Chapter 5

Blair continued, "Everyone has the right to express their feelings. I confessed mine, and he turned me down. I won't push any further. Not now, not ever!" Gregory's brow twitched. Her words stirred an unexpected irritation in him, and beneath that, something that felt a lot like panic. A sudden thought surfaced. It was almost as if Blair was going to leave him. But he quickly dismissed the idea. Blair had been by his side since she was seven. She'd always been obedient, sweet, and never once left, no matter what happened. Why would now be any different? Blair felt like something was stuck in her throat. Still, she forced herself to swallow it down. When she spoke again, her voice trembled slightly. "I no longer have anything to do with the Croft family. Whatever I do from now on has nothing to do with them." She left the Croft residence for the last time that night and returned to her apartment. … A few days later, someone called her. Charlotte Lockhart had fallen at the stables and injured her leg. Blair was asked to come immediately. Charlotte was her only real friend. A little spoiled, sure, but they clicked naturally in every other way. The moment she heard what happened, Blair asked for the address and rushed over. Portwell Stables wasn't open to the public. It was a private retreat for the elite, with an entry fee that could reach seven figures—more than enough to make even the flashiest nouveau riche think twice. Gregory had taken her there a few times. The gate staff recognized her and welcomed her in with flattering eagerness. As soon as she stepped inside, a sharp whistle cut through the air. "Ms. Montez, all alone today?" Jedd Pierson's lazy, arrogant gaze swept over her, lingering in a way that made her skin crawl. Everyone around them knew that Blair was never seen alone. If she showed up, Gregory was usually right beside her. Everyone knew how much he adored her, treating her as if she were the center of his world. Without Gregory watching over her, someone with a face like hers would've been chewed up and spat out a long time ago. But now that she'd cut ties with the Croft family, and Gregory no longer protected her, it was open season. Getting his hands on her wouldn't take much effort at all. Blair didn't recognize the man speaking to her, but the look in his eyes told her everything she needed to know. She ignored him and asked a nearby staff member where Charlotte was. The stables had their own medical wing. Blair had been there a few times before and vaguely remembered the way. But something felt off as the direction the attendant led her in didn't match her memory. She hesitated for a second, suspicion rising, then said casually, "I just remembered I forgot something. You don't need to take me. I'll head there on my own in a bit." The man's polite expression shifted instantly, his smile tight and forced. "What did you forget, Ms. Montez? I can grab it for you so you don't have to go back and forth." That set off alarm bells. Before she could respond, two large men appeared behind her, blocking her exit. Before she could resist, they grabbed her and dragged her into a room. The door slammed shut behind them with a heavy thud. Blair banged on the door with all her strength, her pulse pounding as dread took over. Just as she looked around for a way out, the door creaked open again, and a man stepped inside. Her eyes flew open. It was Jedd, the same man who had spoken to her outside. He had been eyeing Blair for a long time. It was no accident that Charlotte had injured her leg. After all, Jedd had arranged for it to happen. He knew it would bring Blair running. And sure enough, she came just like he knew she would. She walked right into the trap he had set. Originally, Jedd hadn't planned to act so soon. But once Beatrice gave the green light, there was no reason to wait. He pulled out the bottle of wine he had prepared earlier, uncorked it, and poured a full glass. "Gregory doesn't want you anymore, but I do. "Stay with me, and I'll treat you just as well. Maybe even better." Blair knew exactly how dangerous the situation was. Her eyes stayed fixed on the glass in his hand, her mind turning fast. Then, as if something had clicked, she reached out and took the drink. A slow, flirtatious smile curved her lips, and her voice turned soft. "Perfect timing. I was getting thirsty. Let me finish this first, then we can talk." Jedd's eyes burned with excitement and greed, never once leaving her face. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he thought she was stunning. Her skin looked impossibly soft, almost translucent, like it would bruise with the slightest touch. Her delicate features, so finely shaped, gave her a glow that was impossible to ignore. He remembered how she used to smile beside Gregory, laughing like a carefree fawn in the woods. She looked so tender and sweet. But that illusion shattered in an instant. The harmless little fawn had become a wildcat with claws, and she slashed at him without warning. The second Blair's fingers touched the glass, she flung the wine straight into his face. Before he could react, she turned and bolted toward the bathroom. She knew the main door was probably locked. At least, hiding in the bathroom would buy her a moment to think. Her hands trembled as she pulled up her contacts. Her gaze landed on the first number listed—Gregory. He had already cut ties with her. Would calling him even make a difference? "Open the door!" Jedd's voice thundered through the door. Blair could barely breathe from the pressure. He wiped the wine from his face with the back of his hand, letting out a low, mocking laugh. There was nothing gentle in the curve of his mouth, only cruelty. "Be good and open the door yourself. I'll be gentler with you later. Otherwise, don't blame me if you end up dead on that bed." Sweat beaded on Blair's forehead. Her hand trembled, but she still pressed the call button. The call hadn't even fully gone through when the door burst open. Her phone flew from her hand, slamming into the wall. Neither of them noticed that the call had connected just two seconds earlier, and someone had picked up. Jedd grabbed her wrist and slammed her against the sink. He leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear, voice low and vile. "So you like it in here, huh? Should've said something earlier. I'll make it worth your while." Under the dim light, Blair's eyes went wide with fear, her pupils flickered with panic. That frightened look only twisted something darker in him. "Get off me! Don't touch me!" she screamed.