“Something undeniably stupid.” I released one leg then went to work on the other. “You can get out through that window over there,” I said, pointing toward the rectangle pane of glass I prayed wasn’t sealed shut. “I’ll tell them you need a few minutes. I’ll lock the door to give you time, so don’t get caught.”

“Why are you helping me?” I moved to his back and slowly worked the knots loose that trapped his wrists.

“I’m helping him.”

As soon as the rope fell to the floor, he sprang to his feet, rounded the chair before I could blink, and pulled me against his chest. In the space of five seconds, I realized I’d made a dire mistake, and I almost screamed for help, but his mouth crashed onto mine and muffled my protests. His arms held me in a vise, and he bit down on my tongue just enough to knock the fight from me.

And then he let me go with a tortured sigh.

I shoved him until he crashed into a table. “Don’t you fucking touch me,” I said, my words a whisper of fury. I jabbed a finger in the direction of the window. “Get the fuck out of here, Zach. I swear on Rafe’s life, if you ever come back I’ll kill you myself.” I retreated, heading to the door, my heart knocking around in my chest.

With a quick upward lift, he opened the window and let in the frigid winter air. He poked his head out, glanced downward, then pivoted to face me. “You’ve changed,” he said, his tone holding a note of surprise.

“You mean I’m not the same spineless victim you screwed for years? Not bendable anymore?”

He gnawed on his lip. “I’m sure you’re bending plenty. Just not for me.”

“Better go,” I said, refusing to go into my relationship with Rafe.

He hoisted himself through the opening, dropped to the other side, and popped his head up to give me one last look. “Tell him I said hi.”

And then he was gone.

23. Forfeit - Rafe

23. FORFEIT - RAFE

“Calm down. It’s only been fifteen minutes. They’re family,” Shelton said with a shrug. “I’m sure they’ve got some catching up to do.”

Rather than justify that asinine comment with a response, I continued my pacing outside the cage. Shelton’s goons wouldn’t let me near that fucking door because they knew I’d bust my way through it.

But fuck if I didn’t take my eyes off it.

When it finally opened, and she stepped out, I was crawling out of my skin. I shoved two guys out of my way and went straight to her. “I’m so fucking pissed at you right now.”