Doris Elizabeth Corday

The interrogation room was colder than I expected. Though my cocktail dress had long sleeves, the rest of me that wasn't covered by the sheer white fabric tingled with goosebumps.

Not to mention how uncomfortable my wrists were. I had only been handcuffed once before and I still hated the way it left red imprints. I glanced up at the camera in the corner, its unblinking eye staring down at me.

God, I'm in trouble.

After King so confidently claimed to be on my side and help me steal these cards for Mr. Illion, he betrayed me in less than a minute. I still saw his smug face whenever my knuckles itched.

He just stood there, grinning like the bastard he was as they hauled me away.

The choker's weight grew more and more pressing as time ticked by. A bead of sweat dripped down the side of my face whenever I thought about Mr. Illion hovering his finger over his phone. He really could have my head any moment now. Better that than risk me spilling the beans to the police after all.

In fact, why was my head still intact?

The door swung open, and a tall imposing woman strode in. Her uniform was immaculate, the dark blue fabric pressed to perfection, and her gaze was as sharp as the crease in her pants. She had a presence that filled the room instantly, as if she'd brought the entire precinct's authority with her.

"You must be Doris," she said, her tone calm yet authoritative.

I visibly cringed at my first name.

"Elizabeth will be better," I insisted.

She took the steel chair across from me and sat down, folding her hands on the table. I instantly made note of the scars running across her dark knuckles.

I got the feeling she wasn't your average cop.

The fluorescent lights above reflected off her badge, the name 'Officer Lynn' engraved below the gold shield.

"Officer Lynn, right?" I asked, trying to hide the nerves buzzing under my skin.

"That's right," she replied, a faint smile tugging at one corner of her full lips. "I'm sure you know why you're here."

Her eyes didn't leave mine, like she was daring me to try lying.

Something told me this woman could spot a lie from a mile away. Although I was quite the brilliant liar, I wasn't sure testing my luck tonight would be the best idea.

I shrugged, hoping to play it cool.

"Enlighten me."

She leaned back, crossing her arms as she studied me.

"You were seen with Rob B. Illion yesterday. And not for the first time. We both know he's a dangerous man, and my guess is you're no stranger to his business dealings."

Her words hung in the air, heavy and accusing.

Shit.

Shit, shit, shit.

This does not look good for me.

I would've preferred getting framed for dealing drugs. Did King tell the police about my contract with Mr. Illion? What was going on here?

Forcing a smirk, I tried to appear casual.

"Mr. Illion's just my boss. And last I checked, having a job is not a crime."

"Is that what he calls it?" Lynn tilted her head, dark brown eyes studying me. "And what exactly does this job entail?"

I shifted in my seat.

"You'd have to ask him. I'm just a lowly employee."

"An employee living with her boss?"

My face instantly turned red.

Jeeze, this woman is not giving me any room to work with here. How much does she know?

"Oh, don't say it like that," I chuckled, using my cuffed hands to push a strand of hair out of my face. "He's a handsome bachelor. Of course I took my chances. But you know how it goes for guys like him. I'm just a temporary plaything."

"You're more than that," Lynn said, leaning in. "We've been watching you, Elizabeth. You think we don't know what you're up to?"

"Maybe you think you know, but you don't," I shot back.

The words were out before I could stop them.

What did she know about my situation? Something she read off a report? She couldn't begin to understand. In the span of two days, I had to come to terms with the fact that my life was hanging by a thread.

Lynn leaned back, her lips curving into a faint smile.

"You're right, I don't know everything. But I know enough. We've been tracking his movements for a while. We know about the Cronos. A pocket watch worth that much doesn't go unnoticed. We were sure he would kill the person that stole it, and we tracked him to see if we could catch him in the act."

My blood ran cold.

How did the cops know this much?

"Two of our officers ran into you at Katherine's Castle during the auction," she explained further.

I suddenly remembered the cops who bumped into me and tried to bug me.

So, they've been aware since then?

"Although we couldn't get a recorder on you, we know that sometime later that night you went back to your apartment and left a while later with Rob. We know your situation with him right now might not be a willing one. That's why we have decided to approach you."

My head was spinning with all the information. I couldn't make sense of what was going on right now. What the hell am I going to do?

Sensing my unease, Lynn only used the chance to double down further.

"Rob B. Illion isn't just your average businessman. He's dangerous, and you know it. You're in way over your head, but I'm offering you a way out."

I stared at her, trying to gauge her angle.

A way out?

"What? You want me to rat him out?" I scoffed. "You think that'll work?"

"We've taken down men like him before. With the right information, we could put him away for a long time. And we can protect you," she said, her voice softening slightly. "You don't have to be scared of him."

"I'm not scared," I said, but the lie felt hollow.

I could deny it all I wanted, but I knew the truth.

"Then what's stopping you?" Lynn pressed, her gaze unwavering. "If you help us, you can walk away from this. A clean slate, no more running, no more looking over your shoulder."

I wanted to believe her.

I wanted to believe that I could just walk away, that I could be free of Rob B. Illion and everything he represented. But it wasn't that simple.

I could tell her about the bomb in my collar. But it would be like ratting Mr. Illion out. And then what? Could they remove it? Would it explode while they tried?

"And if I don't help you?" I asked, my voice lacking the confidence from earlier.

"Then you'll stay here, and we'll figure out another way," Lynn said, her tone growing colder. "But I don't think you want that. And trust me, you don't want to be back in that cell."

She was right.

I didn't want to be behind any bars. To feel the weight of Rob's choker pressing into my skin, reminding me of how trapped I really was.

All I wanted was freedom.

My whole life I'd been chasing freedom just beyond my reach.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

"If I agree to help, what happens next?"

"We'll make sure you're safe," Lynn said, her voice softening again. "We'll get you out of here, relocate you, whatever it takes. But we need something solid on him first. Something that will stick."

I swallowed, the dryness scraping down my throat.

"And what makes you think I have that kind of information?"

"You're close to him. Closer than anyone else," she said, her gaze never leaving mine. "Maybe he does not trust you too much yet, but you're residing with him, so he must trust you enough to keep you close."

I couldn't help but laugh, a hollow sound that echoed in the small room.

"You don't know him at all. He doesn't let anyone in, not really."

"Maybe not," Lynn admitted. "But everyone has a weak spot. Even him."

I leaned back in my chair, my cuffs rattling as I moved.

"So, you're telling me to find his weak spot?"

She nodded, her expression firm.

"Exactly. And if you do, we'll handle the rest."

I studied her for a moment, trying to find some crack in her armor. But there was nothing. She was just as resolute and unbreakable as Mr. Illion. Maybe that's why I felt a strange sort of respect for her.

But respect wasn't enough to make me trust her.

I couldn't trust anyone.

I learned that the hard way.

The door opened, signaling the end of our conversation. Lynn stood, gathering her things, but before she left, she turned back to me, her eyes softening just a fraction.

"Think about it, Elizabeth. This could be your only chance to get out."

And with that, she was gone.

Hours later, I sat in the holding cell, alone with my thoughts. They'd taken everything from me — not that I had much to begin with. The steel bench beneath me was hard and cold, the chill seeping through the thin fabric of my dress.

The sound of the cell door clanging open pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up to see a burly guard standing there, his expression as stony as the walls around us.

"You're out," he said gruffly, jerking his head toward the hallway.

I didn't question it.

I stood, smoothing down my dress as I followed him through the narrow corridors.

Then I saw him.

Mr. Illion waited by the front desk with that familiar calm, collected expression. He was talking to another officer, his back to me, but I could feel the tension radiating from him.

The officer waved me over, handing me my things. I slipped on my shoes and took my purse. When I looked up, Mr. Illion was watching. A black strand of hair brushed over his brow as his dark eyes glazed over my state.

"Miss Corday," he said simply, like I'd just returned from a coffee break.

I forced a smile, letting him lead me outside and into his car.

The ride back to the penthouse was silent. He didn't ask questions, and I didn't offer explanations. I kept my eyes on the city lights, feeling his gaze on me every so often.

What's his deal? Why isn't he saying anything?

I pressed my legs together in anticipation, but the confrontation never came.

Did he see the exhaustion on my face?

I rubbed my sore wrists, my brows furrowed.

Was there a chance Rob might not be so bad after all?

By the time we arrived, my nerves were frayed.

Inside, he disappeared down the hall, leaving me in the lavish guest room I'd been assigned to. The lack of questions ate at me, but I was sure this silent stress was better than the confrontation that waited.

I still had no idea how to explain myself.

I peeled off my dress, slipping into one of the many identical silk nightgowns. The fabric was cold, and I felt a strange sense that it would be a while before anything felt warm again.

All I wanted was to free myself of all my debt and see my mom again.

How did it all get so complicated?

After a few minutes of tormenting myself in my room, I couldn't stand the silence any longer. I needed answers.

I padded down the hall, my bare feet silent against the hardwood. I found him in the kitchen, of all places, pouring himself a glass of orange juice. He moved with a practiced grace, every motion controlled and deliberate.

"Come to explain yourself?" he asked, his tone casual as he looked up at me.

I leaned against the counter, the moonlight from the large windows casting us both in a soft blue hue.

"I... I did as you asked but things got complicated. I can't get near Alistair. Then there was some misunderstanding, and I got falsely accused of dealing drugs."

His eyes narrowed, but before he could say anything, I quickly explained further.

"But don't worry the night wasn't wasted. I got valuable information."

"Oh?"

He took a sip of his drink, genuine surprise in his expression.

"Alistair Chase has four subordinates managing his four businesses," I revealed. "Each manager has a card similar to his. If I can get my hands on all four, it would be a copy of Alistair's."

I had to make sure Mr. Illion still saw value in me — that I wasn't a loose end he could cut.

"I suppose you mean to get your hands on these cards then? Instead of going after Alistair directly?"

"Yes..."

He pondered over it, soft lips pursed in thought.

"Very well, that might be better, yes."

A sigh of relief left my chest. I was grateful I had the counter to keep me standing.

"I'm surprised I've kept my head," I admitted. "Maybe you were bluffing after all about your little feature in the choker."

His dark eyes slid over to me and the hairs at the back of my neck stood on end.

"I was very tempted to show you how little I bluff."

"Don't get me wrong," I said. "I prefer not to find out. It's just... I didn't expect someone like you to show mercy."

"Someone like me?" He raised an eyebrow, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "What exactly am I like, Miss Corday?"

I hesitated.

"Someone who doesn't make mistakes. Who always gets what he wants."

"And what do you think I want right now?"

He stepped closer, his presence filling the open kitchen and his cold gaze never leaving mine.

I forced a shrug.

"That's what I'm trying to figure out. You didn't come to the police station out of kindness, so why am I still here?"

He looked at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable.

"You think I should have killed you?"

"I don't know what to think," I admitted, feeling vulnerable under the weight of his gaze. "I messed up. And men like you don't tolerate failure."

His eyes darted to my lips briefly, before they darked and held my stare again.

"You're right. I don't. But sometimes, certain assets are worth a second chance."

The kitchen was quiet, the only sound the faint clink of ice against glass as Mr. Illion swirled his juice. He watched me with that same icy detachment as if I were nothing more than a passing thought.

It was more than infuriating. Knowing you're worth as much as the dirt on his shoe.

"Is that what I am?" I asked, the words slipping out sharper than I intended. "An asset?"

He tilted his head, raising a brow, his mouth curling with amusement.

"What else would you be?" His tone dripped with boredom, as though he'd already moved past whatever brief curiosity he'd had.

I knew it shouldn't hurt. It was quite obvious from the start what my role was to be here. I was nothing but a pawn, a tool. Something to be used and discarded when it suited him. But hearing it said out loud still stung.

How could I have thought even for a moment that he might care?

"Right. Of course," I replied, my voice hollow.

Rob's gaze sharpened, the smallest flicker of interest crossing his expression.

"You sound disappointed." His voice lowered, eyes narrowing as though dissecting my every thought. "Did you expect something else?"

A spark of anger flared in my chest, hot and bright. I shoved it down, burying it beneath a practiced smile.

"No," I said, shrugging it off. "Just wanted to make sure I knew where I stood."

"Well, now you know."

He took a slow sip of his drink, his attention shifting back to the glass in his hand. He'd made his point, and as far as he was concerned, the conversation was over.

Not in the mood to give him the satisfaction of waiting around, I turned to leave. But before I could take another step, his voice stopped me.

"One more thing, Miss Corday," he said. "Don't mistake my mercy for weakness. You're still here because I want you here. But that could change in an instant. Understood?"

I nodded, swallowing hard.

I didn't trust myself to speak, not with the lump forming in my throat. I left the kitchen, my heart racing as I made my way back to the guest room. Every step felt heavier than the last, weighed down by the cold realization that I was nothing more than the very dirt he would step on.

I'd survived tonight, but I knew this was just the beginning.

As I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, one thought echoed in my mind: my life meant little to him. I was just a piece in his game, one that he could sacrifice at any moment.

But that was fine. I had my own pieces to play too.

"Any man can be seduced," I whispered to myself.

And I had never backed off from a challenge.

Time to make Rob B. Illion regret bringing me into his home... I'd have him wrapped around my finger before he knows it.