I grinned, watching his body go flailing down his own little bumpy slide ride, taking particular pleasure in the way certain parts of his body banged and bruised against the wall. A hand first, an elbow next. Then his knee, his head, before finally ending in a roly-poly and landing in a satisfying slap at the bottom.
You’ll be lucky if you haven’t broken his goddamn neck.
Nah.He’dbe the lucky one. I have something much more brutal planned for him than a broken neck.
Chapter 30
Rachel
I’m going to stay here a bit longer. Maybe take some painkillers and try to get a nap.
As predicted, Dante video called me as soon as he got my text message. I’d prepared for this and had quickly run my hair under the shower so he could see that it was wet, and had sat on the sofa, waiting for his call.
I pressed answer, smiling as I said hello.
“Show me the room, Rachel,” Dante said immediately, not bothering to say hello back.
“Really?” I said with a heavy sigh, rolling my eyes so hard, I was scared I was going to go blind.
“Show me the room. Crash is on the phone to Vienna as we speak. Unless you want a minimum of five angry bikers turning up to the house in the next ten seconds, show me the fucking room.”
“Fine!” I snapped, getting up and twirling the camera around, showing him the entire room. “I’m on my own, as you can see. I wasn’t coerced into sending that message. I’m not being held hostage. I have, however, been burnt up and down the length of my arms, and they’re beginning to sting just a wee fucking bit. I just want a nap, Dante. That’s all.”
“Go to the next room,” he demanded, ignoring everything I had said.
“Oh, this is fucking ridiculous!” I huffed but did exactly as I was told. “Here’s the kitchen, Mein Fuhrer. As you can see, it’s devoid of bad guys. But hang on, I’ll open the fridge, just in case. Ahh, empty. What a surprise. And over here, you’ll find the downstairs bathroom. Let me open the door.”
“A commentary wasn’t needed.”
“Neither was a tour of your own house, but that’s exactly what’s happening. Shut up and listen. Here’s the bathroom.Also, empty. Shocker. Give me two seconds. I’m going to walk over here. Oh, what’s this suspicious-looking door?” I said with a gasp. “Let me open it all dramatic. Gotcha!” I shouted as I swung the door open. “No, my bad. That coat closet appears to be empty as well. Whatever next?” I asked, spinning the camera around. “Oh, I know! Let’s check the bar at the back. The bad guys may have needed some Dutch courage.”
“I get the picture. You can stop now.”
“Are you sure? Or do you want me to do upstairs, too?”
“I don’t get why you’re being pissy, Rachel. You said you were coming back, and then suddenly you weren’t. I was concerned.”
“I appreciate that, but I’m okay,” I said, my heart beating in my chest. Was I actually about to get away with this?
“Okay. Just… be careful, okay? If you see anything suspicious, ring me immediately. Or ring Vienna and then ring me. Anything at all, Rachel, okay?”
“I will! Now will you piss off so I can get some sleep in peace?”
“I’m not comfortable with you sleeping alone. Crash!” He said, raising his voice. “Tell Vienna to go round and stay there whilst she sleeps.”
“No!” I barked, seeing my plan crumble before my eyes. “I don’t want him here. I don’t want anyone here. If it makes you feel better, have him watch the house. But I don’t want him inside annoying me.”
“He can hear you, you know?”
“It’s nothing I wouldn’t say to his face,” I grinned back.
“Fine,” Dante said with a heavy sigh. “But I’m telling him to come and sit on his bike right outside.”
“Fine.”
Not fine.
Shit.
