Page 103 of The Prize
The hallway was empty.
Strolling along the plush carpet I searched for the restroom. I quickly found it and made my way into a stall, admiring the posh-looking everything that was The Plaza’s loo and trying to think of anything other than this rising nausea.
A pinch came from my chest and in a fit of annoyance I slipped my hand down my bodice to smooth the offending tape, though when it pinched again I ripped at the wire and kept tugging until I was holding it in my hand and staring at the thing. I tucked it into my purse and carried on as though I’d not just compromised Abby’s attempt to entrap me. I peed and headed out to wash my hands.
Staring at my frazzled reflection, I took a moment to reapply my lipstick and fluff my hair in the mirror—
A tall man loomed behind me.
I turned to face him and almost fell backward when he grabbed my forearm and painfully pulled me out of the restroom.
“Let go.” My throat constricted in terror.
“Scream and you’re dead,” he snapped.
Ahead was a door and he dragged me into a deserted hallway. My aggressor yanked open another door and shoved me in, and I staggered forward, dropping my purse and almost tripping—
Across the room, Eli was dressed sharply in a black tuxedo with that arrogant fop of hair over his right eye, and beside him were four of his men and all of them were also camouflaged in black tuxedos to conceal their savagery.
I drew in a terror-drenched breath—if he opened my purse and found that wire the event Tobias had carefully planned in The Rose Club wouldn’t happen.
“Hello, Zara.” Eli strolled toward me. “I’m here for my painting.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
ELISHOVEDMEagainst the wall.
My heart pounded violently and I was terrified he’d find the wire, even if I needed Abby to hear this. Glancing around, I realized this was a conference suite and no one would have any need to come in here.
“Zara, I’m glad I got to bump into you.” Eli towered over me. “As you work for Huntly Pierre, you work for my father—” his breath warmed my ear “—you work for me.” His fingers wrapped around my throat and he squeezed. “Wasn’t it your job to find our Titian?”
“There are leads.” I trembled. “Your father is being updated.”
“But you’re here? In New York? You’re not doing your job.” Eli gripped my face and pain shot into my jaw.
I turned my head away when Eli’s hand ran along my collarbone and lowered to my chest.
The door burst open and Tobias stormed in. “Get off her.”
“Well, thank you for joining us, Mr. Wilder.” Eli stepped back.
“Zara,” snapped Tobias. “Out, please.”
Eli’s arrogance overflowed as he grabbed my shoulder. “She was enjoying our private party.”
I suppressed my panic. “Let us go.”
Eli sneered. “Or what? I won’t get my painting?”
Tobias gestured left. “Your painting is waiting for you in The Rose Club.”
“I’m not interested in bidding on it.” Eli straightened his back.
Tobias gave a nod. “I’m sure I can assist with what you need.”
Eli waved his command and his men attacked Tobias.
He broke free—throwing a punch at one of the burly men who staggered back. He fought well, but there were too many of them and they manhandled him into a violent restraint. One of the other men landed a fist on Wilder’s lip and split it open.
