Page 15 of The Toy Collector

Chris grins back at her. “Definitely.”

“In that case,” Lena says, her tone syrupy. “Welcome friends.”

“What the hell, Lee?” Piper hisses, her gaze flicking from her friend to the men.

The guys don’t waste a second. The taller of the two, Daniel, slides in beside my toy. He’s casual in a way that grates under my skin. As he makes himself comfortable, his arm brushes hers. She stiffens, chin dipping slightly as if she’s reminding herself to stay composed.

“And what’s your name?” he asks.

“Umm—” Before Piper gets a chance to decide if she’s going to answer or not, he continues.

“I’m Daniel. And you’re Piper, right? I think we have a class together.” He delivers what I’m sure is a line smoothly.

My whiskey is still half-full, amber and glinting like it might boil from proximity to the fury pressing into my ribcage as Daniel moves impossibly closer, sending my blood roaring in my ears to hear it.

All I see is the arm he throws around her shoulders as he leans in and murmurs something near her ear. Piper gives a small, tight smile. A sound that could pass as a laugh slips out, but it doesn’t touch her eyes.

It’s a performance, one she’s practiced far too often in a world that doesn’t make space for discomfort. The man doesn’t even notice. He just reaches for the pitcher and refills her glass like she’s his to serve.

I should thank him since he’s already drawn the bullseye across his own chest. That makes it easier when I decide how to remove him. He’s sitting too close, touching her, and breathing the same air.

When my phone buzzes in my suit jacket yet again, I scowl as I finally give in, and pull it out.

Maria: I’m sorry to disturb you, Lorenzo. But I’ve been monitoring Senator Jacobs as you asked, and there’s a situation at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. He’s there with several interns right now and it’s bad.

Of course he’s holed up at the Ritz with its gilt walls and too-soft pillows. The kind of place that makes monsters feel clean again.

Cy: Why the fuck aren’t you answering Maria?

Cy: Tick Tock… it’ll only be hours before your cousin knows. You need to deal with Senator Jacobs now!

Cy: I swear to God… I’m going to track your ass. Have a look at what’s happening.

Cy: Dude, I’m literally watching you ignore me. Last chance, if you don’t answer me, I’ll come in there. Because while you’ve been sitting there nursing the same whiskey, Senator Jacobs has been having the time of his life brutalizing interns.

Well… fuck!

My gut tightens as I flick through the pictures attached to one of Cy’s texts. I immediately see red, almost missing the video he’s sent as well. I play it with the sound off.

Senator Jacobs has his intern bent over the bed, one hand in her hair, forcing her neck back in an unnatural angle, and the other is clutching the knife he uses to slice across her back while he’s balls deep in her.

On the floor are two other women. One is crouched in on herself, crying. The other isn’t moving at all.

Motherfucker.

I need to get the fuck out of here and deal with Jacobs right away. Just as I think that, there’s a quiet knock on the window behind me, and when I look out, Cy’s standing there. I can feel his anger through the glass as he points at my phone.

Holding up one finger, I quickly type out a text.

Me: Is he still at the hotel?

Cy: Yes.

Me: Send one of your guys here to keep an eye on Piper. I need to make sure she’s leaving alone.

Cy: Fuck! Fine!

Cy: It’s done. My guy’s on his way. Is he running interference or just observing?

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