Lost in the Chase, page 30
What does he want with me?
This is how he emotionally breaks his victims. He traps you in a room he knows inch by inch, while you know absolutely nothing. He creates fear by controlling the space around you. He wants you scared. He wants you blind. He wants you helpless. He wants you begging. It’s sick. It’s twisted. And it’s working.
“Hello, beautiful.” A thick Russian accent growls from the shadows. His voice is rough, gravelly, and far too close. I don’t speak. I can’t. My heart races inside my chest. My legs are trembling beneath me, barely able to hold me up from the fear. But if I sit down, there is no telling what I might sit in. Sweat slips down my temple as I stand shackled and shaking. “My boys did a good job picking you.”
His breath brushes against my face. He is close. Far too close. Then his fingers brush against my arm. They are rough and calloused. My stomach twists, and bile rises in my throat.
I just wanted to go to work. I just wanted to help my parents. I didn’t ask for this. I don’t want this.
“You’re a pretty thing. Maybe I’ll keep you for myself,” he whispers. Then I feel it. A kiss. His scruff scrapes against my lips, and the liquor on his breath makes me want to gag. A violent shiver shoots down my spine. My body reacts before my mind can catch up. I slap him. The sound cracks through the air like a whip.
CLAP.
CLAP.
CLAP.
“Earth to Lila? Are you listening?”
Clint’s voice cuts through, his hands clapping as he tries to pull me back into the meeting.
Oh no. I zoned out. I was lost in a memory I wish I could erase. A nightmare that still lives inside me. Like it happened yesterday.
“I’m sorry,” I say quickly. “I was up late working on the masquerade ball and didn’t get much sleep.” I try to play it off, even as the note replays in my head.
I can’t tell them. If I do, snitches get stitches.
“I saw it this morning. It looks amazing for tonight,” Clint continues, smiling. “Do you have anything to add to the meeting?”
I try to focus. “The team rescued some of the girls that were taken, and a few of Volkov’s men are in custody… but we’re sure he’s still in prison, right?”
Clint lets out a light laugh, as if it’s a silly question. “Oh, Lila. There’s no way he’s getting out of that place. He’s locked in tight. No one else is going missing on his account.”
I wouldn’t be so sure of that.
I nod anyway.
“Okay, meeting dismissed!” Clint announces, clapping again. “And don’t forget about the masquerade dance tonight. It’s going to be a ball.” He grins like he’s proud of the pun.
I scrunch my nose in disgust. “Really?”
“Lila. Ball-room?” he adds, clearly entertained with himself. Everyone turns away, collectively annoyed. Classic Clint. He catches up to me as I grab my things to head to Aster’s. She’s booked her entire glam squad for us. Yes, us. She’s Beck’s date. Me? I’m going solo.
“Are you going with Kage?” he asks.
“That prick? Hell no.”
“Ooooh, tough crowd. What’d he do?”
“Exist.”
The word lingers. Familiar. It’s exactly what Kage said in the elevator the day after we met.
RING.
RING.
RING.
My phone goes off, and I jump like I’ve been shot.
“Whoa, you okay? You seem… off. A little jumpy?”
“Oh, you know… I’m just on my period,” I say casually. Guys will believe anything if you blame it on your period.
“Ohhh. That makes sense.”
I roll my eyes. No, it doesn’t. Not even close. He opens the front door for me like a charming gentleman. Too bad he’s not.
“Bye, loser. See you tonight,” I say with a smirk.
“Hey, watch your tone. I’m your boss,” he shoots back, flashing a grin.
“Not outside those doors.” I wave, spinning off in the opposite direction. But I freeze in front of the building.
Oh crap! I forgot my phone went off.
1 MISSED CALL – MOM
My stomach flips.
Please don’t be bad news.
I quickly redial. “Hey, Mom, I’m so sorry I missed your call—”
She cuts me off, sounding perkier than she has in days. “Hey, honey. I just wanted to hear your voice and let you know the doctor came by. I’m officially scheduled for the double mastectomy next week!”
Relief floods through me. “That’s amazing, Mom. I’ll be there. I’ll make sure I’m off.”
“I already spoke to your boss and he said you could have the week off!” she chirps.
“…My boss?” My brows knit. “I’m confused.”
“Well, I forgot to mention it, but the CEO has been visiting me every other day.”
I blink. “Beck?”
“I think so. He said he runs Heartford Cypher International. He’s been bringing us dinner, snacks, and even helping with my medications.”
My mouth goes dry.
Beck has been visiting her? Why wouldn’t he tell me?
“Oh… I wonder why,” I murmur, trying to piece together what the hell is going on and why I’m always the last one to find out.
She continues, her voice warm. “Probably just checking in on your progress. He’s such a good boy. He told me all about his past… You should think about going after that one. He’s got depth.”
“Mom, he’s dating Aster.”
“Oh well. She’s always had good taste.”
I frown, the puzzle pieces refusing to fit. “I can’t believe he didn’t tell me.”
“You should talk to him tonight. Lila, he sits with me for hours. Playing cards. Doing puzzles. Just talking. He’s really helped me through this.”
“Damn, Mom. Should I book you two a hotel room?”
She laughs. “No, sweetie. It’s not like that. It feels like he needed a mom, and I needed a son.”
My chest aches. “Well, if you’re happy, I’m happy. I’m glad you made a friend.”
“I did. But I love you and just wanted to share the good news before your fancy masquerade. Go have fun.”
“I love you too.” I hang up and stare at the phone. Beck never mentioned visiting my mom. And something about what she said doesn’t add up. The dinners. The medications. The stories.
Why didn’t he tell me? And why didn’t Aster? Did she even know?
I glance toward the lobby windows, a chill creeping down my spine. Something is off. And now my mom is involved. I do not like this. Not one bit. Whatever is going on, it stops tonight.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
LILA
“You’ve got to be kidding me, Aster.” My jaw drops as I stare at the sleek black limousine pulling into her driveway. We are standing at the front door of her massive mansion, and I cannot help but feel like I don’t belong. She’s begged me to move in more times than I can count, and there’s more than enough space.
But this kind of life? It doesn’t feel like mine. Still, with everything happening with Volkov, I have been thinking about it. But moving in would only make her a target, too, so I don’t know where to run.
“You know I like to go all out,” she says with a shrug. “But this was actually Beck’s idea.”
Right on cue, he pops his head out of the sunroof and yells, “Wow. I’ve got two smoking hot dates!”
“Babe, don’t tempt us,” Aster teases, biting her lip as she eyes me up and down. “You know we’ve… experimented with each other. I was her first kiss!”
“Oh my God,” I groan, whipping my head toward her. “Aster, we said we’d never talk about that again!”
Beck’s eyes widen. “Holy shit. The both of you? Together? Sheesh. I’d die a happy man.” He slips out of the limo in a tailored black suit, holding the door open for us like some cocky prince charming.
“I’m teasing, Lila… or maybe I’m not.” Aster winks at me and slides gracefully into the leather interior.
“Oh, please let that happen!” Beck’s voice calls from inside, dripping with mischief. “Just once. Let me have a threesome with you two.”
I roll my eyes as Aster sticks her hand out to me dramatically. I take it. “I’m done talking about this.”
She kisses my hand in a playful gesture. “Are you sure, pookie? Because you weren’t saying that when I showed you how to—”
“Aster!” I cut her off, heat rushing to my face from embarrassment.
“Okay, okay! I’m done.” Then she turns to Beck and kisses him like no one else is in the car, and the two of them start being disgustingly adorable. Beck looks unreal. Which, I guess, makes sense. He is the CEO, after all. His black tux and crisp white shirt are sleek and classic, but I can tell they are custom. The fabric alone probably costs more than my rent. The bow tie sits perfectly at his throat without a wrinkle or flaw. It’s effortless perfection. His skin is sun-kissed, like he has spent the week surfing in Hawaii—even though this is New York City.
Maybe he has a boat. Maybe he sails. Or maybe he steps into a tanning bed between meetings.
His dark blonde hair is streaked with golden highlights that somehow make his ocean-blue eyes even sharper. And when he flashes that too-white, too-perfect smile at Aster, the fantasy clicks into place. He looks like he belongs on a yacht. Not in my world. And neither does Aster. She is breathtaking, like one of those women in the high-end fragrance commercials. The kind who rides bareback on a horse down a sunlit beach.
Yeah. That is Aster. Her jet-black hair falls in loose, glossy curls, and her smoky eye makeup makes her golden-brown eyes glow like embers. And that dress, it’s a showstopper. A floor-length halter gown made of liquid gold, laced with diamonds. It’s soft and feminine, but dangerously powerful. It dares you to touch her. But only a fool would try.
They fit into the same world. They seem to have been born for it. And me?
I have never really belonged anywhere. But they let me in. They want me here. And for now, that is enough.
“Want to join?” Beck asks, giving me a wink.
I blink, realizing I have been staring while he and Aster make out. I was utterly lost in thought. I smile and let out a soft laugh. “Not this time. Actually… I have a question.”
They both turn to look at me. “This is going to sound crazy, but… by chance, have you been visiting my mom?”
Beck tilts his head, his brow creasing in confusion. “Your mom? Where is she?”
Aster answers for me. “She’s in the hospital. She got accepted into a cancer trial.”
I stare at Beck, confused. “She’s been there since you paid for her treatment…” I freeze, watching him, still seeing that same confused expression. “Umm. Didn’t you?”
He sits up straighter, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processes what I just said. “Lila, if I had known, I would have paid for it. But I didn’t. I didn’t even know your mom was sick.”
I want to argue. I want to accuse him. But all I can do is stare, because his eyes, those ocean-blue eyes, hold nothing but honesty. I turn to Aster. "Was it you? Or your family?"
She shakes her head. "Lila, you know I would have told you. Especially something like that. I know how you feel about charity."
My heart sinks. "Then who has been visiting her? Who paid for everything?"
A heavy silence fills the car.
"Let’s figure it out tomorrow," Aster says gently. "Tonight, let’s just have fun. Let loose, Lila! She is being taken care of, and that is what matters most."
"Yes," Beck agrees, placing a hand over mine. His touch is warm and grounding. "I will get my people on it first thing in the morning. I promise."
I nod slowly, watching the sincerity curve into his faint smile. "Okay then," I say, holding out my hand. "Give me the aux cord so I can get this party started."
"Absolutely! That’s my girl." Aster laughs, pouring us all shots like she is working as a bartender in the back of a limo. "To whatever the hell happens tonight."
We clink our glasses and throw them back. The liquid fire burns down my throat, and it feels good. So unbelievably good. Like for the first time all day, my nerves finally shut up.
“Please turn on our normal jams,” Aster grins. “Beck won’t judge us. And if he does, I’ll punish him later.”
She slides her hand slowly up his inner thigh, and I see it. A switch flips in him. He smirks. “Oh, I’m definitely going to judge you.”
Honestly? It’s hot. Like… really hot. And if they let me watch? I’d totally say yes.
Is that weird? Probably.
Am I going to ask? Absolutely not.
Aster opens the sunroof, leans back with her arms spread, and flicks on the limo’s colorful interior lights. “Think About Me,” by Jxdn floods the space, the bass pulsing through the leather seats.
And just like that, the night begins. “Hell yeah, this song’s killer,” Beck says, clearly surprised by our music choice. The lyrics hit a little too close to home.
I want to know where Kage is. I want to know if he is thinking about me the way I am thinking about him. How do I ask about him without sounding desperate?
I yell over the music, trying to sound casual. “So… I haven’t seen your boyfriend. Is he not going to be up your butt tonight?”
I’m talking to Beck, but really… I’m fishing. “Nah,” he says with a shrug. “Kage doesn’t come to stuff like this. He’s in Paris this weekend.”
Of course he is. Rich bastard. And he’s probably sleeping with every French woman he can find or having threesomes. Or orgies.
Jealousy churns in my stomach, sending bile up my throat. I don’t want him touching anyone but me. Yet I have seen him with four different women, and it doesn’t get any easier.
I crank the music louder and knock back another shot.
And who knows, if Aster and Beck ask me to join them again… I just might say yes. If Kage wants to play around, maybe I should, too.
Aster and I scream every word like it’s our anthem, like it’ll rip him out of my head. But it doesn’t. Kage is still there. In every lyric. Every thought. Every ache. No matter how loud I scream the words, he’s louder.
I throw my head back, eyes closed, trying to forget, trying to feel anything else. But the truth is, even with the lights, the liquor, and the limo, I’d still choose him. Even if he never chooses me.
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
LILA
This feels like déjà vu. Except this time, I’m not the same girl who walked into that Halloween party. That night changed everything. The way I feel. The things I want. My future. All of it.
I stand in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Heartford Cypher International lobby, admiring Aster’s handiwork once again. But tonight feels different. Because I am different. Back then, I was shy. Insecure. Letting fear call every shot. But now? I feel beautiful. Powerful. Wanted.
I’m no longer hiding who I am. I’ve stepped into her. The woman I always dreamed of being. The skin I used to wish for.
My long hair is pinned and twisted into a high, romantic bun, with soft curls spilling loose around my face. The bright blonde strands catch the light, glowing against a full face of makeup. My green eyes shimmer, lined in black, smoked with shadow, and winged with glitter into a fierce cat-eye that commands attention. Burgundy-red shadow smolders beneath, making the green burn even brighter. My cheeks glow with a rose-colored shimmer, sculpted and warm. And my lips are dark red, glossy, and completely unapologetic.
Oh, and the dress? It is beyond anything I imagined. A passionate red, just like the roses I chose for the ballroom. I wanted to stay on theme with the decorations, and Aster had been dying to have this design made. Now that I am wearing it, I am blown away. It’s mesmerizing.
The deep crimson ball gown features a sweetheart neckline that dips into a subtle V, giving my small chest the illusion of curves I do not have. The fitted bodice is refined, cinching at the waist before cascading into a full, flowing skirt with a daring slit that reveals my leg.
But what I love most are the long matching gloves. They make me feel like I just stepped out of an 1800s royal gathering. The kind where a man was not allowed to touch your hand without gloves. And last but not least, a velvet choker hugs my throat, reminding me that I would not mind if a hand took its place tonight.
Kage’s, of course.
I feel regal. Unforgettable.
“Hey, you ready to go up?” Beck asks, his voice edged with concern.
“Huh? Oh. Yeah.” I snap out of my thoughts.
“Good. I want both of you on each arm when we walk in. I want to feel like it is a cinematic moment in a James Bond movie.”
Aster rolls her eyes, placing her arm in his, and I cannot help but laugh. “Wait. I have our masks,” Aster shouts, digging into her bag. “Here it is!” she says, handing me a piece that looks like it belongs in a museum.
The mask is unreal. She is practically my fairy godmother, dressing me up and making me feel like a princess. But this mask says something else. It is not sweet or delicate. It is intoxicating. It draws people in.
Deep crimson velvet forms the base, with delicate black lace curling over the edges like rose vines. Sparkling red crystals trace the mask, catching the light with every turn. At its center, a single crimson gem glows.
It’s dramatic. Enchanting. Dangerous. And somehow… it feels like it was made for me and made for this exact night.
“Holy shit, Aster,” I breathe, my mouth open in shock.
“It felt like you,” she says softly. “You have the biggest heart. That’s the large crimson gem in the center. It burns with warmth and love, even when you try to hide it. But there’s another side to you... Something darker. Untamed. Fierce. That is the black.” She pauses, her eyes searching mine. “And the crystals… they’re the parts of you you’ve worked so hard to keep intact. Bright. Unbreakable. Even after everything life has thrown at you… You still shine.”
I can barely speak as I fan my face with both hands, tears pooling in my eyes. “I love you and…”
She cuts me off. “Don’t you dare mess up your makeup! That took Franny two hours!” She starts fanning my face, too.
