Page 126 of Betrayed in the Dark
For the first time in my life, I feel powerless.
I’ve never not been able to take care of a problem myself.
I’ve never had to rely on an outside source.
But here I am. Ready to sign my life away.
Silence settles around us, thick and heavy, as I consider what I’m about to do.
“What’s it going to be, Madeleine?” Alastor looks at his watch. “I have a flight to catch back to Italy shortly, so…”
I press two fingers to my temple. “If I agree to this, you promise Eli will be safe? That no harm will come to him? And that he will be returned to either his family in England or to us in New York?”
He sighs impatiently. “Yes. I promise no harm will come to him. He will be delivered in one piece.”
A promise means nothing when a snake delivers it.
But right now, the snake is the only one who can help me.
“Fine,” I grit out.
“Good. I’ll have the call made before I leave, and Eli will be released soon after. I guarantee it.”
“Great.” I force a tight smile as I stand.
“We’ll discuss the trivial matters concerning the wedding at another time. I’m sure my sister would love to help with the planning.”
“Can’t wait,” I add as I turn to make my way toward the elevator. After Eli is returned safe and sound, I’m sure I can get out of this arrangement. Does he realize who my brothers are? I mean, I just have to tell them and—
“And Madeleine?”
I glance over my shoulder just as the elevator doors open, and I enter.
“It’s in your best interest not to mention this to your brothers. I may not have the stomach to personally kill someone, but that doesn’t stand true for everyone in my family. You see, my cousins, the Vasilievs, would not take kindly to them interferingwith my family’s business. They will view it as an insult and personally see to it that Eli is killed should this wedding be canceled for any reason. Keep that in mind.”
The Vasilievs. Fuck.
I swallow down the lump in my throat just as the doors close. How could I have forgotten who he’s related to? They’re cold and ruthless. Heartless monsters who rule over Chicago. And they will have no ounce of remorse in killing Eli if I don’t follow through on my end of the deal.
Anxiety claws at my chest as I lean back against the wall, rubbing my hand over my temple.
A sudden and sharp pain pierces my stomach, and I place a hand over it, wincing. But just as quickly as it came, it disappeared.
What was that?
The elevator comes to a stop on the ground floor, and the doors open, allowing me to exit quickly as I stride through the lobby.
What the hell did I just do?
You signed a deal with the devil for the man you love.
For the man who broke your heart.
Did I just make the biggest mistake of my life?
And what will Alastor do when he finds out I’m pregnant?
Will he renege on our arrangement?
