Page 23 of Theirs to Corrupt

Sunlight is streaming through the windows.

Desperate to throw off the dreams, I rise onto my elbows and blink the world into focus.

Slowly I remember where I am, and memories rush back. Axel’s thugs. Link and Pax rescuing me.

Looking around, I notice a duffel bag on the floor.

Not just any bag, but mine, with a broken zipper and a tear in one corner.

Its presence chills me.

My door has a lock, but clearly that didn’t stop at least one of the men from entering while I slept.

Did they watch me?

Shaking, I toss back the covers to cross the room.

Unnerved, I crouch to open the bag. It’s stuffed with my belongings. Jeans, T-shirts, toiletries. Bras and underwear are tucked into one corner.

They were in the bedroom at my apartment.

The realization sends a chill through me. Did Natalie let them in? Or did they break in?

How dare they?

I bring my chin up. Anger replaces all other emotions.

No onegets to make decisions for me.

I need to leave, and fast.

Once I’m dressed, I crack open the door.

Seeing no one around, I hurry down the stairs and quietly slip into the kitchen.

Freedom is steps away, so close that my heart begins to gallop.

I snatch up my purse from the back of the barstool, and when I reach the back door, I grab the doorknob, hope surging through me?—

“Going somewhere, Tessa?”

Link’s cold voice freezes me to the spot.

But I can’t miss my chance.

Determinedly I turn it.

“You don’t want to do that.” Pax’s warning is soft, but firm.

Despite my sudden anxiety, I pull the door open.

Alarms shred the morning air.

“Authorities have been notified. Authorities have been notified.”

On and on a mechanical voice goes, ricocheting off the walls.

Frantic, I swing to face them.