e played the part of the adoring, slightly naive w

ht her gifts. He told her funny stories from work. It was

nod as he spoke, her eyes reflecting a worshi

a secure message

e servers, heavily encrypted. Whoever this is,

heart

sage followe

an affair, why does he need to knock you

mistress's line. It's routed through military-gra

ately incapacitating you for a reason. Caleb is dange

et out a bitter

penthouse, a gilded cage suspende

b. Tearing at the strands would only

rom her, but they wouldn't let her go until they go

. I have to find out what they want, get e

"You're insane, Hope. And goddamn it,

kness. "I need an eye," Hope

I'll send you the best. Military-grade, disguised as

t a sliver of control. With a camera

ame through. Hope smoothed her expre

up to?" he asked, his hand

the sweet words tasting like poison in

ty dinner tonight, so I'll be late.

"Okay. But don't forg

eeded him to drug her tonight.

as satisfied with her obedience. "Of course. I even have a

ed. Hope's s

ed. The camera was perfect, indisting

had to find the perfect spot-a view of his de

k. It was perfect. But Caleb's desk lamp was already plugged

e living room, picked up a heavy decorative vase, and wa

across the floor, splashing onto the wall socket.

. "Caleb, I'm so sorry! I broke the vase by you

lling her to be careful and that

" socket. She unplugged the dead lamp and plugged in the camera. She synced it to her phone.

oom, changed into her

was th

ting for slaughter. She was th