Page 45 of Death

“I didn’t know she was fucking missing. The last time Grace spoke to her, Ciara said she was traveling somewhere in Europe.”

My eyes snap open. “They talked to each other?”

“Yes, but it’s been a while. I think Grace tried to contact Ciara after we found out she was pregnant, but Ciara didn’t reply.”

Anger pours into my chest, and I bite the words out through clenched teeth, “And you didn’t think to look for her?”

I hear Dominik sigh. “Grace thought Ciara made a new life for herself in Europe. She didn’t want to get in the way of that. I did offer to track Ciara down, but Grace didn’t want that. She was hurt that her sister turned cold toward her.”

“Turned cold toward her,” I mutter. “She was being fucking tortured. She was conditioned. She’s fucking broken!”

I suck in a few breaths in an attempt to calm down, and it gives Dominik time to say, “She never gave us the impression she was in trouble, Santiago. I can send you the messages she and Grace exchanged.”

“The fucker could’ve typed anything to make you think Ciara was safe!” I snap.

“Grace spoke on the phone with Ciara.”

I pause, my frown darkening. “Fuck.”

“Let’s calm down and think clearly. We need to decide what to do next.”

“There’s nothing to decide,” I mutter.

“Grace will want to see Ciara. Bring her to the island.”

“No.” I shake my head hard. “She’s in no condition to travel. I just got her to eat on her own. I’m not risking the progress I’ve made.”

“How bad is she?”

“She’s fucking broken, Dominik,” I repeat my words of earlier. “He completely fucked with her head.”

“Who kidnapped her?”

“Nolan Walsh. My men are looking for him now.” Only then do I think to ask, “Ever heard of him? He was a guard at their home.”

“I didn’t know the names of the guards,” he mutters. “Jesus Christ.”

“Look, you have Kristian, who’s taking up all of your time right now,” I say. “Ciara is very vulnerable. Give me time with her so she can heal, then we’ll arrange for her and Grace to meet.”

“You want me to keep this from my wife?”

“Well, you can tell her and deal with the consequences. If Grace sees the state Ciara is in, it will rip her fucking heart out.”I need to buy time.“You know Ciara is safe with me.”

“Fuck,” he grumbles. “Give me a second to think.”

I glance at the shut bedroom door again, then say, “Ciara is the one I’ve been looking for, Dominik. She’s meant to be with me.”

He lets out an audible breath. “Grace will never forgive me for keeping this from her. I can’t do it.”

I clench my jaw as I think for a moment. “I’m going to hang up so we can FaceTime. I want you to see what I’m talking about so you’ll understand where I’m coming from.”

I end the call and start a video call with Dominik.

I flip the camera, so it shows what I’m looking at, then I go to open the door and switch on the light.

Ciara isn’t on the bed where I left her, and the trunk is shut.

“Give me a second,” I mutter. I put the phone down on the dressing table, making sure it has a clear view of the room.

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