and the other around her wheel rim. “Nila…”
The moment I saw her, I knew something awful was about to happen. My spine locked and the beaded fabric I’d been working on fell from my hands. “No. Whatever it is, I won’t do it.”
She dropped her eyes. “You have no choice.”
I shot to my feet. “I do have a choice. A choice of free will. Whatever that witch thinks she can do to me, she can’t!”
Jasmine huddled in her chair—an odd mix of apologetic frustration. “She can and she will.” Her bronze gaze met mine. “I’ve kept you out of Daniel’s hands but I can’t keep you out of Bonnie’s. I’ve given you all the time I could.” She looked away, her voice filling with foreboding. “It’s going to get worse, Nila. I’ve never been told the exact details of the debts—I’m not a man, and therefore, Bonnie insisted I be protected from such violence—but I do know Cut is planning something big. I need to find a way to save you before…”
I didn’t want to listen but her anguish gave me strength. “You need me to stall by giving in...”
“Yes.” She sighed heavily. “Forgive me, but I have no choice—just like you. No matter what you think.”
I had no reply. But my body did. A last ditch attempt at fleeing.
My feet moved on their own accord, backing away until I stood against the wall. I wanted to scream and fight. I wanted to shove her out the door and lock it forever.
But there was nowhere to hide. No one to save me. Only time could do that. Time that neither Jasmine, Jethro, Vaughn, nor myself had.
“Have you heard from him?” My hands fisted against my denim-clad legs. The large grey jumper I wore couldn’t thaw the ice around my heart. My mind kept splicing images of Jethro and Owen. Elisa and myself.
Their demise had been terrible—especially hers.
Bonnie told me my punishment would begin immediately. She hadn’t lied.
“No.” She rolled further over the threshold. “We agreed to minimum contact. It’s for the best.”
That made sense, even though it was the hardest thing in the world.
If only I could talk to him. It would make me so much braver.
“Nila, come with me. Don’t let her see your fear any more than you have to. It will hurt but it won’t harm you. I give you my word. You’ve withstood worse.”
“I’ve endured worse because I knew it hurt Jethro to hurt me. It gave me strength in a way.”
She smiled sadly. “I know he’s not here to share your pain, but I am. I won’t leave you.” Swivelling her chair to face the door, she held out her hand. “I’ll take his place. We’ll get through it together.”
My shoulders sagged.
What other choice did I have?
I’d made a promise to remain alive, waiting for Jethro to return. His sister was on my side. I had to trust her.
Silently, I followed Jasmine away from the Weaver quarters toward the dining room.
We entered without a word.
Jasmine’s wheels tracked into the thick carpet as we made our way around the large table. Unlike at meal times, the red lacquered room was empty of food and men. The portraits of Hawks stared with beady oil eyes as Jasmine guided me to the top of the large space where Cut and Bonnie stood.
They smiled coldly, knowing they’d won yet again.
Between them rested a chair.
Bonnie had said the first punishments would be easier.
Once again, I’d been stupid and naïve.
The chair before me had been used for centuries to extract information and confessions. A torturous implement for anyone—innocent or guilty. It was a common device but absolutely lethal depending on its use.
Did Bonnie suspect I was hiding something?
But what?
Was this her attempt at ripping out my secrets?
She’ll never have them.
My heart thundered faster. My blood thickened in my veins.
The chair wasn’t smooth or well-padded with velour or satin. It didn’t welcome a comfortable reprieve. In fact, the design mocked the very idea of luxury.
Every inch was covered in tiny spikes and nails, hammered through the wood. Seat, backrest, armrest, leg rest. Each point glittered in the late afternoon sunshine. Every needle wickedly sharp, just waiting to puncture flesh.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to hide my terror. Jasmine was right. Their satisfaction came from my reactions. I was stronger than this—than them.
I won’t let you get pleasure from my pain.
“Do you know why you’re paying this toll, Nila?”
My eyes flew to Cut. He stood with his hands by his sides, his leather