Ruthless King

“He didn’t know. He described him, but it was a generic description. A white guy. Around six feet. Slim build. Nicely dressed, but he wore a ski-mask.”

“Could be anyone,” Victor said.

“What was the purpose, though?” Jose asked. “Just to get the money and drugs? It doesn’t make much sense.”

“Apparently, these guys were allowed to keep those. It seems to be more about creating chaos. Which leads me to think it’s Patrick.”

Victor grunted. “He hasn’t been spotted anywhere. Our guy at Sexy Sins hasn’t seen him. Want me to send someone to lean on the dancer?”

He hated to do that . . . and it could tip Patrick off.

“No. Let’s wait. Have her watched.”

Victor nodded as Regent’s phone rang. He frowned as he saw it was Gerald.

“Gerald? What is it? Is Jilly all right?”

“Ah, I wouldn’t say she’s all right, no.”

“What happened?” He sat up straighter and then looked at Jose, who nodded, understanding what he wanted without words.

To get him back to Jilly as quickly as possible.

“She woke up with a nightmare. She was . . . inconsolable. I attempted to calm her down, but she seems afraid of me.”

“I’m on my way. Just keep her calm.”

“The only way I can do that is to stay away. But I’ll make sure she doesn’t leave.”

Damn it! He knew he shouldn’t have left her.

Regent rushedinto the house and up the stairs. He’d told Jose to wait to take Gerald home.

The older man was waiting for him at the top of the stairs.

“She’s in the bedroom?”

Gerald looked sad as he nodded. “Yes.”

“Jose is waiting downstairs. He’ll take you home. Thank you for staying with her.”

“I hope she isn’t too upset.” Gerald started down the stairs.

Regent took a deep breath, then let himself into her bedroom. He was ready for her to be upset with him for leaving.

Why had he left while she was ill?

He felt like a monster.

What he wasn’t prepared for was an empty room. Where was she?

Had she somehow gotten past Gerald?

Then he heard a muffled whimper from the closet. His heart skipped a beat as he walked over and opened the doors.

Shock flooded him as he saw her huddled on the floor. She shied back with a cry, her arms coming up to protect her head.

“Don’t hurt me!”