Price turns left, and as soon as they are out of sight, Lynell lets out a heavy breath.

“So . . .” Lynell says, voice cracking. “I just met your dad.”

Price grimaces. “Uh, yeah.”

“Which means you grew up here.” She almost groans at the juvenile statement when there is so much more to be asked.

Price grins. “Kind of. I stayed at the nanny’s house most of the time. With a whole gaggle of personal guards. Dad spared no expense at keeping me safe, even if he didn’t put in the effort himself.” He shrugs and turns them into the third room on the right. “All comes with the territory, I guess.”

Lynell wants to ask what territory that is but stops short at the room they entered. It’s beautiful. The bed is huge with a blush-pink canopy. The vanity matches the color. A tall wardrobe made of dark wood sits in one corner. A pink dress, a pair of gold heels, and a gold hat are displayed on the bed. Recessed overhead lighting bathes the room in a bright light, but there are no windows. There is nothing that’s loose and could easily be picked up, like a lamp or potted plant.

“What . . .” she mutters.

“Yeah. Dad is serious about his standards. He may not expect you to be alive in a few more days, but until then, you’ll be who he thinks you should be.”

The words cut deep as she steps into the room and up to the bed. “And who does he think I should be?” she asks, curling her fingers around the dress. The silk is cool and fluid under her touch.

“You’ll get your answers at dinner,” Price says. He sounds tired, like walking into his childhood home sucked all of his energy. “Bathroom is through that door.” He points to the only door in the room other than the one they just walked through. “I’m across the hall. Listen . . .” He steps closer. “You’re going to learn a lot at dinner but promise me one thing—whatever you find out, remember that it doesn’t change who you are. I thought I knew you but I . . . I didn’t . . . know that you are—”

“What the hell does that mean?” Lynell asks, turning to face him. “Why can’t you just tell me what’s going on instead of playing some stupid game?”

Price gives a small smile and shrugs. “Stay in here after you’re dressed, and I’ll come get you.”

Lynell frowns but nods. He turns and closes the door behind him.

The air weighs down on Lynell and she leans her head against the bedpost. She closes her eyes and tries to summon tears. None come, though, so she takes a deep breath and heads to shower. The first thing she notices in the bathroom is not the grandeur or large tub, it’s the toilet. There are no lids, neither on the tank nor the toilet itself. When she notices that there’s also no mirror, it dawns on her that anything that could be used as a weapon was removed from the room. She can’t decide if she’s annoyed that they stripped her of anything she could use to defend herself or pleased that they think she is capable of using a toilet lid to escape.