“Don’t call me sweetheart!” I’d had enough of the fake endearments.

“Wow, down girl,” he said as he mimed cracking a whip. A few men laughed.

“So they really agreed to a million, Trevor?” Harriston asked, licking his lips.

“I could have pushed him harder but I didn’t want him to call my bluff. I don’t want to mess with the Dalys.”

“You can’t be serious? Why would anyone pay that kind of money for me?” The only person in the world that interested in me was my father, and I knew he wasn’t on the other end of the phone.

“You are the prince’s mate. He can’t take another. Without you, there is no heir and the Laurent line dies out. The other high ranking Pterons would pay a lot to get control of you.”

“You mean kill me.”

“No, you are worth more alive. Theoretically if you died by hands other than his own, your boyfriend could take another mate if he got hold of the ring.”

“Okay, slow down. Why do you keep calling him a prince?” I was still trying to figure out how all these people tied together.

“You have to be kidding me.” He wrinkled his brow in confusion.

“Just pretend for a second that I’m not.”

“You had no idea you were involved with the crown prince of the Pterons?”

“Um, no. I thought we already established that. So you think of him as royalty too?”

“Yes. Unfortunately, the Pterons have been in control for years. Really, it’s all been in the hands of the Laurents.”

I didn’t know what to say. Once again, I was discovering something that Levi should have told me himself.

Trevor noticed my expression. “Relax princess, there’s no reason to worry about Levi, you’re never going to see him again anyway.”

“If I am so important, don’t you think he’s going to come after me?” I asked, not so sure of it myself.

“Only if he can find you.”

“And you don’t think he will?”

“Not before the Blackwells get here. The family was quite anxious to get you in their hands; they have already sent some expendables to get you.”

“Expendables?”

“You don’t think the family wants their own hands dirty in a kidnapping? No. These families have others to do their dirty work.” A look crossed Trevor’s face and I sensed there was more to his words than he was telling me.

I looked out into the darkening sky hoping like hell I would find a way out of the mess I was in.

“So what now?”

“We wait. Can I get you something to drink?”

“Seriously? How about untying my hands again?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Please? Just for a few minutes?”

“What could you possibly expect to do with your hands for a few minutes… oh wait, can’t keep your hands off Riley huh?”

“Gross. He wishes.” I ignored Riley’s grunt beside me. “I need to use the bathroom, okay?”

“Well, you’ll just have to do it with your hands tied. Riley, why don’t you help her?”

“No, on second thought I’ll hold it.”

“You think it’s going to be better where you’re going next?”

I’ll take my chances. Of course, I didn’t plan on going with the Blackwells; I just had no idea how I was going to avoid it. I just wished I wouldn’t have to make a break for it with a full bladder.

“Come on Trevor, can’t the girl use the bathroom? With all of us in here what’s she going to do?” Riley argued.

“I suppose we should be good hosts. Be my guest.”

I let out a sigh of relief as Riley steered me out of the room again. He led me up a staircase and gestured to a small bathroom. Ugh. The place was disgusting but beggars can’t be choosers.

“My hands?” I asked, holding them out to him.

“Don’t cause any trouble.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Chapter Eighteen

Looking out the small window of the bathroom into the darkness, I noticed a bird fly past. I couldn’t be sure, but it was the right size for a crow. I hoped like I never had before that I was right. As angry as I was with Levi, I’d rather take my chances with his family and friends than these Blackwells, whoever they were. Quietly I pushed against the glass but it wouldn’t give. It didn’t matter anyway, since it was far too small for me to fit through.

I looked at the dirty toilet, debating how badly I needed to go. I decided it was okay because I wouldn’t actually have to touch it. I washed my hands, leaving them wet, unwilling to touch the towel.

“You about done in there?” Riley said as he ripped open the door.

“I guess I am now.”

“Took you long enough,” Riley snapped at me, and I wondered where the sudden hostility came from.

“If you say so.”

“Hold out your hands,” he ordered.

“Come on, seriously?” For a second I contemplated escape but knowing there were at least ten large men downstairs it didn’t seem realistic. It wasn’t time yet; I needed to wait ‘til the right moment.

Riley didn’t wait for an answer; he pulled my arms and began to tie them.

“Hey!” I yelped as he tied the rope so tightly it bit into my wrists.

“I’m not taking any chances. I already put myself on the line several times for you tonight.”

“I know, and I appreciate it.”

“How much do you appreciate it?” he said with a smarmy grin. “You still owe me a favor you know.”

I searched his face, hoping his words were meant as a joke but I found no hint of humor.

“Let’s go in here.” With a hand on my shoulder, Riley led me into a small bedroom at the back of the cabin, closing the door behind him before pushing me down on the bed. I looked out a dirty window and saw nothing but woods.

“We have some time; I figured there was no reason to bring you back downstairs when we can get to know each other better up here.”

“Umm, does that thing work?” I nodded toward the ancient looking TV on a rickety stand in the corner of the room.

“Yeah, why, you want to watch TV?”

“It’s something.” Riley seemed like a half-decent, albeit creepy guy, but I didn’t know how long I could trust him in a room alone with me. I needed to get his eyes off me so I could figure out a way to escape.