Corinne (Book One of The Red Diamond Saga) by Jennifer Janne Page B

visit with Aaron, you can do it here.”
    Corinne pursed her lips mildly. “Why? Is he not free to leave?” She waited expectantly for an answer. Conner was briefly at a loss as he tried to summon a good excuse as to why Aaron could not leave.
    “Is he your prisoner?” Corinne pushed; she was not going to give him a moment to think up an excuse.
    “No, of course not.” Conner smirked faintly as he glanced at Aaron's hopeful expression. He could tell that the young man was yearning for the chance to leave. He knew it was a risk, but Conner was masterful at playing the hand that he was dealt. “If you insist, and Aaron agrees.” He smiled charmingly at Aaron. “You two may spend as much time as you like together.”
    Aaron was stunned by his agreement. He did not let himself fully believe it was true. Surely Conner would let them get halfway out of the building, and then send his security to retrieve them, or at least Aaron.
    “Do you want to go with Corinne, Aaron?” Conner asked, showing his teeth as he grinned.
    Aaron's mind filled with dread as he wondered what game Conner was playing. He knew that the moment he agreed to go with Corinne he would be blatantly disobeying Conner, and there would be consequences.
    “Yes.” He said in a trembling tone. A hint of a smile crossed Corinne's lips to see such a strong man quake. To her, Conner did not seem so frightening.
    “Well then, you should pack a bag.” Conner laughed jovially and clapped Aaron on his shoulder as if he was sending him off on a summer vacation.
    “He's Daniel's size.” Corinne pointed out. “I am sure we will have everything he could need.” She grasped her brother's forearm tightly and began to pull him down the hall.
    Abruptly Aaron turned back. “Not without Lisa.” He said in the same moment that he met Conner's eyes, and recognized the power held there. Conner stepped up beside Aaron, and leaned close to him as he whispered.
    “As long as you are outside these walls, Lisa will belong to me.” His voice was too low for Corinne to hear, though she did try to listen. Instead she felt a sudden fear wash through Aaron, as Conner added. “Try me boy, and she will suffer.”
    Aaron swallowed thickly as he lowered his eyes to the floor. He realized now what a grave mistake he had made.
    “I am sorry Conner, I'll stay.” He said reluctantly.
    “Oh no, Aaron. It will be good for you to get out, and have some time with your sister.” Conner's smile was as endearing as ever. “Go, on now, get out of here.”
    Corinne knew something was not right between the two men, but she was not going to wait to figure it out. She tugged at Aaron's arm.
    “Come with me.” She hissed as he resisted. His mind was focused on Lisa. He could not be moved if he did not choose to be. “It's okay.” Corinne promised him and when she tugged on his arm again he allowed her to lead him to the elevator. This time rather than being assaulted from behind, she made it to the elevator.
    When the elevator doors opened, her heart was racing with the expectation of someone harmful standing on the other side. As convincing as Conner's argument had been, she still did not quite trust him, and she could tell that Aaron did not either. Her brother was perfectly silent as they wound their way through the maze of corridors until they reached the front doors.
    Corinne smiled as she saw a figure at the door pounding with all of his might. It was Daniel, who had apparently been released from Conner's control. When he saw Corinne he pounded even harder.
    In his office, far from the scene, Conner struck a button on his desk that allowed the doors to open. Daniel swept Corinne into his arms the moment she stepped outside. Aaron winced at the sunlight as it shone into his face. He was not used to it. He had only been outside during the day a handful of times. When Daniel noticed him, there was no mistaking the similarity of his visage to Corinne's.
    “Aaron?” He asked