"Then so be it. It's better to try and fail than leave one's life up to nothing but fate."
My head hurt. This was too much to take in, especially when I was feeling foggy to begin with. But my anger was fading and being replaced again by uncertainty and a dark hunger.
I clenched my fists at my sides. "And if I do this you swear you won't hurt anyone I know."
He smiled. "Cross my heart and hope to die."
I had no choice. He wasn't giving me any damn choice.
"Then we'll meet again in two weeks," I said. "At the full moon."
"You'll do it?"
"It would be my pleasure to sink my teeth into your neck, Gideon. And I wouldn't say that about just anybody." I held my hand out. "Now, give me back the chain."
"Two weeks is a very long time." His gaze on me was steady. "A long time for you to go blabbing your pretty little head off to your darling boyfriend about my plans."
I dropped my outstretched hand. "And let me guess, if I say anything, you'll have everyone killed."
"Of course. But I want a show of faith from you. I want you to do something for me tonight."
"Sorry. Only one lap dance per customer per night. Those are the rules."
His smile grew. "That's not what I had in mind. It has more to do with Thierry."
My eyes narrowed. "What about him?"
"You're in love with him?"
"Is that a rhetorical question?"
"I have observed this relationship and have been very surprised that it has lasted, given the difficulties you've encountered."
"What's your point?"
"My point is that it is a good way for me to know how devoted you are to our little deal.
This relationship that you value so highly, that you have already sacrificed so much for."
He paused. "I want you to end things with him."
I blinked. "I'm sorry?"
"Break off your relationship and promise me you'll never see him again. Ever. It is the best way for me to see that you understand our agreement and will honor it. Besides, having
Thierry too close, information could be whispered in intimate moments. Secrets could be told. And if he knows, then all bets are off. All those you love will die. So this is for your benefit as well as mine."
"Go to hell."
He touched his scarred face. "That's what I'm trying to avoid."
"I'm not breaking up with Thierry. Besides, he wouldn't believe it. He knows how much I love him."
"My research reveals that you were once an aspiring actress, Sarah. I suggest you use that talent to make it as real as possible. He will believe you. It's not as though it's been a long-
term relationship. There are issues. He knows this. I'd be surprised if, given his history, he raises one finger to help salvage your love affair or tries to talk you out of your decision.
The man has no passion for life, which is one of the reasons I've allowed him to live for as long as he has, hidden away in his secret clubs. I believe I'm actually doing you a favor."
"You're insane."
"This is how it is, Sarah. You will do this because I'm not giving you any other choice.
You will end things with Thierry permanently tonight and you will not see him again. By doing so you are saving the lives of all those you love—including Thierry. I think it's a very even trade."
My throat felt tight. "You think this is fair?"
He studied me for a moment and then ran his hand along the ruined side of his face. "I'll tell you what. If Thierry actually puts up a fight, if he really loves you as much as you think he does, then maybe I'll reconsider. But if you don't even try to do as I ask or attempt to pass him the message that I have anything to do with this, then we have a very serious problem."
I opened my mouth to say something, to tell him off, but he stopped me with a wave of his hand.
"We're finished here. Do as I say. And make no mistake, I will know if you've reneged on our deal and will react accordingly." His smile twisted into something very unpleasant. "So make it good." He patted my cheek and then placed the gold chain into my hand.
I snarled and lunged at him, but felt the sharp pain as another garlic dart hit me at point-
blank range. I yanked it out of my stomach and glared at him.
Fade to black.
When I woke, Gideon was gone and I was all alone in the factory. He'd even taken the surveillance photos away. I would have liked to pretend that it had all been a horrible dream, but I knew it wasn't. My dreams lately ended much worse than this.
I shakily got to my feet and brushed myself off. I still felt unsteady but it wasn't from the lack of consciousness. It was because I wasn't wearing the chain that now lay on the concrete floor next to me. I took a moment to put it on and slipped it under my cashmere sweater so that it rested directly against my skin. Immediately I felt better as my heartbeat slowly started up again and the hunger faded away to nearly nothing.
I stood there for a few more minutes as I replayed my conversation with Gideon in my head. I suppose I could ignore his warnings and tell Thierry everything. He'd know what to do. He might be able to protect everyone.
Might.
And what did I have to go by? Gideon's word? I didn't know him. All I had was his reputation. The reputation of a cold-hearted killer who was now out of options and willing to do whatever it took to get what he wanted.
From where I was standing, it didn't look like a multiple-choice questionnaire. Gideon had been very clear about what he wanted from me. I suppose, if anything, I should be thankful that he hadn't killed anyone that I cared about yet to prove his point.
So yeah. I would do what I had to do to keep those I cared about safe. It wasn't even a question.
I was an actress. Forget all the ensuing years in which I'd done everything from being a personal assistant who fetched coffee to being a waitress and bartender who… well, fetched coffee.
Did I think that Gideon would hold true to his promise and kill everyone if I didn't do what he said?