the air. Glass shattered. Metal clattered

instantly. She covered her

t, the IV catheter still taped to the back of his hand. His skin was ashen. A fine sheen of sweat covered his forehead from the exertion of ki

s barely above a whisper. It was inf

unwilling steps toward the bed, stopping just outside the radius of Elo

one. "I am pulling all fundi

lor. Sweat beaded on his fo

hand-the one without the IV-and pointed at Heidi. "If she is n

She threw herself

"Ansley, tell him to

mother. Her expressio

ily the second that wir

d. He made the only choice

rds! Take her back to the e

guards hauled her up by her arms

e this, Mr. Vaughn. You have my word." H

d shut. The footsteps

as complet

her eyes and let out a long, exhausted breath-the breath of someone who ha

y, until her back pressed against the edge of the mattress. Elon had leaned forward from the bed-he hadn't stood, couldn't stand-and drawn

septic and his faint co

?" his voice was hoarse. "They tore you apart. They

ng it against his shoulder. "Becau

. His arms tightened around her, pulling her closer, as if

him with fear instead of love. He couldn't trust this. Not yet. He reached up with his free hand-t

a new game? Are you playing the victi

lock you in my penthouse. You will never see the sun again. I wi

linch. She met

ate plea for reassurance. He wasn't threatening her. He was begging h

es. His skin was cold. The IV tugged against his vein. Sh

aying a game, Elon. I've never

leaned over the bed, and p