Page 91 of Out of the Shadow

Yes, Trevor’s childhood had mirrored mine in some ways, but his family had at least remained intact. I’d eaten dinner at his house so often growing up that I had my own chair in their dining room. “That’s not how I remember things.”

“Because we showed you only what we wanted you to see. They were always nicer when you came around. Why do you think I asked you over so often? Plus,” he rubs his arm, “the ladies always followed King Hunte around.”

“They gave you plenty of attention, too, if I recall correctly.” For a moment, I remember that Leo’s listening in, but it’s important for me to talk Trevor down if I can. I’ll deal with the fallout later.

He shrugs. “Did it ever occur to you that I might not want to share the attention? That I’d like to be something other than a fucking afterthought?”

“I didn’t know.” That’s the truth. “I thought we always had fun.”

“Well, I guess it was. Most of the time. It got old, though.” His eyes return to the duffel, clutched in my hand. “When I got my real estate license, I thought things would turn around. You were the aimless playboy and I was the solid working man. But you still got real estate deals I never even heard of.”

“I had no idea you were jealous of me, Trevor.”

My comment spurs him on. “Jealous? Why? Because all the high and mighty King had to do was snap his fingers and panties fell? Or real estate matches were made? Because you were always jetting off to one end of the globe or the other? What makes you think I was jealous of any of that? I had everything I needed right in LA.”

His words hit home. I’ve been such a bastard all my life. No wonder I didn’t have anyone I felt close enough to call about my breakup with Angie. Which brings me back to the issue at hand. “What have you done with Angie?”

“Back to that bitch are we? She’s a hellion, that’s for sure. I can see why she hardens your cock.”

“What did you do to her?”

He laughs. “Nothing she didn’t want. She has nice tits, I’ll give you that. But she bit my tongue.”

My blood pressure rises, which is probably as he intended. I need to keep my wits about me and get this transaction over with. At least I know why he’s slurring. Good for Angie! I take a deep breath. “Show me where she is and I’ll give you the money.”

“She’s in a bedroom.” He motions down the hallway.

I nearly buckle at his words. “If you did anything to hurt her, you’re going to wish your bookies did the job. I’ll ruin your business first, then pick off all your friends.”

“As if my life isn’t shit already.”

Breathing in heavy pants, I consider tossing him the money and going to look for Angie. Leo’s warning stops me cold. No. I need to play this smart. “Trevor, take me to her. I’ll give you your money and this will all be over.” And if he so much as touched a hair on her gorgeous head, I’ll kill him with my bare hands.

“Fine.” He points. “That way.”

Because I have no alternative, I lead us down the hall. Right before I get to an open door on the right, he commands, “Stop.”

I do, my heart pounding in my chest. Angie’s in that room. I know it. I need to get to her and make sure she’s safe.

Trevor walks around me and points with his head. “She’s in there. Give me the money.”

Remembering what Leo said about not trying to be a hero, I shout, “Here!” and throw the bag past him as hard as I can.

He scampers for it.

I race into the bedroom.

Angie’s lying on top of the bed, her clothing rumpled but still in place. Her hands are behind her. Getting down on my knees, I brush the hair away from her head. She’s sleeping.

I kiss her lips. “Angie. Wake up. You’re safe.”

A noise behind me makes me turn. Trevor swings a baseball bat right at my head. “Nighty-night, bastard prince.”

Angie

A LOUD WAILING—a siren—reaches my ears, rousing me. From what? My head feels like it’s been stuffed with cotton.

Memories of being trapped in a mansion with Trevor startle me fully awake. Someone’s rubbing my arms. My eyes pop open.

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