She knew immediately he wasn’t strong enough to hold her, and she yanked her hand away. Instead of being able to run, she teetered on her heels and twisted her foot, her ankle wrenching hard.

“You bitch.” He swung his hand, slapping her hard across the face. She’d never been hit before, and the move dazed her for a precious second, and in that instant, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pocketknife, releasing the blade.

Needing to get someone’s attention, Faith screamed, because even if Colton wasn’t strong and able-bodied, he certainly was deranged and determined.

“Shut up, bitch. You’ve been nothing but a pain in the ass,” he said as he roughly yanked her to him, pulling her up against his thin body, the his body odor overpowering.

He raised the knife to her neck. “I just want my money. We’re going somewhere for the night, and first thing tomorrow, you’re going to the bank and giving me what’s mine. Understand?”

Careful not to move and cause him to stab her with the knife, she said, “Yes,” in a deliberately tiny voice.

Although Colton’s blade was small, it was sharp and she’d already felt it prick her skin. She was more afraid he’d hit an artery than she was of him in general. He was a shaking, pathetic mess of the man he’d been, but his tremors made him dangerous.

How did he think he was getting her out of here, she wondered, what with the front of the bar bustling with help and Jason’s family milling around? But she didn’t want to freak him out and cause him to react by asking him about that, so she voiced the other question on her mind. “How did you get inside?”

“I walked in with a huge party that was on the list.” He spoke like he was proud of himself. “Then I hid in the back and hoped I could get you alone.” His hand shook, which made her nervous.

She wondered when he’d had his last fix. “Colton–”

“Faith.” Jason called her name as he stepped cautiously into the hallway.

She was so grateful to see him, her knees almost buckled as she met his gaze.

“You okay, sweetness?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She swallowed, careful not to move.

“If you want her to stay okay, move aside and let us through.” Colton nudged her forward one step. Her ankle buckled and she yelped in pain.

Jason’s gaze narrowed, his fury at her being hurt obvious. “It’s crowded out front,” he said through clenched teeth. “Why don’t you take her out the back door.”

Colton shook his head. “That door’s got an emergency alarm. What do you think, I’m stupid? I checked it out earlier,” he said, tightening his grip.

Jason took a step forward as he spoke. “That’s okay. Tanner’s going to throw you out the back, aren’t you, Tanner?”

It was obvious they had company, and Colton clearly realized the same thing. “Fuck!” he yelled, and whirled around to check behind him.