Page 32 of Vicious Deception
I yelp as Ludo shocks me in the thigh.
“It’s insulting, really.”
He shocks me again, holding the prod to my skin for longer this time. As the pain builds, I try my hardest not to scream.
“It seems you’ve forgotten who you’re dealing with.”
This time, when Ludo shocks me, a pathetic cry forces itself past my lips. I barely register Elliot wincing in the corner of my eye.
Don’t look at him. It’ll only make it worse.
As I try to catch my breath, I realize that Ludo is still talking.
“. . . and you’d do well to remember that. But I have to make sure you do, since clearly you’re incapable of doing it yourself.”
My scream echoes around the small room as Ludo presses the cattle prod into the same spot. When he lets up, I gasp for air, and almost on instinct, my watering eyes turn toward Elliot. He’s fallen to his knees, two men holding him even though he’s not moving. Tears are streaming down his cheeks, and his fists are clenched at his sides.
I’m sorry,he mouths again.
Finally, Ludo turns toward me, and his smile makes my stomach tighten with dread. He raises the prod.
“I’ll enjoy making an example of you.”
Chapter eleven
Rhett
Wherearethey?
This morning, Benny and I are working on a simple jab-cross-hook combination. I taught it to him a couple days ago, but we had to go easy because we didn’t have the proper equipment. His form is much better than when we started, enough that I suspect he’s been practicing on his own.
I should be more proud, but I’m having trouble focusing. Oliver and Elliot always watch us from their windows. But this morning, their rooms seem empty—at least, as much as I can see into them, since they’re on the second floor.
Worry tinges my thoughts enough that I miss what Benny says to me. He has to shove me in the shoulder to get my attention again.
“Hey! I was talking to you.”
I shake my head, fighting the need to glance up at the windows again. “Sorry. What?”
“I said that soon, your bodyguards will see me as a threat.” Benny puts his fists up.
Ludo was happy to supply us with a pair of kids’ boxing gloves, as well as some training pads. I’m sure he views this as entirely harmless. At this level, it is. I’m probably fooling myself into thinking it could actually help Benny in the event that things go wrong here.
Still, I have to try.
Plastering on a smile, I say, “Considering they know who you are, I doubt that.”
We’re about to start up again when Axel steps out of the mansion. His lips are pressed into a thin line, and his shoulders are stiff as he walks toward us.
“Benny,” he says, barely maintaining a calm tone, “head inside. Mia is waiting for you.”
“Five more minutes? Please, Mr. Axel?”
“No.” Pulling a colorful package out of his pants pocket, Axel gives Benny an apologetic glance. “Maybe we can give you extra time tonight.”
Benny’s disappointment fades as he snatches up the bag of sour gummies. With a grin, he throws his arms around Axel. “You’re the best! Thank you.”
A startled expression settles over Axel’s face, and he clumsily pats Benny on the back. “S-sure.”