Chapter Twenty-Two
Trapped
Rowan
The engine roars as I blast through the straight. With a sharp downshift, I slow the pace so I can take the first curve. It’s a nonstop pattern of trying to cover as much ground as possible in the straights, followed by dropping almost to a crawl in the hairpin turns. My speed fluctuates from nearly four hundred kilometers per hour to all the way down to sixty.
Still, I grew up running this track. It’s the only race I’ve ever cared about. It’s ridiculously hard and only included in the circuit because of how old and challenging it is, and it’s right here in my own backyard. Winning has been a personal goal as long as I’ve been able to drive, and this year I’ll do it.
Plunging into the tunnel, I’m blinded by the sudden darkness. Blinking fast, I hold the wheel steady, doing my best to avoid any swerving at this speed. Just as fast, I’m blasting into white-hot sunlight. More fast blinking, trying to see. Dirt on my visor annoys me, and I reach up to tear off the thin cover. I’ll have three more tear-offs in the actual race.
“Keep it steady. You’re doing great.” Cal is in my ear, coaching me through the laps.
I ease off, preparing for the final hairpin, dropping to a crawl as my arms do a one-eighty turning the wheel. At last, I’m out. It’s a straight shot to the finish line, and I shift then jam the accelerator to the floor to make up all the time I just lost.
“Keep going… Almost there…” The tension in my brother’s voice grows as the black and white checks fly past me. “You did it!” he shouts. “It’s the best qualifying time today!”
I’m breathing hard, my muscles loose as I coast into the pit area where Cal and my crew are waiting, cheering. Once I’ve stopped, I pull off the helmet, and Cal grabs my arm, giving it a rough shake.
“That’s pole position, depending on Patel.”
My jaw tightens as I bite back a fuck. I know the race will come down to the two of us, and I’m hoping to be pole sitter, the most favorable spot on the starting grid.
“It’s okay,” Cal says with a laugh, leaning closer to my ear. “I’ve been watching him practice. He’s braking too much this year. Either it’s a new car or he’s distracted.”
“The course is nothing but hazards. I’d forgotten how much we have to ride them.”
We’re walking back to the stands, waving and nodding thanks to the cheering spectators and fellow drivers watching from the sides of the track.
“Doesn’t matter. Your speed is the best a driver could hope for. I don’t see him overtaking you.”
“I’m glad you’re with me, brother.” I slap his shoulder. “Get cleaned up. We’ve got meetings.”
A brief stop at the desk to sign the official forms, and I’m heading out. The car will be locked in the parc fermé, the secured area where all competing cars are kept, until the race tomorrow.
In the town car on my way to the palace to shower, change, and start rolling out my proposal for the clean energy deal to the queen and members of parliament, I feel confident and optimistic. My mind drifts to Ava this morning, curled in the sheets asleep, her dark hair soft around her on the pillows.
I think about holding her on my lap last night in that same bed, watching her beautiful body tremble as she came apart in my arms. So far I’ve been gentle with her, easy. I look forward to introducing her to more interesting ways of making love. Once she feels more confident.
We left the gala last night shortly after I spoke to Zelda and returned to Occitan. After a brief swim in the cove sans clothes, we walked back to the house wrapped in thick white robes. Her hand was on my arm, and her body was tight against my side. Stopping on the terrace, I traced my thumbs down the sides of her face, watching how the moonlight shone in her eyes. I considered asking her to marry me then, but I decided to wait.
For starters, I don’t have a ring. I need to put this race behind me, and I’ve got to present the new deal to parliament, sign all the contracts, and announce it publicly. With our economic troubles on the mend, everyone will be far more open to the idea of an outsider, an American, as their future queen.
My queen.
“If she’ll have me,” I exhale, speaking quietly to myself.
“She will, sir.”
Glancing up, I catch Hajib’s eyes in the rearview mirror. They’re creased, and I can tell he’s smiling. Odd Job.
“You think so?” I say louder, leaning back.
“With confidence, sir. I’ve seen the way the young lady looks at you. It’s a love match.”
It’s the same thing Fayed said. A love match… I had always prepared myself to save love, should I find it, for a mistress. My wife would most likely be an arrangement based on political expediency and financial gain. Our marriage would be respectful and courteous, but love?
It seems I was wrong. I glance down at my hands as I turn the word over in my mind. The next time I see her, I’ll have to tell her how I feel.
* * *
Zelda
Cal is gone when I open my eyes. A slip of paper is on the pillow where he slept, and I push up onto my elbows, reaching for it.
Have to be at the track for time trials with Ro. After that, meetings with the cabinet, dinner with the queen. I’ll text or call as soon as possible. Miss you already. Last night was amazing. –MLT
My stomach warms, and that silly smile plasters across my face again. I drop my head with a little growl. “I’ve got to stop this!”
Folding the piece of paper in half, I tuck it into my phone case. Then I sit up and throw the blankets aside as I stomp across the room. The room service menu is on the desk. I flip through the pages and order… it’s after noon? Lunch, I guess. I didn’t mean to sleep so late, but in fairness, we didn’t actually go to sleep until almost dawn.
Following that insanely mind-blowing fuck on the boat, the dive into the sea, and the walk back to the hotel, we crashed for a little while as Cruel Intentions played in the background.
Naturally, all the sexy in that movie led to more sexy for us, but it wasn’t as insanely desperate or possessive. Still, the connection we’d made earlier lingered around us. We were closer, more bonded somehow.
I’m standing in the living room staring into space, trying to understand what happened between us when the door opens, and Ava walks in slowly. She’s wearing a dark tee that must be Rowan’s. It’s five sizes too big, and her hair is a beachy-messy bedhead. She doesn’t meet my eyes as she tosses her bag on the table. I’m pretty sure her expression mirrors the conflict I feel. We weren’t supposed to get emotionally involved.
“Hey,” I say, taking a step toward her. “I’m just ordering lunch. You want some?”
“Yeah,” she nods, walking over to drop onto the sofa.
I sit on the arm and she scoots to the side, placing her dark head against my leg. I think about last night. “You gave him the bracelet.”
Quiet answers me. Her chin lowers, and I slide my hand down her hair. After a few moments she speaks. “Remember when you said you only dreamed of safety and keeping us safe when you were a girl?”
“Yeah.” I’m still sliding my hand down her head.
When she speaks again, her voice is quiet, almost ashamed. “I dreamed of being a princess. After we ran away and it was just the two of us and we were so scared? I dreamed of a handsome prince coming and saving us. I dreamed about it a lot.”
My lips pull down in a frown. I don’t know why her words make me want to cry. For a few moments, I look out the window remembering those early days. I remember how her little body would tremble when she was afraid. I remember how she would cling to me like I knew anything about keeping us safe. The only thing I had was stubbornness and luck.
Clearing my throat, I fight back my emotions. “That’s okay. If it helped you not be afraid, you don’t have to be embarrassed.”
“I feel like…” She hesitates, a few moments pass. “I feel like these last few days my dream has come true. And I hate that it’s all a lie.”
My brow lines, and I think about my jobs, the cons I’ve run, the people I’ve cheated. As much as I’ve tried to keep her away from what I do, she’s still a part of my world. She’s never really out of danger as long as she’s with me.
Threatening Ava is how Reggie trapped me here in the first place. When he said she could go to prison for five years, I panicked. I could go to prison for five years, but not Ava. For the first time, I’d seen how my actions can hurt her.
With a deep sigh, she pushes off the couch. “I’m going to shower.”
I don’t try to stop her. She disappears into her bedroom, and I place the order for our food. For a moment, I sit staring at the sapphire blue waters, thinking about that whole concept of freedom. I think about the beautiful moments I’ve shared with Cal. As much as I love those moments, as close as he is to my heart, I’m a liability to him as well. If his people knew who I really am, all the things I’ve done…
With a fortifying breath, I push off the sofa. It’s time to confront Reggie. I have to get to the bottom of what’s going on here. At the very least, I need to know what he expects from us now. After that, I’ll deal with Seth.
I might have gotten a break from reality for a little while last night, but my problems are stacking up faster than waves coming in with the tide. It’s time to sink or swim.
In my room, I pull on a pair of dark jeans and a black tank. My hair is a mess from jumping in the ocean followed by screwing Cal all night, but I smooth it into a side ponytail. I’m not trying to impress Reggie. He’s seen me messy and unpolished.
Stepping into a pair of beige espadrilles, I give myself a reassuring look in the mirror, but it’s no good. My face is lined with worry.
Lunch will be here when I get back, but I can’t eat with this hanging over my head. I don’t know what Reggie will do when I tell him I quit. He could call Rowan and destroy us. Or he could simply have us kicked out of the hotel.
That dark possibility has me dashing back to grab my clutch off the kitchen counter. My phone, the room key, and that black credit card are inside, and I put all three in my pockets just in case.
Reggie’s room is only a few doors down from ours. As I walk, the space seems to expand like a telephoto lens. Cal is on my mind—what he’ll say if Reggie exposes us, losing him. My insides shiver. I had thought I could figure out Reggie’s plan and tell it to Cal. I had hoped it might redeem us in his eyes…
The thought Ava doesn’t know where I am drifts through my mind. Too late. I’m at his door. I have to do this now.
Lifting my fist, I’m all set to knock when I notice the door isn’t closed all the way. Placing my palm flat against the wood, I give it a gentle push, and the latch slips open. It falls away, revealing the vacant entrance. Two male voices are inside arguing, so I step quietly through the door, thankful my shoes make no sound.
“His deal with the Americans is finalized. He’s meeting with parliament now, with the queen tonight… She will support him.” Reggie’s voice is tense and urgent, and I have no idea what he’s talking about. “It’s over, Wade. We’re through”
“Calm yourself, Reginald,” the male voice I assume is Wade’s answers. “I’m meeting with Fayed this afternoon, and I intend to reassure him we will not be pulling out of his country. Their oil and gas production has just gotten off the ground, and with the countries unified, we’ll invest deep in their operations.”
“How do you intend to make that happen?” Reggie snaps back.
“Simple. The crown prince has given us the means to remove him as an obstacle.”
“Is that so? Do explain.”
My brain is moving fast. Cal said Wade Paxton was the Prime Minister of Totrington. He’s the man Rowan suspected of plotting with Reggie and Hubert to kill their father.
“We’ve had a plan in place since before the king died for eliminating these… impediments.” His voice is calm, sinister, and my chest tightens. “Rowan’s decision to enter the Grand Prix made it easier than ever. I’ve already set the wheels in motion, if you will.”
“What does that mean?” A tone I’ve never heard before is in Reggie’s voice. It sounds like fear.
“I mean the removal of the crown prince has begun.”
Ice filters through my veins. I sure as hell know that means.
Reggie’s disgusted laugh makes me swallow hard. Every muscle in my body is tense. “Why even pretend we’re working together, Wade? You’ve already planned everything without our council.”
“Don’t be a brooding old woman, Reginald. You had a plan. It was idiotic, so I launched a new one.” He pauses to chortle. “Idiotic… Why would Rowan choose one female over all the others?”
“Money, political expediency. I’m familiar with my nephew’s taste. I brought him a lady I knew would tempt him.”
My nose wrinkles. His word choice makes me feel like a call girl.
“And still he chose another,” Wade growls. “Such an obstinate young man. So arrogant and annoying.”
“Back to the point,” Reggie says. “Tell me about this plan.”
“While your trick with the girl was idiotic, you showed great foresight in bringing along a spare.”
“You mean Ava?” I hear movement as if he’s pacing. “I don’t see how she’ll help us any more than Zelda did.”
“She’s already helped us immensely,” Wade says. “He’s in love with her, and he’s doing this race to impress her.”
“I think you’re mistaken. He’s never given up racing. He only stopped competing.”
“Reginald.” Wade’s voice is condescending. “Are you being deliberately obtuse? Trust me. This is all about swinging around his big dick.”
“You’ve always been so colorful.” Reggie sniffs. “And what if it is?”
“What if he has an unfortunate accident?” Evil drips in his voice. “The poor, poor crown prince. It’s too bad if he’s taken out of the picture before he ever has the chance to finalize his deal.”
My scalp prickles as I feel the blood drain from my face. They’re talking about killing Rowan at the race!
The room is silent. I hold my breath waiting to hear what Reggie will say. Do the right thing, Reginald…
“You’re planning to assassinate the crown prince.” It isn’t a question. It isn’t even as shocked as it should be.
“Such an ugly word.” Wade’s slimy voice makes my skin crawl. “I’m merely observing it’s a difficult track. It involves much braking and rapid acceleration. A hairpin turn is positioned at the top of a high cliff, and at one point, the drivers are plunged into almost total darkness.”
“The tunnel,” Reggie says quietly.
“Fatal crashes occur all the time in motorsport. It would be a shame if your future king’s car failed. If he slammed into the wall and joined their ranks.”
Closing my mouth, I swallow, trying to restart my breathing. I’ve got to get out of here. I’ve got to get back across the hall, to our room and tell Ava. She’s got to warn Rowan… I start to move just as the men resume speaking.
“It won’t work,” Reggie says, and I stop to listen.
“Why the devil not?”
“MacCallam. He’s the presumptive heir. If anything happens to Rowan, he becomes the crown prince, and he’ll continue his brother’s legacy.”
“You disappoint me, Reginald,” I hear him moving. “You think my plan doesn’t include MacCallam?”
I’m frozen in place. Not Cal…
Reggie hesitates a moment. “What have you planned?”
More movement. “As captain of the pit crew, Cal would know if the car had problems. He would be in charge of checking it out, top to bottom… Unless he had ambitions of his own. Unless he saw an opportunity to seize power.”
Reggie makes a grunting sound. “Everyone knows how close the brothers are. No one will believe Cal would intentionally hurt Rowan.”
My knuckles are white on the kitchen counter. I’m holding on, bracing myself against what they might say next.
“They don’t have to believe it. They need only look at the evidence.”
I push off the counter and start for the door, but just as I’m moving, my phone chirps loudly with a text.
“Who’s there?” Reggie shouts, and I hear them both heading my way fast.
My heart is flying, and I run around the corner, pushing off the wall as I skid to a stop at the door. Jerking the handle down, I’m pulling it toward me when it flies from my hand with a SLAM!
“What have we here?” Wade’s voice is a sinister smile. He grabs my shoulder in an iron grip and slams my back against the wall, forcing an Oof! from my mouth. “What the fuck are you doing sneaking around our rooms?”
It takes me a moment to catch my breath. “I wasn’t—” My text tone sounds again, and Wade’s eyes drop to my waist.
“Take her phone,” he says to Reggie.
“Zelda,” Reggie says, taking my phone from my pocket. “You shouldn’t have come here.”
“Ah, Miss Wilder,” Wade Paxton smiles, and I recognize the evil glint in his eyes. I’ve seen it before in our trashy foster “father,” although I never called him that. “Do you know who I am?”
He has greasy black hair and a little mustache, and he’s wearing a suit. On the pocket is an insignia. Lifting his lapel, he holds it closer for me to see.
“Wade Paxton,” I say quickly.
“Correct. Prime Minister of Totrington.” His painful grip moves to my upper arm, and he lifts me, half-dragging, half-pushing me into the living room of Reggie’s suite. “You’ve been spying on classified state secrets. Do you know what we do with spies, Miss Wilder?”
“You don’t have to kill me,” I say fast. I might be out of my league with these guys, but I grew up talking my way out of trouble. “I won’t tell anyone. I’ll leave here and go back to Miami.”
“You must think I’m a fool.” He looks to my former associate. “Reggie, who is that text from?”
Reggie turns my phone over and touches the button. “Playboy prince.” My heart plunges to my feet, and his blue eyes meet mine. “I’m going to assume that’s MacCallam. It says, ‘Are you wearing panties.’”
My eyes close, and any plans I had to convince them I wouldn’t tell Cal are shot to hell now. If I were looking for something to pin on Reggie, I sure as hell found it. Too bad, it might cost me my life.
“She isn’t leaving this room.” Wade has my arm again, and he drags me to the wet bar, opening and shutting drawers quickly.
My mouth is dry, I’m shaking, but I’ve got to try. “I’m leaving him. I was coming here to tell Reggie. I’m going back to Miami. Cal doesn’t know.”
“Here.” Wade pulls out a knife. “Do you have any rope, Reginald?”
“Stop this, Paxton,” Reggie reclines on the sofa, a bored look on his face. “We’re not killing her. Who will clean up the mess?”
Wade’s sinister eyes are calculating. “What do you suggest?”
“Lock her in the bedroom until we’ve finished our business here then arrange for her disposal afterwards.”
“Reggie,” I whisper. “Just let me take Ava and go. I won’t get in your way. You know I won’t.”
“I don’t know anything now that you’re romantically involved.”
“I’m not romantically involved!” I cry, my voice cracking. “I’m a professional, Reggie. Remember the casino?”
“I thought you were a professional. Sadly I was mistaken.” He rises from the couch, and walks toward the bedroom. Wade jerks my arm, pushing me after him.
“Very convenient, you providing your phone.”
I watch as he begins texting. “What are you doing? Who are you texting?” Panic floods my veins.
“Message to Ava: Ran out to meet Cal. See you after the race. Zee.” He glances toward Wade. “You said your plan is in motion. I presume it includes men stationed along the course?”
“On the pit crew, along the course,” Wade says. “I’ve covered every possible outcome.”
My eyes fly back and forth between them. I’m having difficulty breathing. “What will you do?”
Reggie steps directly in front of me, pushing my nose almost to his chest. “I might not trust you, but I know your Achilles heel. You’ll cooperate—if only to protect your sister’s life.”
Jerking away from Wade, I swing my arm at Reggie’s face. “You will not hurt Ava!”
He dodges easily, shoving me aside. “I will kill your beautiful sister if you do anything to interfere with our plans.”
Stepping back, I take a breath. He’s right about one thing—no matter what I have to do, I won’t let him hurt Ava.
“You have a deal. I won’t say a word.”
I start for the door, and Wade Paxton actually laughs. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Pausing, I look from him to Reggie. “I just gave you my word—”
“Whatever deal you make with Sir Winchester, it will begin after the race tomorrow. Not before.”
My arm is back in his iron grip, and he drags me to the bedroom, shoving me inside. I slump against the wall as he walks around the room. He goes to the balcony door and then returns to where I’m doing my best to stay out of his way. He goes in the bathroom for a moment then returns with his hands on his hips.
“This won’t work,” he snaps. “Too many ways she can escape.”
“She can’t go through the lobby,” Reggie argues. “The paparazzi are everywhere. She’s a top story now that she’s been seen with the prince numerous times.”
The two men look at me again. Wade’s eyes are glittering and cold, and I’m convinced he’d just as soon kill me. Reggie looks more impatient. My mind is racing.
“I can give you money. I’ll give back all the money—”
“You stupid bitch, I bankrolled this entire venture.” Wade’s lip curls. “I own you.”
Reggie walks through the suite again, looking around. “Every goddamn room has a window.”
“Put her in the bathroom,” Wade says. “I’ll walk down to the corner and purchase rope, duct tape, and a bicycle chain to tie her hands and lock her in.”
Reggie nods. “Get going. I’ll guard her here.”
The other man starts for the door, but then walks back to me. “Just in case you’re thinking of trying to double-cross me.”
With a loud SMACK! he whips his meaty palm across my face. Light explodes behind my eyes, and it takes me a moment to realize I’m on the floor, on my hands and knees. Pain radiates through my cheek, and my mouth is full of the thick, coppery taste of blood.
“You’re determined to leave evidence behind,” Reggie says, pushing a cloth handkerchief to me.
Wade bends down and grabs a handful of my hair right at the top of my head. He jerks my neck back, forcing me to look at him. I struggle not to cry out, but the pain makes it difficult.
“I’m not impressed by you, Zelda Wilder. I don’t value your life over our plans for Monagasco. Do you understand?” He’s so close, little drops of spit hit my face. “If it weren’t for Reggie, you’d already be dead.”
Blinking fast, I struggle to hold it together as I glare back at his hateful eyes.
“One sneaky trick. One attempt to escape, and I won’t hesitate.” He shoves my head away, and I sprawl onto the floor again.
His shoes squeak on the marble as he goes to the door. It closes with a slam, and he’s gone, leaving only Reggie and me.
“Why are you here, Zelda? I told you to wait until I came for you.”
“Let me go, Reggie.” My heart aches and my swollen lip distorts my words. “It’s not too late to change this.”
“What’s happening now goes way beyond what we discussed in Miami.”
“How can you do this?” My voice cracks. “They’re your nephews. Your family!” All I can think of is protecting Ava, saving Cal, saving Rowan.
His expression becomes closed. “In matters of state, family is sometimes a casualty.”
“So you did help kill the king! Rowan was right!”
Clearing his throat, he walks to the wet bar, and I watch as he takes a handful of ice and puts it in a cloth napkin. “Philip was overweight. He had a short temper and high blood pressure. I can’t be held responsible for his heart attack.”
He hands me the makeshift ice pack, and I hold it to my throbbing cheek. “You stood by and let it happen. It’s the same as helping.”
He walks to the large glass doors overlooking the Mediterranean. “I like you Zelda. I’ll do what I can to protect you, but if you cross Wade Paxton, I can’t stop the consequences. He is not someone you want to play games with.”
The door opens, and Wade returns. The only thing in his hand is a rope. “Sold out of duct tape,” he growls as he passes, grabbing my forearm so hard, I stumble.
He drags me to the bathroom and shoves me inside. His hand goes to his pocket, and I watch as he pulls out a long knife. My throat closes.
“You see this?” His blue eyes slice into mine, and fear clenches my chest.
I don’t answer and he charges me, pushing me all the way until my back slams against the wall. My head aches from hitting the plaster, and I struggle to fight back my tears. I can’t appear weak. I have to be strong.
His face is right in mine, and I try to turn to avoid his sour onion breath. “Make any noise, scream…” His hand clamps around my wrist so hard, I’m afraid the bones will break.
Jerking my arm, he slams my palm flat on the granite countertop. I can’t help a scream. My insides are shaking, and I struggle to get away.
“I’ll start with the smallest one.” The knife presses hard against the knuckle of my pinkie finger, breaking the skin as searing pain shoots through my hand.
“NO!” I shout, twisting and dropping to my knees. “DON’T!”
“SHUT UP!” He growls, kicking me in the stomach.
“Oh, god…” I’m gulping for air as pain cramps my midsection. Tears blur my vision. A roaring noise is in my ears, and I’m afraid I’ll pass out. “Please… no.”
“Wade!” Reggie’s voice cuts through the din. “Think about what you’re doing. This room is in my name. I will not be implicated in a blood bath!”
Wade pauses, looking down at me. The pressure of the knife grows stronger against my knuckle, and I cry louder. I can’t stop shaking. My nose is hot. Snot is on my battered lip, and his grip is a shackle around my wrist. I’m on the floor, trying to pull away.
At once he releases me, and I fall to the hard marble. A startled cry slips from my lips. My knuckle is bloody, and I shove both hands under my arms, pushing with my heels until my back is against the wall. My knees are bent for protection.
Wade leans down, pointing the sharp knife at my nose. “I will cut them off, one by one. Then I will move to your toes. I’ll take off your ears, followed by the tip of your nose. Your tongue…”
My stomach heaves, and I’m afraid I’ll vomit.
“Good god, we get the point,” Reggie says.
I press my eyes against the tops of my knees. I don’t want to see his horrible face anymore. Everyone I know and love is in danger, and I’ve never been so afraid. I have no idea what I’m going to do. I only know I have to do something.
“She’ll stay quiet,” Reggie says in an eerily calm voice. “She won’t jeopardize her sister.”
“Yes,” Wade’s eyes flicker with sinister intent. “Your sister.”
Rage and panic clash in my chest. “Don’t hurt her.” It’s all I can manage to say.
They pause only a moment, staring down at me, before they leave. The double-doors of the bathroom slam, and I hear the rope being tied around the handles. Despair fills my chest as the tears start to fall. I’ve got to get out of here. I’ve got to get to Ava.