Page 7 of Bound in Sacrifice

“Then I guess I’ll have to find something else of yours to take as payment.”

I pull out my cell phone and call Dex.

“It’s me. Grab V and Andre. I need you guys to pay a visit to a member’s house for me; Mauro de Villeneuve. He won’t be home, so feel free to go in and grab anything of value, all of his most prized possessions. Bring whatever you find to me. This member owes the club ahugedebt. He’ll pay for it with his life if he has to.”

* * *

ROSABELLE

Father didn't come homelast night. I’ve been on the phone with Reggie several times today trying to find out where Father is, but he has no idea either. He said he hasn’t seen him since the night before last when he dropped him off at home.

I went to Philippe’s straight from work yesterday thinking that may be where he went instead of his job interview, but I didn't find him there. One of the bartenders said that he was there earlier in the day, but they kicked him out for starting a fight with other patrons. I was worried but figured he was off stewing somewhere, especially after the argument that we had, and would come home late as usual.

I tried staying awake to wait for him, but ended up falling asleep around 4:00 this morning. I ran to his room when I woke up, thinking he might have come home and I didn’t hear him, but he wasn't there and his bed was undisturbed from the night before.

I called my boss to explain the situation and to let her know that I wouldn’t be in today. Then, I contacted the police station to see if they had picked him up, but they didn't have a record of him being brought in. Same thing with the hospitals. As I felt my greatest fear coming to life, losing what’s left of my family, I broke down. Eventually, I pulled myself together enough to realize there was still one person who could help me; my last resort.

Gavin.

“Rose, I’m glad you’re here.” Gavin pulls me in for an unwelcome hug when he sees me. “It makes me so happy that you’d come to me when you’re in trouble, knowing that I’ll be able to take care of you.”

The feel of his hands on my body disgusts me and he knows that Ihatebeing called Rose. His sense of humor and the good-natured personality that attracted me when I first met him two years ago is long gone. I think that I was blind to his ego and lies because of losing my mother. I was feeling vulnerable, and with my father no longer able to be there for me, I fell for the first guy who was. I lost my virginity to this snake, even though I wasn’t ready to. He is the last person that I want to rely on, but I don’t have any other options. Gavin knows this city and the people in it better than anyone else I know. Not that I have anyone else, anyway.

When I get to Philippe’s, Gavin directs me to a booth in the bar so we can talk. Unfortunately, that means I have to be close to him, rather than out on the street with his crew, looking for Father.

“Gavin, stop,” I say, pushing him away from me, “I’m really worried about Father. He’s never been gone all night before.”

“Rose, I have my guys out looking for him. I told them to bring him here when they find him. You don’t need to worry about anything else right now, other than keeping me company.”

I’m trusting that what he’s saying is true. I called him and explained the situation before coming in. By the time I got here, supposedly, his men were already out looking. I need to believe him.

“I can’t just sit here and not do anything about it.”

“I can think of something we can do.” his eyes gloss over with desire and his unconcerned attitude turns deadly serious.

“Gavin, I am not going to have sex with you.”

“Rose, this negative attitude you have about us has gone on long enough. Whathappened?” he asks, exasperated. “We were so good together.”

He’s getting annoyed and I’m beginning to get nervous. I never should have come here.

“No, we werenevergood together. You should know that since you were the one who did all the cheating.”

“I never cheated on you, Rose. I love you! I always have.”

He places his palm on my cheek and attempts to pull me in for a kiss. Placing my hands on his chest I do my best to shove him back, but it’s like trying to move a brick wall. I duck my head out of the path of his incoming lips.

“No--stop, Gavin!” I scream at him, attracting the stares from several other patrons.

He scoots my body further back against the wall and forces his hand between my legs. I grab his wrist with both hands and twist. Thankfully, it has the desired effect and he groans in pain as he removes his hand from me. I can’t climb over him, so I drop down to the floor and crawl under the table to get away from him.

“Gavin!” I shout once I am back on my feet, alerting anyone who isn’t already staring at us to our argument. “You’re so infuriating!!! Do you think it was easy for me to come here and beg you for your help? If you’re trying to extract some kind of payment for helping me, then it’s not worth it. If you can still find it in your heart to help me, then please give me a call if you find my father. If not, then--then--go to hell!”

I turn on my heel and walk from the bar. My lame insult falls in the space between us as I exit the building. I remind myself that I am a strong and independent woman. I don’t need help from anyone, especially not from a snake like Gavin de Beaumont!

Chapter Five

Rosabelle

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