The Scotch Series: The Complete Series (Scotch #1-3) - Penelope Sky Page 0,34

a prison. When the breeze caressed my skin and the sun warmed my nose, I actually felt a small sense of joy.

The helicopter landed in the field at midday, the propellers spinning until they finally came to a standstill. I eyed the black chopper and wondered if I could figure out how to operate it. If I had access to the internet, I could teach myself in a few months, but Crewe made sure I couldn’t access anything.

That bastard.

One of his henchman, Dunbar, approached me at the cliff, wearing black jeans with a gun on his hip.

I didn’t trust him. He was unpredictable and impossible to read. I could get a reading on Crewe’s emotions, but this guy wore a mask.

He stopped five feet away from me. “Come inside.”

“Don’t boss me around.” I could sit there as long as I liked.

He stepped closer to me then grabbed me by the throat, squeezing me so tight I couldn’t breathe. Crewe grabbed my neck dozens of times, but he never tightened his grip like this. His touches always implied warning but didn’t carry imminent threat.

I tried to kick Dunbar, but my legs were too short.

Dunbar watched my face turn blue. “If you don’t want to suffocate, I suggest you listen to me.” He pressed his face closer to mine. “Got it?”

I nodded, desperate for air.

He released me and stood back. “Up”

I clutched my throat and took a deep breath. My throat was irritated, so I heaved on the ground, choking even though his hand wasn’t around my throat anymore. Every time I took a breath, I had to cough again.

“I said get up.” Dunbar kicked me in the side, hitting me right in the ribs.

I toppled over and clutched my side as I coughed. I didn’t cry out in pain, refusing to give him that satisfaction. I couldn’t make a sound anyway because I couldn’t stop coughing.

When I didn’t get up, he lunged for me again.

“Dunbar.” The authoritative voice came from behind me, full of command.

Dunbar stepped back, his hands by his sides. “Just trying to get the bitch up.”

“I’ll handle her.” Crewe appeared above me, in a gray suit with a black tie. “Prepare the chopper.” He dismissed him with a cold look.

Dunbar knew he had done something wrong because he walked away without another word.

When he was a few feet away, Crewe turned to him. “Dunbar.”

He turned around, looking his employer in the eye.

“Don’t touch her like that again.” Crewe didn’t raise his voice, but the threat in his tone was unmistakable.

Even I was a little afraid.

Dunbar nodded. “I apologize, sir. I was only trying—”

“Come to me if she’s a problem. You’re dismissed.”

Dunbar shut his mouth and walked away, following his orders with stiff shoulders.

Crewe kneeled down and examined me, touching the skin on my side. “Your ribs aren’t broken. Just bruised.”

“Am I supposed to be grateful?” I sat up and massaged my throat.

His fingers moved to my chin, and he gently shifted my head, getting a look at my neck. “You’ll be fine.”

“I know,” I said defensively. “I never said I wouldn’t be.” Crewe just helped me but I was angry with him. I was angry that I allowed a man to be so ruthless with me to begin with. I should have fought back harder. I should have broken Dunbar’s nose the second he touched me. From my position on the ground, it was impossible.

“You remind me of myself sometimes.” He pulled his fingertips away, watching me with the same angry expression he gave Dunbar. “We hate showing weakness to anyone.”

“I’m not weak…” I massaged my neck and coughed again.

“I never said you were.” He rose to his full height and extended his hand. “Now, get up. If you make me ask you again, I’ll be worse than Dunbar.”

Now I was livid. “You just told him off for hurting me, but you’re going to be worse?” That didn’t make any sense.

“You’re my property,” he said quietly. “I’m the only one who can punish you. Just like a child, only the parent should spank him. Now get your ass up, or I’ll drag you back to the house by your hair. What’s it gonna be?”

I knew Crewe wasn’t bluffing this time. He had no problem backhanding me or gripping me by the neck. There were certain lines he wouldn’t cross, but there were plenty that he would. I got to my feet and cleared my throat, still feeling the sting from Dunbar’s icy grip.

Crewe stepped away, satisfied with my