Lily: Captive to the Dark Read Online Free PDF Page B

caved in at the sight of my Lily. Her quick turn took her away from me and had me heading in her direction before I could stop myself.
    “Sir,” the redhead whispered, loudly. “That way.”
    A battle like none I’d ever known played out in my head and body. My legs didn’t want to move in the direction they needed to. It took pure willpower to turn myself and walk the other way. Angrily, I headed toward Slade’s office. The hall opened up at the end and another woman sat behind a large desk.
    “Zane Collins to see Mr. Roberts.”
    I didn’t even give her time to ask who I was. If I didn’t make it in there quick, there was no going back. I’d blast my way out of this motherfucker with Lily in tow. The beast inside of me was dying to claw its way back to her.
    “Go right in. Mr. Roberts is waiting for you.”
    The knock I gave came off louder than I intended, but I didn’t give it further thought as I opened the door and made my way into my once enemy’s office. Still seeing him, the temptation was there to spill his blood. He’d taken what was mine. Sure, she’d been abducted first, and she was his sister, but once she was owned by me, there was no going back.
    “Mr. Collins. Great to see you again. What can I help you with?”
    Slade stood, walking around his desk. He leaned back against the large mahogany structure to stare in my direction. Flashes of Lily hit me hard. I could see her in him. The lips, the color of their eyes. And then…nothing. My mind blanked for the first time in my life as I thought his question over. There were plenty of things that wanted to come, but rational answers wouldn’t break through. I licked my lips, lowering my head, but never taking my eyes off him. I could see his curiosity and something else. Regret? Uncertainty for letting me in his space?
    “I’m here to collect what’s mine.” And just like that, my eyes closed, only to wrench back open. I cursed in my mind.
    “I beg your pardon?” He pushed from the desk, tilting his head. There it was. Anger. But more than that. It was threatening rage, as if he only hoped I’d say something to set him off. Now I could see what put people at unease. Luckily, it didn’t faze me like it would most.
    “I have money and I want to partner with you. Name your price.”
    A deep laugh echoed through the room and I felt myself relax.
    “You want to partner? That’s hilarious. Sorry, I’m not looking for anyone to buddy up with. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
    My mouth jerked, playfully. “Maybe.” I switched to French. “I’m in a predicament. You can say this is a turning point in my life. I need to start a legitimate career. Work on some form of stability.” I switched to Russian. “I have plenty of skills, but no work history. None that I can put down on paper anyway. Not unless it’s written in blood, that is.” Arabic. “I’m a killer. It’s something I love to do, but I can’t continue if I want to settle down and have a real life. A life with your sister. Fuck, I love her with every fiber of who I am. Soon, I’m taking her and keeping her for the rest of my life and there’s nothing you’re going to be able to do about it. Do you hear me?”
    “Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Slade raised his hand. “You lost me halfway through the Russian. I don’t speak the language very well. So, let me get this straight. You need a job, but you don’t have work history? Am I getting that right?”
    I shrugged. “Close enough.”
    “Sit.” He walked over, pouring two glasses of Scotch. I took the offered glass and watched him return to his chair. The man people feared was back. He looked ready to eat me alive. I almost wished he would try. A fight would do me good, although I wasn’t sure how much of one it’d be. I knew of ways to kill someone in two seconds flat. He didn’t appear to be an actual fighter.
    “I’m a little confused as to who you are. You attended the Paxton Banquete. I’ve seen you a