His collateral

Chapter 6

The automatic gates slid open without a sound as the car slowly drove into the driveway. A silent sigh of relief escaped Lucien's lips. His gaze shifted toward Elena sitting still beside him. Too still.

Her hair had fallen into messy strands across her face, her posture slumped slightly against the seat. Her hands and ankles were bound, and a strip of duct tape sealed her mouth.

Why had she suddenly gone quiet?

The two hour drive to the estate had been total chaos. Two attempts to jump through the window of a moving vehicle. Screaming that drew the attention of other road users.

He had thought tying her up and covering her mouth would help. It didn't. Her muffled screams had still filled the car. She still squirmed, her feet kicking him repeatedly.

Now seeing her sitting so calmly, he was unsure which version unsettled him more. His phone vibrated in his pocket. Eyes still on her, he pulled it out. One of his men.

"I'm in the driveway. Get ready to set off." He ended the call at once.

As the car rolled into the underground garage the brightness of the world cut off completely. The car slowed to a halt, parked in the middle of a row of luxurious vehicles.

James stepped out of the driver's seat and moved to hold the door open. Lucien stepped out, straightening his jacket as his eyes swept slowly across the garage. They paused at the pink G-Wagon at the far end.

His sister's.

His brows furrowed. She shouldn't be home today, nor had she informed him she would be returning. His attention shifted back to the car. Elena was still seated inside, feet crossed, head resting against the window. He could see another round of trouble coming.

"We've arrived at our destination." He said in a calm voice, hoping it would coax her. "You should climb out."

No response. Not even a glance.

Lucien's jaw tightened. Irritation coiled beneath his skin. This woman had a way of pissing him off without any effort.

"Elena." He called, voice sharp.

Her head slowly turned, her expression filled with defiance.

That did it. No more patience.

He removed his jacket in one smooth motion and handed it to James. He unbuttoned his shirt sleeves, rolling them up his forearms.

"You leave me with no choice." He murmured, pushing halfway into the car and reaching for her.

Her muffled screams echoed through the garage as he carried her, ignoring her kicking. The moment he stepped into the house his men, who had been playing cards, voices loud over one another, fell silent and stood up.

"Boss, let me help you with that." One of them offered.

"No." He declined, though he was losing patience with Elena's squirming. His men would handle her roughly and he didn't want that. "Start the car. We leave in five minutes."

He ascended the floating staircase, the marble echoing with each step, each climb an effort. The entire floor belonged only to him. Even as he valued his privacy he needed to keep her somewhere near, somewhere he could keep his eyes on her.

He pushed a door open and a well furnished room came into view. He crossed to the bed and dropped her onto it. He reached for the binds and loosened them. The moment her hands were free a slap landed across his face.

Lucien paused, anger flickering across his eyes. No one would dare. No one. With the last restraint left in him he pulled the duct tape from her mouth.

"Bastard." She cursed the moment she could speak. "Once I'm out of here I'm reporting you to the police for kidnapping."

His lips pressed into a thin line. He tucked his hands casually into his pockets and walked to the door, pausing with his hand on the handle.

"The bathroom is that way." He gestured toward the door. "Your suitcases and food will be brought shortly. If you need anything use the telephone on the cupboard. I'm locking the door behind me."

"May you die a miserable death. You'll rot in hell for holding me against my will."

Her curse followed him as he closed the door behind him.

****

"Good morning, Mr. Black." A maid greeted him as Lucien descended the stairs.

He answered with a brief nod. "Where's Mrs. Anne?"

"She's in the kitchen. Should I call her, sir?"

"Yes." He replied, settling onto a sofa in the living area. He reached for the remote on the table and turned on the television.

"A loan shark has been arrested for an attempt to kill his debtor."

He changed the channel instantly. He wasn't interested in what the news had to say.

"Mr. Black. You called for me." A middle aged woman approached, wiping her hands on her apron.

"Why is Sara back?" He asked, eyes still on the television.

"I'm surprised myself. She drove in this morning saying she missed home." Anne explained, smiling nervously. "I was making pasta for her before you called for me.”

"Where is she now?"

"In her room having a nap. Do you want me to call her?"

"No. Let her be. Just don't let her leave the estate without security. If she insists have someone guard her discreetly." He ordered, standing.

"Yes, Mr. Black."

Lucien nodded, clearing his throat. "Make the pasta two portions and serve one to the guest in the room across from mine. Her things are in the car I arrived in. Send someone to collect them."

"She's staying for three months. During that time make sure all her needs are attended to. She is not allowed outside her room for now."

"Yes, Mr. Black."

"Boss, we have to move. The debtor is one hour away from boarding his flight." James entered, urgency written across his face.

"Hand me my jacket. Are the men ready?" Lucien asked, slipping it on as he walked to the front door.

"Yes, Boss." James answered, following close behind.

Finally. Something to ease the tension that had been building since morning. As he stepped outside his men were already waiting in the van. James held the car door open before rounding to the driver's seat.

Just as the engine started Lucien's eyes drifted to the window on the upper floor. The blinds were still drawn. No sound came from it.

It had better stay that way. At least until he returned.