"If you don't want to do it, drink. Three glasses. That's all. Stop wasting everyone's time."
He'd forgotten. He'd actually forgotten that I was severely allergic to alcohol. Three glasses could kill me.
After a long silence, I drew a slow breath and spoke, my voice flat and even. "I'll take the room."
The words landed like a slap. Every face in the room went rigid, including Bertram's.
He hadn't expected me to choose that.
Seconds later, his expression darkened visibly, his voice dropping to a terrifying cold. "Fine."
I looked at him and laughed inside.
Who was that jealous act supposed to fool?
I was shoved into a room along with a man bundled head to toe, and the door locked behind us.
Before I could react, he grabbed me and flung me onto the bed.
The next second, he pinned me down.
"What are you doing? Let go of me!"
In the struggle, I tore his mask off.
Beneath it was a face I recognized.
The man who had kidnapped Alexis.
I froze. My eyes went wide. It took a long time before I found my voice.
"You... what are you doing here?!"
The man flashed a sickening grin, his yellowed teeth turning my stomach.
"Don't be scared, sweetheart. I'll be gentle." He reached for the collar of my shirt.