Page 77 of Wicked Promises
“Come now, Matty, you didn’t think weweren’tbringing you to Caleb?” Liam says, approaching and crouching down. He grabs Matt’s jaw, tilting his head back. “What do you think, Caleb? Free hall pass.”
“How the hell?—”
“Matt’s sister sure is a pretty one,” Liam says. He leans in close to Bonner’s face. “Sure would be a shame if something were to happen to her…”
Matt lunges, knocking Liam back with his bound arms.
Theo quickly hauls Matt away, holding him upright, and Liam laughs from the floor.
He climbs to his feet and shakes his head. “See? He knows not to talk.”
Eli shifts. “But don’t kill him. Not sure how I’ll explain that to my parents.”
I take a deep breath. “Remove the tape from his mouth.”
Theo rips it off in one motion and shoves him back down to the floor. He falls to his knees hard. He stretches his jaw, his glare burning into me. But this isn’t about him or me, or our past friendship. This is about if he’s involved with Margo’s stalker.
Or if heisMargo’s stalker.
A prickle of unease slides down my spine. Getting answers seems to suddenly be the most important thing. If it protects Margo… no holds barred.
“Are you going to answer our questions?” I step closer.
He glares up at me. “Fuck you.”
I tilt my head. “I thought we were friends.”
“We are?—”
“Were,” Eli corrects from my left, his tone dark.
Liam stands behind Matt. Theo to my right. I feel their presence, and it gives me strength. My demons are coming out to play, and no one here will reel them back in.
I think even Margo would be okay with this.
“Did you take her?”
He doesn’t reply. His gaze would cut through me if he wasn’t such a fucking coward.
“Answer me, Matt. Did. You. Take. Margo?”
His gaze slides away, which is an admission of guilt in and of itself. He’s not denying it. He can’t look at me.
Sudden clarity hits me. I hate him more than I’ve hated anyone in my life. Dad, Uncle David, the way I used to feel about Margo… it’s all dust compared to the fury welling inside me.
He hurt her.
Took her.
Tied her up and left her to die?—
“Just fucking hit me already, Asher,” Matt growls. “Because I’m not saying a goddamn thing one way or another.”
“We’ll see about that,” Theo mutters.
“Who owns your loyalty?” I squat in front of him. “Honestly, Bonner. What the hell would make you clam up? You’re not denying your involvement—that’s a guilty verdict in my eyes.”
He shakes his head. “There’s someone a lot scarier than you.”