“Then why not just release her? Let her come home?”
He shrugged and reached down and picked up a bottle of champagne that sat in an ice bucket at his feet. “It’s just business, Mer. Nothing more. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t still be good friends. In fact, why don’t we have a drink? For old times’ sake.”
“I’d sooner throw myself out of this car.”
“Oh, Mer. Always one for dramatics. But even if I thought that you might, you should know it’s not possible. At this point, the only way you can get out is if someone opens the door from outside the limo. It’s a safety precaution.” He leaned forward and pulled a flute from the bar in front of him and poured a glass, offering it to her.
“No, thank you.” She watched as he took a sip, relishing the taste a little too long. “If you’re not going to take my offer, then what are you going to do with me?”
“You might have considered asking yourself that question before you stepped into my limo tonight. You have to realize that letting you out isn’t a possibility.”
“My only thought was getting to my daughter.” And it still was. Which was why he still had his eyeballs intact.
“Ah. Then you’ll be happy to know you’ll be seeing her soon.” He looked down at his watch. “Things should be starting in about forty minutes. It’s all actually quite thrilling.” It was hard to miss the excitement in his voice, glistening in his eyes as he practically clapped his hands together. “To see what one man values compared to another. But you’ll see soon enough.”
Smiling at her now, he picked up his phone. “Ayman? Yes, it’s Peter. Remember that woman you had inquired about last night? Right, and I told you that she wasn’t part of the lineup. Well, it’s your lucky day, my friend. I’ve acquired her. And I’ll bypass the usual rules of etiquette here, just for you. Interested?” He chuckled. “Yes. And I’ll expect an extra ten for the finder’s fee. Should I arrange for the delivery tonight?”
It was true—she hadn’t given much thought to what would happen if her plan failed. Her only consideration had been in at least being heard, praying that money would win out in the end. But now that she saw how futile her plan was, her heart was racing and she couldn’t stop the chill that came over her. She’d been stupid and rash. Thinking she could take care of this on her own. That she could exert control over a situation she knew nothing about.
Now all she could do was pray that she had some time with her daughter—and some time to think of another way to get them out of this. At least now she knew who had her. And she’d be seeing her soon. Alive.
Peter hung up the phone and took another drink and watched her under a hooded gaze. “You made quite the impression on Ayman last night. When he called me to find out your price, I was a little confused. Until I reviewed the video footage. And there you were, making quite a scene on the floor with that guy. Hell, half the men in the club were jacking off as they watched you two writhing. It definitely whetted my appetite.”#p#分页标题#e#
“You’re not really serious, are you? You’re actually going to sell me? I’m hardly a virgin, or anywhere near eighteen. Isn’t that what your clients like? Poor, weak, and naive young girls who will be helpless victims?”
“Ah. I find it hard to believe you could ever be anyone’s victim, Meredith. Even at eighteen. Your daughter did surprise me, though. I remembered her as a gawky teenager. Frizzy hair. Baby fat. Nothing to look twice at. I couldn’t understand why Bryce was beside himself when they first started dating. Then I caught her at the graduation a few weeks ago. She was stunning. Our little ugly duckling turned into a swan. A pure swan. And that picture of her you flashed on TV yesterday? Pure genius. When my clients saw that pic and your plea, it really bumped up the interest for tonight’s event.”
“You’re disgusting. Don’t you care about what this will do to her? Or even your own son? He really seems to care about her.”
Peter looked bemused. “He does, doesn’t he? Well, he’ll find out soon enough, one piece of ass is as good as another. I’ll find someone suitable to replace her when the time’s right. Are you sure I can’t interest you in some champagne? Might take the edge off for you. Make it easier.”
She ignored him and turned to look out the window.
“Aw. The haughty ice queen.” He set his glass down and slid across the seat so his leg pressed against hers. His hand reached out again, toying with a lock of hair. “You know, as I understand it, Ayman isn’t the most sensitive lover. He likes things rough. Not like me, I assure you.”