for you and enjoys playing the femme fatale, isn’t that right, Sage?”

I shook my head, “No—”

“Don’t lie, Sage,” Viktor interrupted. He looked at the guard. “Cut her bindings.” The man hastened to comply and the ropes fell from my wrists. I rubbed the torn skin, staring warily up at Viktor.

“Give me your hand,” he said.

I hesitated.

“Now!” he yelled.

I jumped and thrust out my left hand. Taking it in his, he turned it palm up.