His blood ran cold. She never should have increased the dose without talking to him first. She could have hurt Ariana, killed her even with an overdose.
“It seems like it. She’s been a perfect girl for the past few days.” He swallowed down the bile rising in order to keep his tone even. She couldn’t suspect anything. Or all would be lost.
“I really think she has potential to be adopted tomorrow evening. Perhaps making a few tweaks in the program would help these girls speed through their training.” Nancy’s teeth peeked through her satisfied grin.
“I leave that stuff up to Frank. I’m just here to do my job until my time’s up.” He held up the bottle. “If you’ll excuse us. I have a special session planned with her.”
Nancy nodded. “Of course. I’ll see you at breakfast then, Ariana.”
“Good night, Nanny Nancy. Thank you!” Ariana waved her hand excitedly as the bitch left the room.
“Shit.” Costello laughed when the door finally shut. “She must have really increased your dose to make you so happy with her.”
Arianna’s brow wrinkled. “What does that mean?”
He shook his head. “Nothing.” He reached behind and yanked the bottle he had tucked into his belt, covered by his suit jacket. “I want you to drink this all gone, Ariana.” He handed it to her.
“But, that’s not what Nanny Nancy brought in,” she said with a squished face.
He sighed. “I know. It’s fine. This is what Daddy wants you to drink.” He wiggled the bottle. “Go on, take it.”
“Okay, Daddy.” She grabbed the bottle and brought the nipple between her lips. She scooted down in bed until she was lying down and suckling the bottle. His cock reacted to her submissiveness, her sweet obedience.
“Fucking hell,” he muttered, angered at himself and marched into the bathroom to pour out the crap Nancy had given him. Once the bottle was empty, he rinsed out the sink thoroughly and recapped the bottle. Checking his watch to be sure they were on schedule, he hurried back into her room.
Costello sat in his chair watching her play with her hair while sucking down the drink he’d given her.
Finally, she finished.
“All gone.” Ariana pulled the bottle from her mouth and shook the empty bottle at him with a grin on her sweet face. When she licked away a small droplet of liquid from her bottom lip, his cock twitched. He was a complete fucking bastard.
It had been days since he let himself touch her. Once he realized Lullaby had started to work on her and she wasn’t who she had been, he’d left her alone. At least physically.
“Good girl,” he said, swiping the bottle from her and tucking it back in place in his pants under his jacket. “How do you feel?” he asked, putting the empty bottle Nancy would be collecting on the nightstand.
“Fine,” she said but countered the word with a large yawn. “Just really, really sleepy. Like sooo sleepy.” She dragged out the word dramatically. She sank lower in the bed. “And my tummy doesn’t feel good. It’s kinda swishing around a lot.”
Costello checked his watch. If they waited too long, Frank would be arriving. He always stopped at the House the night before an adoption party to check on the girls. They needed to get moving.
“Daddy,” Ariana whined, her eyes closing. “I need…” She was asleep before she could finish her sentence.
“All done in here?” Nancy swept back in. “Oh, did she fall asleep already?”
“No.” Costello picked up the empty bottle. “I think you put too much in.” He thrust the bottle at her then began to lightly tap Ariana’s cheek. “Ariana, wake up. Come on now, don’t sleep yet. Wake up.” He tapped harder. He could probably land a heavy blow with his fist and she wouldn’t wake. He’d given her enough sedative to keep her under long enough to get them to safety.
“I put the same as yesterday,” Nancy stammered, moving closer to the bed. “Is she okay?”
“Ariana!” he yelled into her sleeping face. “Fuck.” Costello yanked the quilt off of her and slid his arms beneath her. “Open the door.”
“What are you doing? Where are you taking her?” Nancy’s voice shook.
“To Dr. Lawry!” he said, lifting Ariana from the bed. “You gave her too much. She’s overdosing.”
The color drained from Nancy’s face. “I…no, I couldn’t have.”
“Did Frank tell you to increase her dosage?” Costello demanded.
Her cheeks went red while the rest of her complexion grayed. Just as he thought.
“I…I was doing what I thought best for her.”
“Open the door and get out of my way. If I get her to Dr. Lawry’s house fast enough, maybe you won’t have killed her.” He jerked his head toward the door.
She yanked the door open, and he passed through, hurrying to the stairs.
“Maybe we should wait for Frank. He’ll be here soon,” she urged from behind him.