Chapter 24
"A man might befriend a wolf, even break a wolf, but no man could truly tame a wolf." ~George R.R. Martin
Gwen
The décor of Ledbetter’s living space reeks of money. Wide-planked oak floors shine to perfection under oriental rugs. Yellow marble countertops enhance the castle’s old-world charm in both the kitchen and the bathroom where I now hide.
When footsteps sound in the living room, my heart races. Dammit, I’m out of time.
Finding no useful weapon in the medicine cabinet, I squat and search under the sink. Behind the pink stomach liquid and the roll of bandages, sits a box of chocolate laxatives.
Thank you, Jesus! I barely have time to break off a piece before he rattles the door handle. “Time’s up, Guinevere. My cock is hard, and I’m tired of your games.”
Dammit . Dripping from the shower, I dress, slip the square into my back pocket, and take two deep breaths.
Calmer now, I place my mouth near the antique brass keyhole. “Would you pour us a drink? I’m a little nervous.”
“You’ve had two husbands. Surely, you know what to expect. Out. Now.” His angry tone should frighten me, but the mention of my ex-asshole, Farid, emboldens me.
I bested one evil man, why not two? Beyoncé angel, who’s been unusually quiet, comes to life . Find something to stab his jugular. Be quick about it. Go, go, go .
Recalling Axel’s self-defense lessons, I open a drawer, snatch a toenail clipper, and rotate the two-inch nail file to the open position.
With a white-knuckled grip, I hide the weapon behind my back. As I picture stabbing it into his neck, I open the door.
“Why are your clothes still on?” Two feet away, Ledbetter sits on the mattress, his brows furrowed.
“Half the fun is removing them, no?” My seductive smile must work because he responds with one of his own.
“Indeed.” His predatorial gaze strengthens my resolve.
I step forward and pray the tiny blade will suffice. If not… Oh lordy, this is it. Three, two, one…
I’m about to spring, then stop at the expensive bottle of wine in my peripheral vision. Sneaking the clippers into my back pocket, I saunter to the bedside table.
“Can I have a glass please? I’m not kidding. I’m so nervous. Surely, you would rather have me relaxed. Things will slide in much easier.” Eyes still locked to his, I unsnap my jeans.
When I unzip my fly, his gaze drifts to my belly button. There it is, the distraction I was waiting for.
Taking a deep breath, I snatch the corkscrew, swivel, and reach high.
“Huh-yuh!” I force the metal deep into his neck, let go, then race out the door.
“Cunt, I am coming for you.” Too close behind, his angry voice sends a chill down my spine.
Dammit, he’s not dead.
Skipping the closest closed doors, I bound down the stairs. Behind me, more animal than human, Ledbetter roars, all pretense of politeness gone.
“When I find you, you beeech, you will wish I had killed you. I will cut you open and f-”
Thunderous heartbeats in my ears mask his awful threats. Grateful for the auditory reprieve, I reach the bottom floor, then stop.
Where the hell is the exit?
Tossing a mental coin, I turn right and a few steps later, cannot believe my luck. In front of me lies the dining area. My feet race past the buffet table and the coffee maker to the courtyard.
As armed guards shout and exit the bunker, I raise my arms in surrender only to be grabbed from behind.
“This way.” Ghost, the millennial from earlier in the evening, covers my mouth and tugs me into the shadows.