“Tell me, Parker, do you care that Sage is fucking someone else?”
Parker glanced at Viktor, then stared straight ahead. “Sage and I aren’t together.”
Viktor looked at me. “Is he telling the truth?”
I gave a jerky nod.
“I suppose there’s an easy way to find out,” Viktor said, returning to the fire. My gut twisted as I watched him again heat the tire iron.
“Please, don’t hurt them again,” I begged through lips gone numb. I had no real hope that he’d listen, but I had to try.
“Oh, this one isn’t for them,” he replied, inspecting the glowing metal. “This one is for you.”
“Don’t even think about it, Viktor,” Parker furiously cried out. “I’ll kill you!”
Viktor ignored him, approaching me until he stood at my side. “He’s not in much of a position to argue, is he, my dear?” he said to me.
I didn’t answer, my eyes glued to the metal. My whole body was quaking in terror.
“Tell me the truth, Parker,” Viktor said loudly. “You still want Sage, don’t you? Tell me the truth or I put out her eye.”
He held the tire iron next to my face and I leaned away, but then was forced back upright by the guard. He forced my head to stay still and I could feel the heat emanating from the tire iron as it moved closer.
“Stop it! Yes! I still want Sage, now stop!”
At Parker’s yell, Viktor froze. I couldn’t breathe. The metal was only an inch from my eye and I didn’t even blink. After a moment, Viktor stepped back and I thought I’d lose control of my bladder, I was so relieved.
Too scared to even cry, I sat in the chair, gasping for breath and shaking from head to toe.
“Let us hear it then,” Viktor said, waving a hand at Parker. “Why let the detective take her?”
Parker’s lips pressed together and I knew he didn’t want to answer.
“Answer or I will not hesitate this time,” Viktor said, raising the tire iron and pointing it at me.
“She loves him.” The words sounded pulled from Parker’s chest. “I let her go because she loves him.”
“A faithless woman.” Viktor looked at me. “Fickle and inconstant in her affections. I would wager she feels nothing for you and enjoys playing the femme fatale, isn’t that right, Sage?”
I shook my head, “No—”
“Don’t lie, Sage,” Viktor interrupted. He looked at the guard. “Cut her bindings.” The man hastened to comply and the ropes fell from my wrists. I rubbed the torn skin, staring warily up at Viktor.
“Give me your hand,” he said.
I hesitated.
“Now!” he yelled.
I jumped and thrust out my left hand. Taking it in his, he turned it palm up.
“For you, I choose Truth,” he said. “Tell me, Sage. Do you love the detective?”
“Y-yes,” I stammered. My hand trembled and he tightened his hold. I glanced at the still-glowing tire iron.
“And Parker? Do you love him, too?”
I glanced over where Parker and Ryker were tied. Both men were watching.
“O-of course I do,” I said, trying to pull my hand away.
“And have you had sex with them both?”
Oh God. This wasn’t how I’d planned on telling Ryker.
“Say the truth …” he prompted, moving the heated iron closer to my palm.
“Yes,” I blurted, keeping my voice down.
“I’m afraid I didn’t hear you. What was that?” The iron was only inches away.
“Yes! I said yes. Now let go of me.”
“Not so fast, my dear,” Viktor said. “Two men have endured great pain because of you. They deserve to know which one you want. So tell me, who shall it be? The detective? Or Parker?”
I stared up at him, aghast. Was he asking so only one wouldn’t be killed? What would happen to the other if I said one of their names?
“I-I don’t know,” I stammered.
“Tsk tsk,” Viktor scolded. “Let me assist you in making up your mind.” Without warning, he pressed the metal into the center of my palm.
I screamed at the pain, excruciating and white hot. Then it stopped.
“That’s just a taste,” Viktor said with a cold smile.
“Stop playing with the girl, Viktor,” Parker called out. “I’m the one who screwed you over. Come play with me instead! Or are you not man enough that you have to pick on little girls?”
Viktor didn’t respond to the taunt.
“Cops will be here any minute, Viktor,” Ryker added. His voice was strained and I knew he had to be in a lot of pain. I was shocked he hadn’t passed out.
“Tell me,” Viktor insisted. “Or I will put a hole in the center of your palm with this.” He brandished the iron. “Choose. Who do you love the most, dear Sage? They deserve to know.”
I frantically shook my head, terrified of what he’d do no matter whose name I said.
“This will be painful, I’m afraid.” He gave a mock sigh of regret and lifted my hand higher.