Silence.

My heart thundered against my ribs.

“Jethro?”

A hitch sounded in my ear. “I’m sorry. So fucking sorry.”

I melted. “I know. But it’s not your fault.”

“I’ll make them pay.”

“I know. We’ll do it together.”

“I wish I could hold you. Kiss you. My arms are empty without you.”

I felt that same emptiness—a terrible void ripping me into ribbons with its aching vastness. “I would give anything to be with you.”

Both of us fell quiet. What was there to say when we couldn’t talk about what we needed? What words could offer solace when only pain awaited?

“How long?” I finally whispered. “How much longer before I can kiss you again?”

“Too long.” Jethro sighed. “They said three weeks, but I’m almost ready. I’m not waiting that long. It’s already been too much. I refuse to leave you there another hour more than necessary.”

His passion soothed me even though I didn’t believe him.

He thought he’d be here in time.

I wished with every fibre of my being that he was right.

But there was something monstrous inside me…slurping me deeper, telling me that my time was running out. I didn’t know where the countdown beast had come from, but it was snarling louder and louder.

Jasmine was right. Cut had planned something big. Daniel knew it. Bonnie knew it. I knew it.

My life was quickly running out.

Hurry, Jethro.

Hurry…

Before it’s too late…

NINETEEN HOURS SINCE I’d spoken to Nila.

I’d waited until nightfall to message her again; I’d almost torn myself apart with impatience. The only thing that’d kept me inside the hospital and prevented me from hijacking a motorbike and hurtling toward Hawksridge was the lingering throb in my side.

I was better, but I wasn’t one hundred percent.

Not that I needed to be completely whole to destroy my father but I wouldn’t be stupid this time.

I wouldn’t ruin my surprise.

Finally, after my nightly check-up and disgusting hospital dinner, it was safe to message Nila without fear of her being caught.

Unknown Number: I need to speak to you again. I want to touch you—even if it means I can’t do it physically. Call me.

Hearing her delicious voice last night had turned me on, angered me, and set my nerves on edge. It felt as if I was the one with a guillotine blade over my head—punished by the desire to protect and love her.

My cock hadn’t softened all night but I’d refused to satisfy myself.

I wanted to wait for Nila.

We can offer each other a small measure of comfort.

I’d never had phone sex before, but if it granted a smidgen of contentment in our separation, I’d give it a shot.

My heart fisted.

Nila’s messages were so selfless. So concerned about Kes and me. She barely spoke of herself, no matter how many times I begged. Last night, when I’d talked to her, only confirmed my suspicions. She’d deflected a lot of her replies. And I fucking hated it.

She’s hiding things from me.

After ten minutes of only receiving blankness, I tried again.

Unknown Number: Call me. I need you.

No reply.

No notification.

Nothing.

My heart hollowed out, bleeding with every tick of the frustrating clock.

Unknown Number: Answer me. Are you okay?

Still no reply.

Snow flurried on my soul, dragging me quicker toward a horrible conclusion.

Nila…what’s happened?

The landline beside my bed jarred the silence.

The ringing imitated an awful alarm, ripping my eardrums.

Wrenching the receiver off the cradle, I tossed my cell-phone onto the sheets. “Yes?”

“Jet…are you safe to talk?”

Instantly, my body stiffened. Fuck. Sitting up too fast, my rib throbbed. “Jaz…what’s happened?”

She paused for too long.

Something’s gone wrong.

Nila!

That was it. I couldn’t heal any longer. My body had rested long enough. I was done with this fucking place.

Swinging my legs over the bed, I leapt to my feet. I didn’t give in to the gushing pain. I didn’t let my body rule me.

I’m done. I’m ending this.

“Spit it out, Jaz. Right fucking now.”

I needed to leave. I was strong enough to kill Cut and steal Nila away.

Jasmine sniffed loudly.

“Talk to me!”

Tears immediately sprung into her voice. “I—I tried, Jet. I did my best.”

My blood turned to sleet. “What did they do to her?”

Not the Third Debt. Fuck, if they touched her—!

Jaz’s voice was water and grief. “They lied to me. They told me I would be present at every punishment. I found out today that wasn’t true.”

“What punishments, Jaz?” The room closed in. My heart rate exploded. “What have they done?”

“Bonnie had the elevator blocked for maintenance. I couldn’t get downstairs, Jet. I—” A loud sob escaped her.

Fuck this.

“What did they do?! Is she alive? For fuck’s sake, talk to me!”

“They’ve been tormenting her, Kite. I’m so sorry! So sorry.”

I had no winter clothing. Nothing to change from the sweatpants and t-shirt I’d been given. I didn’t care.