Chapter 13
I had no idea what was going through Renric’s mind. I didn’t see him again after that night, and he stopped interfering with my plans. The Virell empire continued its steady decline.
The day Zion announced his acquisition of Virell Industries, I was supposed to go with him-after all, our deal was simple: I’d help him secure his inheritance, and he’d help me destroy the Virells. But just as I stepped outside, everything went black.
When I came to, I was lying in an unfamiliar estate with my wrists and ankles tied to the bed.
“Be good, alright? Just bear with me for a bit. That familiar voice made my blood run cold.
“Renric!” Shock gave way to fury. “Let me go!”
He sat on the edge of the bed, gently touching my face. “Can’t do that. You said you’d kill yourself if I took you away, and even if you don’t always keep your word, I’m not taking any chances.”
“This is kidnapping!”
“Of course it is.” He smiled calmly. “That’s why I’ve already made peace with never going back to the States. This island is going to be
our home forever.”
I stared at him in disbelief. “What the hell are you talking about?”
He leaned closer. “I’ve spent months searching for the perfect place for us. I’ve been all over the world, and this place has
everything-wide open spaces, barely any people, perfect weather year-round. Just the way you like it.”
His voice grew softer, almost pleading. “I know you’re angry with me, and that’s okay. I’ve got decades to make it up to you. Once you
realize you’re not going anywhere and stop threatening to hurt yourself, I’ll untie you.”
He looked at me with that same devoted expression that used to break my heart. “Trust me, even on this island, I’ll give you the best
life possible.”
I turned my head away, refusing to look at him. He chuckled. “Waiting for Zion to come rescue you? Today’s the day he takes over
Virell Industries-he can’t afford to miss that opportunity.”
My jaw clenched because he was absolutely right. Zion and I had a business arrangement, nothing more. This was his moment to cash in on everything we’d worked for. Whatever feelings might exist between us couldn’t possibly be worth throwing that away.
Besides, even if he wanted to find me, Renric was too smart to leave a trail.
“Elara.” He pressed his forehead against mine. “Let’s have a daughter together. I want to see what you looked like as a little girl. I’ll
trap you here, and I’ll trap myself too.”
“No…” Tears slipped down my cheeks. “Please, just let me go.”
Just as he was about to kiss me, alarms started blaring throughout the house. Renric pulled back and glanced at the security monitors, then actually smiled as he reached for a gun.
“Zion actually had the balls to come here?”
“Zion?” I couldn’t hide my shock.
Renric loaded a round into the chamber. “After he dies here, we’ll have to keep this island locked down for a while.”
“No! Renric, don’t!” I tried to stop him, but he was already walking out the door.
Panic seized me as my eyes landed on a fruit knife sitting on the nearby table. With every ounce of strength I had, I managed to grip the handle between my teeth.
