THE STERLING SECRETS

Chapter 17: The Poisoned Well

The headlights of the SUV cut through the blinding sheets of rain as Julian tore down the winding, unlit mountain roads.

The wipers could barely keep up. The world outside was nothing but black and wet and trees.

I sat in the passenger seat. My hands were trembling against my lap. Staring at the lone duffel bag resting at my feet.

We had fled the estate under the cover of a sudden security blackout Julian had triggered. Slipping past his own guards without anyone stopping us.

"Julian, slow down," I pleaded. My knuckles were white as I clutched the door handle.

The vehicle hydroplaned slightly around a sharp curve. My stomach lurched.

"You're going to get us killed."

"Eleanor bought someone on my primary security detail," Julian said.

His voice was flat. Dead. Entirely laced with paranoia.

He didn't look at me. His eyes were glued to the rearview mirror. Checking for headlights that weren't there.

"Marcus, Thomas, Lucas... I don't know who it is. But someone told her about Miller. Someone is feeding her my schedules. My movements. Everything."

"So your solution is to kidnap me and drag me into the wilderness?" I snapped. The sheer terror of the situation finally breaking through my shock.

The rain pounded on the roof like bullets.

"I am not kidnapping you, Clara!" Julian roared.

His hand came off the steering wheel to slam hard against the center console. The sound cracked through the car.

He veered the SUV off the main highway. Cutting onto a gravel road that led deeper into the dense pine forest.

Trees closed in around us. Swallowing the light.

"I am separating the asset from the threat," he said through gritted teeth. "That's military protocol. That's what you do when your perimeter is compromised."

He glanced at me finally. His gray eyes were wild.

"She threatened your mother. She threatened you. As long as you are in that city, she can touch you. Out here, she has to come through me first."

"And what about the diary?" I whispered. My voice was cracking. "The real ledger she wants? If I don't give it to her, she'll pull the plug at the hospital."

The mention of my mother made my chest tighten. The guilt was choking me.

Julian's jaw clenched. He said nothing for a long moment. Only the sound of rain and gravel.

Then he slammed on the brakes.

The SUV skidded to a harsh stop in front of a dark, isolated log cabin. Hidden beneath a canopy of towering pines.

The engine idled with a heavy rumble. The only light came from the dashboard's dim green glow.

He turned his head to look at me.

The fierce, possessive mania in his gaze made my breath hitch. Like he hadn't slept in days. Like he was running on rage and fear alone.

He unbuckled his seatbelt. The click was loud in the silence.

Then he leaned across the console. Until his face was inches from mine. Trapping me against the passenger door.

"I have already transferred your mother to a private facility," he whispered. His hot breath fanned across my lips. "Under a dummy corporate name. New doctors. New wing. No Sterling ties."

My heart stopped. "What?"

"Eleanor thinks she still controls that board," Julian continued. His voice was low. Intense. "But I bought the debt out from under her an hour ago. While she was in my foyer threatening you."

He reached up. His heavy hand wrapped around the back of my neck. Fingers tangling into my damp hair. Pinning me gently but firmly to the headrest.

"Your mother is safe," he said. "You are safe. But you need to understand something, Clara."

His thumb brushed against my jaw. The touch was almost tender. Almost.

"You don't look to Eleanor for deals," he growled low in his throat. "And you don't look to your little journalist friend for rescues."

His eyes flashed. A terrifying, consuming ownership burning in them.

"I am the only one who dictates your fate now. The only one who can protect you."

He leaned in closer. His forehead pressed against mine.

"You belong in this cage with me," he whispered. "And I am never letting anyone hurt you again."

The rain continued to pour outside.

And for the first time since this started, I believed him.

Because the poison was in the well.

And Julian had just pulled me out.