No one.
If she died, no one would mourn her. And her life would have no meaning.
No, she refused to believe it. Because then everything she’d done, everything she’d risked would be for nothing.
“You said we’d use the money to help her.”
“This money is to start our new life together. In Mexico. You’re coming with me, Keira.”
She really didn’t want to go anywhere with him. Let alone to Mexico. But she tried hard not to let that thought show on her face.
Keira wasn’t dumb.
Well, okay, that wasn’t entirely true. She was often dumb. But she knew that she had to be careful right now.
“You told me—”
“I told you that I’d look after you,” he said in a harder voice, although his touch was gentle as he reached out and brushed his fingers over her cheek.
That kept her confused and on edge. The contrast between his tone and his touch.
It was scary.
When someone was mad, they hit. Or that was her experience, anyway.
Face it, Keira, you are way out of your depth.
“Yes, I know. But my sister...” she trailed off as the look in his eyes grew harder, meaner.
“I made no promises about your sister.”
No, but he’d definitely said that they were going to help her.
“Only I care about you. I’m the only person you can depend on. The only person that loves you. Tell me you get that. Tell me that you love me too.”
What was happening right now?
A tremble raced through her. She had to swallow hastily, trying to control her rioting gut. Of course, that could have something to do with the fact that she’d drunk water from the tap earlier.
Carl had been feeling paranoid enough that he hadn’t wanted to leave the room, even to get some bottled water from the vending machine.
And this wasn’t the sort of motel that had a mini-bar or room service.
This was the type of motel that rented rooms out by the hour and didn’t give a fuck if you gave them false identification.
“Look at you, trembling in desire for me. Little Bird, you don’t have to be so worried. I’m going to look after you. All you need to do is what I tell you, understand?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
Fighting won’t help. It’s only going to get you hurt.
She was going to have to wait for him to leave, then grab some of the money and go. What other choice did she have?
And then you’ll have him as well as the Iron Shadows guys on your ass.
Perfect.
“Tell me you love me.” He dropped his fingers to her chin, lowering his mouth towards hers.