Page 73 of It Destroys Me

“We get to it now. Astrid will understand why you killed me, but she’ll never forgive you for tormenting her friend. Now, let her go.”

“Kill you?” he asked. “Did I say I was going to kill you?”

Then what the fuck did he want me for? What was this plan that I couldn’t see? “Bolton, just the let the woman go.”

His arms rested on the armrests as he gave me a long, hard look. Then he looked at Scarlett. “You want to go home, sweetheart?”

Scarlett didn’t speak.

I didn’t want to think about what had happened to make her so quiet.

“Miss the kiddos?” he asked.

“Stop antagonizing her, and let her go,” I snapped. “I mean it.”

He rolled his eyes before he gestured to one of his men. “Take her home. But keep that gun on Axel until we’re finished here.”

“You have me,” I said. “No gun needs to be on Axel or his family.”

“I’m not stupid, Theo,” he said. “I know he’ll come to your rescue the second he can.”

“His priority is his family,” I said. “He’s not going to leave them after what just happened?—”

“Keep the gun on him until we’re done.” Now he raised his voice, his giddiness fading.

One of the guys walked to Scarlett and yanked her hard to her feet.

I slammed my body into his and sent him into the couch. “She can walk, asshole.”

“Theo.” Scarlett spoke to me quietly, like she didn’t want anyone to hear. “It’s okay.”

The guy got back to his feet, took her by the arm, and guided her out, much gentler this time.

Her eyes remained on me as she was led out. “I love you.”

My heart stung…stung bad. “Love you too.” I watched her go with a pain in my heart then I forced myself to look at Bolton again.

He remained in the chair, his elbow propped, his legs crossed. “That was touching.”

I tested the handcuffs that bound my wrists. They were as tight as they could be, so I couldn’t snap them or twist. Couldn’t pop my shoulder out of the socket to move my wrists over my head.

“Sit.” He gestured to the seat beside him.

I continued to stand.

He rested his chin on his knuckles, his blue eyes still on me.

“Now what?”

“Impatient, aren’t we?”

Astrid could wake up at any moment and realize I wasn’t there. I wouldn’t respond to her texts or phone calls. She wouldn’t be able to get a hold of Axel or Scarlett either. Then she would panic. “What’s your plan, Bolton? If you’re going to kill me, let’s just get it done.”

He continued to stare at me, milking every second. “You’ve got a death wish, Theo?”

“Yes. But not for me.”

He smirked before he got to his feet. “I’m curious.” He crossed his arms over his chest and looked at me.