Collared (Captured by the Billionaire #6)(3)
Author: Julia Sykes

Mallory breathed a small sigh of relief.  Maybe Celeste would just take the necklace and let her go.  “I brought your money, if that’s what it you want.  It’s in my purse.”

Celeste raised an eyebrow.  “And where did you come up with five-hundred thousand dollars?”  She asked even as she rummaged through Mallory’s purse, which was still strapped over her shoulder.  Mallory wanted to reach out and slap her across the face, to wipe that smug smile away, but her restraints stopped her short.  Her hands curled to fists, her nails digging into her palms.

Celeste’s eyes widened when she pulled the necklace out of the bag, and she lifted it up to the light of the spare bulb hanging from the ceiling.  She eyed it covetously as it sparkled, throwing back little stars onto her face where the diamonds reflected the light.

“Well, this is a pleasant surprise,” she breathed.  She looked up at Charlie, who was staring at her illuminated visage like she was the most beautiful thing in the world.  “Help me put it on, dear?”  She asked, her tone sweet but her eyes cold.  He rushed to comply, his fingers lingering at her neck as he clasped it at her nape.  Mallory’s blood boiled at the sight of it on Celeste; she wanted to strangle the bitch with it.

“Until we get you a real collar,” Jake had said.  It was more than just a pretty piece of jewelry; it was a symbol of his affection for her.  Mallory yearned to have it back.  But she bit her tongue and schooled her features to an unconcerned mask.  No way was she going to give Celeste the pleasure of seeing her upset.

The blonde ran her long-nailed fingers over the jewels.  “Thanks,” she gloated.  “But I want a tad bit more than this prize.”  She turned her attention back to Charlie.  “He should be back by now.  I think it’s time to call Jake.”

Smiling, she advanced on Mallory.  When she had reached her, she gripped her hair at her scalp and wrenched her head back.  “I think we need to add a touch of drama to this.  He may care for you, but how much are you worth to him, waitress?  You’re going to beg for him to save you,” she whispered evilly.

No way.  Mallory refused to give this bitch anything she wanted.  She pinned Celeste with a stony stare, but said nothing.  The blonde looked into her eyes and saw the resistance there.  Never letting go of Mallory, she reached her hand out to Charlie.

“The knife, please,” she said crisply.

Mallory felt a flutter of fear as she eyed the glinting blade in Celeste’s pale hand.  But she wasn’t going to give in to threats.

“Make the call,” Celeste ordered in a clipped tone.

Charlie fished Mallory’s phone out of her purse and then straightened.  It took him a moment to scroll through her contacts, and then he dialed.  Mallory could hear the phone ringing; he had left it on speakerphone.

It rang once.

“Mallory,” Jake’s voice was warm, clearly pleased that she had called so soon after he arrived home.

Charlie held the voice distorter up to his lips.  “Jake Cleary?”  He asked.

There was a moment of shocked silence.  Then: “Yes?”  His tone was apprehensive.

“I want one-hundred million dollars, or I will kill Mallory Williams.”

Mallory’s eyes bulged.  One-hundred million?!  God, what a fool she had been for thinking that they would be satisfied with five-hundred thousand.

“What?”  Jake’s voice was quiet, strained.

“You heard me, Cleary.  Transfer one-hundred million to my offshore account within the next hour or I’ll kill her.  Slowly.”

“That’s your cue,” Celeste hissed at her, giving a sharp tug on her hair.  Mallory just glared at her, refusing to play her game.

The bitch smiled.  She placed the point of the knife on Mallory’s upper arm.  “Beg,” she whispered.

No.  She had to be bluffing.  She had to-

Mallory’s scream echoed around the small shack as cutting pain ripped through her.  Celeste had plunged the blade an inch into her arm.

“Mallory!”  She heard Jake shout her name.

“Beg,” Celeste hissed, wiggling the blade, tearing at Mallory’s muscle.

She couldn’t take it.  “Jake!”  She screamed as Celeste jerked the blade out, further slicing her skin.

She heard him shout her name again, but it sounded as though it was coming to her through a long tunnel.  Her eyes honed in on the warm, red blood oozing from the deep cut on her arm.  She was starting to feel light-headed; she was going into shock.  She was vaguely aware of Charlie giving the details of the money transfer, of Jake hastily agreeing to the terms.  But they wouldn’t divulge their location until they had gotten the money and gotten as far away from Mallory’s location as possible.

Mallory had no idea how much time had passed; she was lost in a world of pain.  And self-loathing.  She couldn’t believe that she had been so stupid.  She had just walked right into Celeste’s trap, driven there by blind panic for Jake’s safety.  If she had stopped to think for even one minute, it would have been obvious that it was a ruse.

She was jolted out of her reverie by Celeste’s voice.  “What was that?  Did you hear that?”  Her tone was high and nervous.  “Get her up,” she gestured at Charlie.  “We might need to run.”

The tie binding Mallory’s wrists together was suddenly severed, freeing her arms.  But the coolness of the blade was back at her throat once again as she was wrenched to her feet, Charlie’s strong hand gripping her injured upper arm, holding her against him.  Mallory gave a small cry as his palm pressed harshly against her wound.

Then she jumped at a sudden bang as the door was kicked in.  Jake was illuminated by the dim light of the room, his harsh expression made even more fearsome by the shadows that fell under his brows, hooding his eyes.  He was glorious in his rage.  And he was pointing a gun directly at Celeste’s icy heart.

Chapter 3

Jake’s brows rose in slight surprise as he recognized Mallory’s kidnapper.  “Celeste,” his tone was clipped.  “What the f**k are you doing?”

“Lower your gun, or he’ll slit her throat,” Celeste’s voice was a hiss, but it was colored with alarm.  Her eyes were locked on Jake’s gun.  Charlie’s grip on Mallory’s injured arm increased, and she gave an involuntary whine of pain.