She glanced at Harper in that way bitchy women did, and I knew I was going to regret what came out of her mouth.
“I won’t deny the many, many nights…and days we spent tangled in the sheets. You definitely know your way around a woman’s body. Don’t you agree that Noel is good in bed, Ms. Erickson?”
Harper’s jaw ticked and her hand fisted. Christ. If she struck Lupe, we’d all be dead.
I had to do something, fast. “I made you come six times one night. Surely a man who can do that doesn’t deserve all this. Let me out and I’ll make it seven.”
Harper’s head whipped around to me; her eyes wide with shock. I couldn’t blame her. It wasn’t a good idea to talk about giving orgasms to one woman around the woman I’d just given orgasms to the night before. But I needed Harper pissed at me. I needed her to leave and not look back.
Lupe laughed. “Oh my. I think Ms. Erickson might be jealous.”
“So, what do you say? Let me out. And Dax too. Then I’ll make you come all night long. Just like before.”
“You drive a hard bargain, but no. Bastion takes care of my sexual needs just fine. Plus, he shares my sense of adventure.”
“You mean enjoyment of torture.”
She shrugged.
“You won’t get away with this.” I couldn’t be certain I’d survive, but I was sure Archer, who had several high powered, influential friends, wouldn’t let this go. Even if Archer stayed within the law, there were men who worked for me, who were still loyal to me who’d be happy to hunt Lupe and Bastion down and make sure justice was served within the bounds of the law or out.
“Blah, blah, blah.”
“He’s right. An army of lawyers are working on this right now. My family has influence with government officials. We’ll get the U.S. Embassy involved.” Harper snapped at Lupe.
I winced.
Lupe was only more amused at Harper’s assertion. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with. The law doesn’t apply to us. Here or in America.” Lupe arched a brow, and I recognized the gesture as a threat.
Fuck. I had to get Harper out of here. “Shut up, Harper.”
She jumped at my sharp tone.
“I told you I don’t like you in my business. When are you ever going to listen? Get out.”
She recoiled and I hated myself for being so cruel, but I needed her gone.
Lupe laughed. “What about the baby? This one is really yours.”
“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. I don’t want it.” The words tasted like battery acid on my tongue. I turned on Harper knowing this would be the last time I’d see her. I’d have done anything to hold her, instead of being cruel. She’d accused me of being cruel in the past, so hopefully she was buying this. “You were a good fuck, but God dammit, you’re difficult. Just leave.”
Her lips trembled and tears fell down her cheeks. I wished Bastion would show up and kill me here and now.
“Go!” I yelled.
She bolted past Lupe and out the door.
Lupe clapped her hands in delight. “This is so much better than I’d imagined.”
With Harper gone, my energy vanished. I lay down on the cot. My entire body down to my bones hurt from the thrashing Bastion’s goons gave me, but even that paled to the pain in my chest, my very soul.
If I survived this, I’d make Bastion pay. In fact, if I was going to go out, I’d go out swinging, and I’d take Bastion down with me.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX
Harper
I ran through the jail and out the door. Once outside, I threw up in the bushes. My body shook and I couldn’t think.