Page 22 of Theirs to Corrupt

Link’s body language is stiff as he leads the way deeper into the house.

The main floor living room is luxurious with its leather sofas and chairs and gleaming hardwood. A state-of-the-art home theater system takes up one wall, while floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the backyard.

Another time, I might appreciate how elegant his home is.

“The gym and my office are down that hallway.” Link points. “So is my office.”

We climb the sweeping staircase to the second floor, and Link indicates a door at the far end of the hallway. “That’s my room.”

“Where does Pax live?”

For a fraction of a moment, Link hesitates.

The two men exchange glances.

Finally Link answers, “He has the guest house out back.”

Which is obviously something I didn’t notice earlier.

Just how big is Link’s estate?

Halfway down the hall, he stops. “This is yours.” Link pushes open the door. “The bathroom’s through there.” He tips his head to the side.

“Let us know if you need anything else,” Pax adds.

I won’t.“Thank you.” Without waiting for them to say anything else, I close the door. Then I lock it.

I remain in place until I hear them move away.

Then I really exhale for the first time in hours.

Now that I’m alone, my heart rate slowly coming down, I take in my surroundings.

The suite I’ve been assigned is enormous. A king-size bed dominates the space, and it’s piled high with pillows and a plush comforter that looks sinfully soft. A sitting area with a small sofa and coffee table occupies one corner, while a writing desk sits beneath a large window.

Once, on a family vacation, I’d had a room like this. But that was before?—

I shake my head to cut off the thought. No matter what, I won’t feel sorry for myself.

Resolved, I head into the bathroom. There’s a walk-in shower and an oval-shaped soaking tub. Of course there are double sinks, along with lots of fluffy white towels.

This space isn’t just comfortable, it’s wonderful.

“I’m only here one night,” I remind myself. Promise myself.

After undressing, I take a long, hot shower, needing to wash away the stench of the bar and the feel of the attacker’s hands on me.

When I finally emerge, I notice a robe hanging from a hook.

Link has thought of everything.

Once I’m snuggled in it, my hair wrapped in a towel, I pad back into the main room.

Not wanting to sleep naked, just in case, I keep the robe on and crawl beneath the covers.

Sleep comes in bits and pieces, and my dreams are plagued by shadowy figures and Axel’s cold laugh.

I wake with a start.