A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 116

All she could do was cling to the last shreds of consciousness and press the thin

silver needle beneath her skin.

When Elissa finally woke, she found herself sprawled on a hotel bed, her limbs heavy and useless. The room was empty except for her.

There was no time to think. Instinctively, she fumbled for her phone and dialed the number etched into her memory.

She forced herself upright, struggling for strength, and had barely swung her legs off the bed when the door swung open.

Slate strolled in with that familiar, careless swagger. He looked surprised to see her awake. “Impressive for a med student. That sedative should’ve kept you out for hours, and you’re up already?”

Elissa realized the needle had done its job–just barely.

Still, the drug was strong enough to sap every ounce of strength from her body. Escape was impossible.

He was determined not to give her the slightest chance to get away.

Elissa kept her hands hidden beneath the blankets, wary eyes fixed on Slate. “What do

you want, Slate?!”

He raised his brows, grinning as he sauntered closer. “Isn’t it obvious?”

Elissa glared at him, her voice cold and raw. “You’re insane!”

Slate clicked his tongue, feigning disappointment. “If I’d known you’d sound this sweet, even after a dose like that, I wouldn’t have waited all these years.”

He leaned down, breathing in the scent of her hair, his desire barely contained. “Even your hair smells incredible, little dove.”

“Rowan and Frank are still downstairs!” Elissa’s voice shook, but she forced herself to sound strong.

Slate just smirked, determined and utterly shameless. “So what? The elevator’s been out for three minutes. We’re on the twenty–first floor.”

“By the time they climb up here, I’ll be done with you.”

Slate had pulled stunts like this before.

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If every affair had to be some mutual dance, what was the thrill in that?

Everyone knew Frank’s heart belonged elsewhere. For the sake of the Murphy and Atwater families‘ future partnership, there was no way he’d risk it all for a wife in name only.

As for Rowan–Slate feared him, sure. But even Rowan would have to get past Grandma if he wanted to kill him.

Worst case? A brutal beating. But Slate didn’t care. As long as he got what he wanted.

His obsession with Elissa had become an addiction–the less he could have her, the more desperate he became.

The auction had just ended, and the host was buttering Rowan up when his phone

buzzed.

Rowan’s brows drew together in a barely perceptible frown. He was about to answer when the call abruptly cut off.

His expression darkened. Without a word, he turned and strode out, dialing the number back. No answer–her phone was off.

“What’s wrong, sir?” lan, Rowan’s right hand for years, immediately sensed something was off.

Rowan’s voice was low and sharp. “Have you seen her?”

lan instantly knew who he meant. “I saw Miss Elissa about ten minutes ago heading toward the elevators. She should’ve left by now.”

He hesitated. “But…”

“Out with it!” Rowan barked.

“She seemed…off. Rushed. Like something was wrong.” The more lan thought about it, the more uneasy he felt.

Just then, Frank and Marcia emerged from the hall. Frank caught the tension in the air. “What’s going on?”

Rowan fixed him with a hard stare. “Has Elissa called you?”

Beside him, Marcia’s heart leapt into her throat.

She’d planned everything to perfection–except for Rowan showing up at the auction

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Chapter 116

today.

Her reputation for ruthlessness preceded her, but it took all her willpower to remain calm and not give herself away.

Then, remembering something, she allowed herself a cold, secret smile.

So what if Elissa was missing? No matter how frantic they were, Elissa was doomed

tonight.

Frank checked his phone and shook his head. “No.”

Rowan’s face was like stone. He didn’t hesitate. “Get Evan to lock down the entire hotel and pull up the security footage. You–take a team and search every floor!”

Chapter 11

Chapter 117