The valet gives me a concerned look. “Are you okay, Ma’am?”
I nod, my movements’ jittery. “Just feeling sick.”
A car pulls up to the curb, and the valet opens the backdoor, gesturing for me to climb in.
Only once the driver pulls away from the country club do I dig my phone out, and with trembling fingers, I type a quick message to Tristan so he won’t worry.
H: I think I ate something that was off. I arranged a ride home. Good luck with the meetings. xox
TRISTAN
My phone vibrates, drawing my attention away from Mr. Yinglin.
Pulling the device out of my pocket, I frown when I see it’s from Hana. Opening the text, my frown darkens.
What the fuck?
“Excuse me,” I mutter. I walk out of the hall and press dial on Hana’s number.
It takes longer than usual for her to answer. “Hi.”
“You’re sick?” I ask.
“Yes. Nausea.”
“Are you going back to the dorm?” I ask as I walk to the exit.
“Yes. I’m just going to sleep it off.”
“I’m right behind you,” I say as I step up to the valet.
“No!” My head snaps back at the sharpness in her voice. I hear her take a breath, then she continues with a softer tone, “Don’t worry, Tristan. I’ll be fine. I’m just going to sleep. I’ll call you when I wake up.”
I shake my head hard. “No, Hana. You should see a doctor.”
My car pulls up to the curb, and I watch as the valet gets out.
“I’m not that sick,” she argues. “I’m already starting to feel better.”
I can hear something’s wrong. “I. Will. See. You. Now.”
Cutting the call, I grab the key from the valet and slide in behind the wheel.
Seconds later, my phone vibrates.
H: Your place then.
I steer the Maybach in the direction of my penthouse. As I pull into the underground parking, my phone begins to ring.
“Yes,” I growl into the speaker.
“Miss Cutler is here, Sir.” The concierge advises me. “Should I send her up?”
“Yes.”
I cut the call and stalk to the elevator and press the button. Impatiently, I watch as the numbers count down from the first floor, and when the doors open, I’m met with Hana squeezed into the corner, her arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
My gaze instantly sharpens on her as I step inside. I swipe the keycard, then take in the disheveled state of her hair.
“You’re sick?” I ask again, even though my gut is telling me it’s something else.
Hana nods and nervously wets her lips. “A little.”
I close the distance between us and leaning down, I take a deep breath, not smelling anything but her soft scent. “Nausea?”
Hana nods, and when she turns her face away from me, my eyes zero in on the red marks on her neck.
Fuck.
I take a step back and stare at her, taking in every single fucking movement she makes. There’s a slight tremor in her hands. She’s not meeting my gaze. Marks. Tousled hair.
“What happened?” I ask, deceptively calm as lava begins to boil inside of me.
“Nothing. I just got sick at the club.” A weak smile forms around her lips.
“Did you vomit?” I ask, even though I know she hasn’t.
Hana nods.
The elevator opens, and I move to the side so Hana can enter the penthouse first. I follow her up the stairs to my bedroom.
Grabbing a shirt from my closet, I hold it out to her. “Change.”
Hana sets her clutch down, and I watch her closely as she takes off the dress. My eyes scour every inch of her skin. There are red blemishes over her chest, and then I see the scratch marks on her thigh.
My breathing begins to speed up as a deadly rage builds inside me.
Slowly, I move around her, and my gaze burns over the scrapes on her back.
Someone will die today.
I clench my jaw to keep the anger at bay as Hana pulls on my shirt. With trembling fingers, she does the buttons.
It takes all my self-control to throw the covers back. I wait for her to climb on the bed, and then I cover her. Sitting down beside her, I place my finger under her chin and nudge her face up.
When her eyes meet mine, and I see the bruised expression in them, I grind my teeth. “I have something to take care of. Okay?” By the grace of God, my voice is calm. “Sleep, my angel. I’ll be back later.”
Hana darts forward, and her arms wrap tightly around my neck. Locking her against my chest, I feel the tremble in her body.
“I love you,” she whispers, and pulling back, she turns on her side, closing her eyes.
I lean over her and press a kiss to her temple. “Sleep, my light.”
Your darkness will take care of everything.
Getting up, I walk to my office, and shutting the door, I go to the bookcase. I press the button on the side, and when it slides away, all the screens are revealed to me. My eyes go to the camera in my bedroom, and I watch as Hana throws the covers back. Her hands cover her mouth, and then she rushes to the bathroom.
My gaze snaps to the next camera, and I watch as she turns on the water in the shower. She strips out of the clothes, and once she steps in under the spray, she sinks to the ground, burying her face in her arms. Hearing her cry makes the demon in my roar as it craves vengeance.
Taking my phone out, I dial Alexei’s number.
“Brother,” he grumbles.
“I need you.”
“Where?”
“Ojay Valley’s country club. I need access to all the security footage between two and three pm.”
“Give me five minutes. Are you coming to my place?”
“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
We hang up, and I press the button so the monitors will be hidden again.
Shoving the phone back in my pocket, I yank off my jacket and throw it to the side. Rolling up my sleeves, I leave the office. I manage to keep the anger in until I climb into my car.
My breathing speeds up.
My heart begins to beat heavily.
Slamming my hand against the steering wheel, I roar, “Fuck!” I grab hold of the wheel, my body shaking with rage. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” Spittle flies as the shaking grows, then the demon in me takes over.
I drag in a breath, and then I still.
Time to hunt.
Chapter 14
TRISTAN
“Are you sure you want to watch it?” Alexei asks.
“Yes,” I grind the word out.
He taps the mousepad on the laptop, and standing next to him with my arms crossed over my chest, I watch as Hana comes out of the restroom.
The moment I see Ballmer, the blood in my veins turns to acid. When he slams her into the wall, his body covering all of her, I have to force myself to keep watching. The worst pain I’ve ever felt tears a hole through my heart.
My Hana.
I was in the next room, having a fucking drink while she was being assaulted.
I gasp for air, and the blow of Hana having to crawl to get away from him forces me a step back.
Alexei’s hand instantly grabs hold of my arm. “I’ve sent my men for him.”
“The warehouse?” I struggle to ask through the tightness in my throat.