Bound: The Pentagon Group, Book 3 by Rosemary Rey Page A

There’s no ability to call in or out. We are incommunicado.”
    “That is fuckin’ absurd!”
    “Does Matt like hearing your dirty mouth?”
    “Yeah. In and out of bed.”
    We eyed each other. Both of us panted from the argument and the stifling heat of the night.
    “Seriously. I’ve wired the region for the residents, to communicate with one another and for emergency response, but there are no phones.”
    “If you expect me to believe you could completely make this a telephone free zone, I have a bridge to sell you.”
    “This is supposed to be an escape from a very chaotic personal and professional life. I don’t want any disturbances or distractions from my unplugged time. I come here to relax and not continuously handle work. No one knew this place existed. How Aida found out and invaded my sanctuary is unclear, but the only person who matters is here now, and I don’t want anything to disrupt our time together.”
    His voice had lowered and slowed as he stared into my eyes.
    “Surely you can find me a cell phone? I have a phone in my purse, which the police might have.”
    “No,” he shrugged.
    “Well, then I’m not staying.”
    “You have no choice. You’re staying.”
    “So, now I’m being held captive. Now, there’s no chance for you to convince me of anything, Brady. I don’t feel safe here with you.”
    I turned to walk back to the house. Brady tugged my wrist, pulling me to return to stand before him. He loosened his grip, holding me still.
    “In a few days, you go back home to your life and career in Boston. If you choose Matt, no repercussions for him or Pentagon,” he said. “But we do this my way, or I will not make it easier for either of you when we return,” he finalized.
    I trembled slightly, feeling imprisoned by the man who saved me from certain death. Brady was capitalizing on an opportunity given to him by Aida and her goons, and I realized neither of us would ever have closure if I didn’t comply with his demands, no matter how deplorable.
    “If I choose neither of you, I want to live my life in peace without either of you interfering.” I said.
    “And if you choose me?” He asked hopefully.
    I hadn’t entertained the thought.
    “I can’t speak for Matt and how he’ll react. I guess if I do choose you, then there will be a lengthy list of demands on how we’ll proceed. I assure you, Brady, I won’t make it easy for you. You have a lot to make up to me. I’m not sure you’re up to the task.”
    “Obviously Perla, you have yet to fathom how far I’d go for you.”
    I shivered as his words pierced through me like a lightning rod. I turned and pulled my arm out of his grip, walking into the house to seek refuge in the compound he built for me.
     
    *****
     
    At the top of the stairs, I was greeted by the young maid and a man. “Is Don Shay, behind you? The doctor is here to look both of you over,” she said in Spanish.
    “I’m sure he’s on his way back in. I’m okay, I don’t need any attention.”
    “Are you sure Doña? Don Shay was very clear he wanted to make sure you are well,” he queried, eyeing me.
    “I assure you, I’m fine,” I repeated. “Which room am I staying in?” I directed at her in her native tongue.
    Behind me, Brady responded in perfectly accented Spanish, “Did the investigators finish in the suite in the west wing, Amaryllis?”
    She nodded, looking downward as she rung her hands. I turned to look at him. He gave me a thin lipped smile.
    “It is ready for her, Don Shay,”
    “Please take her there. I’ll be with the doctor,” he ordered.
    I was astonished by his fluency and comfort with speaking Spanish. While I knew Matt was fluent in Spanish, we rarely spoke to each other in the language. To know Brady built a home in the Spanish speaking country and spoke the local language was impressive and endearing. I smiled as I turned to follow Amaryllis.
    When we entered the room, she stated, “I’ve put all your things in the