Page 16 of Taken By the Fae

“I don’t have time for this. You seem like a lovely person, so I’m sorry.” Before she can respond, I sprint toward the elevator. Jamming the button as if my life depends on it, I look over my shoulder in time to see her lift the phone, presumably to call security.

Once inside, I press the button for the penthouse and blow out a frustrated breath when it doesn’t illuminate.

“You came back?”

I jump at the sound of Skylar’s voice, and whip my head toward her, not sure how I missed her when I got on; she must be coming from a level below the lobby. Today her knee-high dress is bright red, matching the matte color on her lips.

“I had to.” I lean back against the wall and watch the numbers tick by as the elevator ascends.

Her laugh is a tinkling sound, like raindrops on a window. “What for? To make sure it was real?”

I shake my head. “To make sure he doesn’t hurt my best friend.”

Realization flickers across her features. “You figured out who he was looking for.”

My jaw clenches. “He sent me to look for her.”

“And you found her. Obviously.”

I nod.

Her lips curl. “You didn’t know your best friend was fae?”

I bite back a scowl. “I didn’t know the fae existed until a few days ago, so no, I didn’t know my best friend was one. How many of you are there?”

Skylar shrugs, and even that looks graceful. “A lot.”Super helpful.The elevator stops, and Skylar steps toward the door as it opens. “Coming back here was stupid. He let you go once. I don’t see him doing it again.”

I stuff my trembling hands into my pockets. “She’s my best friend.”

Skylar sighs, as if my decision to put myself in danger is annoying. “You won’t be able to get to the penthouse.” My stomach sinks, but before I can say anything, she pulls out a keycard and taps it against the panel on the wall, then presses the button for the penthouse. “Good luck,” she mutters in a voice dripping with sarcasm before the door shuts and I’m alone again. I don’t know why Skylar helped me, though there’s a good chance she didn’t see it that way. She’s probably hoping Tristan will throw me out himself—or kill me.

My heart hammers in my chest, and my nerves sing with coiled energy as the elevator reaches the penthouse level. I step off and through the foyer to his door and bang my fist against it several times. As I’m getting ready to kick the damn thing in, it opens to reveal an annoyed looking Tristan. His casual attire catches me off guard, and I stare too long at his dark jeans and black T-shirt.

“Where the hell is she?” I growl, pushing my way inside.

He glances between the empty hallway and where I’m standing in his suite. “You are persistent, aren’t you?” he murmurs.

“Where is Allison?” I push.

Tristan closes the door and walks toward me. “Aren’t you going to thank me?”

I blink at him, my pulse kicking up as heat fills my cheeks. “What?”

“For saving your life last night.”

“You’re giving yourself too much credit.”

He cocks his head to the side, his eyes dancing over my face. “You think so?” He offers a soft chuckle. “Did you become a fae expert since yesterday?”

“I—”

“If I hadn’t showed up, you would be dead.”

My eyes narrow. “Allison—”

“Couldn’t help you. Clearly.”

I exhale through my nose. “Tell me where she is.” I’m done talking about last night. I’d love to forget the sickening feeling of being trapped against a wall and fed on while they forced my best friend to watch.

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