Page 79 of Tainted Truth

In steps Anthony, Pierce, and more armed men. One of them drags a limp form by the shoulder. Both Anthony and Pierce wear expensive suits like they always do.

Anthony does a quick assessment of my being, but Pierce’s eyes linger in the all the places I don’t want them to. I know I look like a mess. I’m sweaty, and I’m sure my makeup is smeared all over my face.

One man carries a bucket and walks right up to Asher, dousing him in ice cold water. Some of the droplets land on my bare arm and cause goosebumps to instantly break out across my skin. Asher wakes with a blink then leans back into the chair.

Anthony speaks first. “Good morning. I hope your stay here last night was pleasant.”

Asher’s spark is back as he sizes up each man in the room. “I hope you’re not planning on going into the hotel business because you will not get a great Yelp review from us.”

Anthony smiles. “That’s too bad. I recently purchased a small chain of hotels in Los Angeles.” His attention turns to me while Pierce’s focus hasn’t strayed. “How did you sleep, My Flower?”

“Good. Thank you.” I try to swallow, but my mouth is dry.

Anthony approaches me and squats down, so we’re face to face. He raises his hand to touch my cheek, and I flinch back. “Don’t be afraid of me. I’ve missed you so much, Flower.” He snaps his fingers and another man with a bucket sets it downnext to Anthony and hands him a small towel. “Let’s clean you up a little bit. We have guests coming and a good fiancée should look presentable.”

I clench my jaw and hold back my retort about how a good fiancé doesn’t hurt their partner. Instead, I nod.

He hands his jacket to one of his men and rolls up his sleeves. On his forearm is a tattoo I know he didn’t have three years ago. I subtly spot Asher out of the corner of my eye staring in shock at Anthony.

Anthony finally notices the object of my attention but doesn’t stop cleaning my face with the wet towel. “Like it? I got it for you.”

“For me?”

“Yes, Spencer. I always wanted the skull and snake, but I added the lilies for you. Spencer Lily Gray.” Anthony pauses and looks to me expectantly.

“Thank you. I love it.” My voice is hollow, but Anthony reacts like I just told him he’s the love of my life.

“I knew you would.” Satisfied with his work, he stands and puts his suit coat back on.

Asher clears his throat. “You’re Cain.” It’s not a question.

Cain. The human trafficker that Rio, Zane, and Asher have been trying to capture. Anthony is Cain?

Anthony smiles a self-satisfied smile. “Actually, Pierce and I are both Cain. I’m disappointed you and your little annoying friends couldn’t figure it out on your own.”

Asher shakes his head. “You’re a sick son of a bitch.”

Anthony strikes fast, punching Asher in the face. Asher’s head whips to the side, but he doesn’t give up. He laughs through the pain. “My, my. Someone is a little sensitive.”

The door swings open, banging against the brick wall. “Where the hell have you been?!”

The blood drains from my face. What is she doing here?

“Mom?”

“Spencer,” Asher cautions.

“Don’t speak to her!” Anthony yells at Asher.

My focus is glued to her. “Mom! How did you find me?”

Instead of listening to me, she ignores my question and stomps right over to Anthony. Her hair is perfectly curled and pinned back, and her makeup is pristine. She looks clean and put together in a beige sheath dress and black pumps. “You’ve been dodging my calls. Even Pierce won’t answer me!”

Why is she calling Anthony and Pierce? Why isn’t she trying to get to me? I need her help. I never wanted her caught in the middle, but we all need to get out of here.

“Mom! Please help me! My friend is hurt. We have to go!” But no one pays attention to me. Not even a whisper of a glance.

Anthony’s mouth crimps and his teeth grind. “Who let you in, Mariana?”

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