Page 118 of Forged in Rain

“I want my money. You girls have seriously fucked up, and now you’re going to make it right.”

“I don’t have any money.”

Sweat trickles down my back, and I shift in my chair, hoping to ease the ache in my stiff limbs.

He smirks, raising a single brow, and I stare at that fucking brow as hate rolls through me so quickly, I’m light-headed.

“That little cunt Iris knows where it is.”

I don’t respond because I don’t know if it’s true, but I wouldn’t throw her under the bus with this fuck weasel anyway.

He studies me for a moment before placing two pictures on the desk. Reluctantly, I drop my gaze from his stare before leaning over the images with a gasp.

“No,” I moan, grabbing up the picture of Joey. He’s sitting in a chair, his eyes wide, and behind him is the same damn bed that some poor girl or girls laid in at one time.

He looks unharmed, but he’s pale and scared. The acidic burn of adrenaline rushes through me, and I stand abruptly, leaning across the table.

The other picture is of my mom. She’s tied to a chair as well, but the background is dark, leading me to believe they’re separated.

“You sick fuck,” I rasp, shoving the pictures at him.

He chuckles, and I groan, clenching my hands to keep from flying over the table and ripping into his face.

“They’re fine . . . for now. I want Iris and the money. Fuck with me, and they’re dead. Tell anyone, and they’re dead. You understand?”

Nodding, I choke out a garbled response he takes as a yes, because he rises and adjusts his pressed fucking chinos.

“Good. You can contact me here.” He places a piece of paper on the table and steps around to the door.

“Rainy?”

Stiffly, I turn my head and stare at his back.

“Time is of the essence, hmm?”

∞∞∞

I’m shuffled back to class after he leaves, but it’s lunchtime, and I make a beeline for the library to hide out. I don’t know what to do, and I need time to process the shit load of bricks slammed into my head.

But I’m given no reprieve when Cyn comes barreling up soon after.

I’m tucked behind the stacks sitting against the wall. It’s anyone’s guess how he found me, but I’m assuming one of his lackeys informed him.

“Beauty,” he says, dropping to his knees before me.

Looking into his beautiful eyes, I shudder because I’m stuck. If I tell him, will Joey die? My mom?

But if I don’t, what am I going to do? I can’t give up Iris, that’s . . . no.

“Beauty, what is it?” he asks, pulling me into his arms.

I relax against him and bite back a sob. I feel so alone, and my dad’s warning rings in my ears. If I involve him, he could die. Who’s the greater threat now?

Shit. Fuck. Damn.

Leaning back, I look away and say, “I’m fine. Just um, overwhelmed.”

He searches my eyes with a frown before easing back. “Why were you in the office?”

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