was relying on to hold him up, but he jumped up to avoid it. He didn’t make
another move as I quickly stood back up, my hands at the ready.
And then he started the real attacks. He made quick strikes to my head and
body, which I was able to block and counter with my own. For every kick and punch
he made, my feet remembered exactly how and when to move, the momentum of
my maneuvers capable of dodging his advances like the goddamn professional I
was. Adrenaline rushed through me like the drug I desperately depended on, my
strength and speed increasing with each breath I took. My reflexes were just as
sharp as I began to anticipate his moves, my eyes focused on the slightest twitch of
his body.
Scott’s fighting style and techniques were almost the exact same as Darren’s,
and I imagined it was because they trained together. Scott even held back the same
way Darren did. I could feel it in his strikes. Though I knew Scott wasn’t going to
hurt me, I didn’t give a shit about not hurting him, and when my scorpion kick
connected with his face, a smile left my mouth when I watched blood drip from the
corner of his lips. He stumbled back a bit, absolutely stunned yet … prideful.
“I’m ready to leave the island,” I stated, my shoulders square as I narrowed my
gaze on him.
He smiled, a small chuckle rolling up his throat as he wiped the blood from his
mouth with his thumb. “Finally,” he said, and then he left without another word.
I turned to the sound of Holly clapping for me as she nearly jumped up and down
with excitement. “Holy cow, Jaden! I had no idea you could fight like that! That kick
was amazing!”
I took a deep breath and slowly released it, feeling the adrenaline rush through
my veins. “God, that felt good,” I whispered aloud.
“I’ll bet! You are officially the coolest chick I have ever met!”
I scoffed. “I think you need to get out more,” I said with a laugh as I grabbed my
bottle of water and downed it.
“I’m serious! Absolutely incredible, Jaden.”
“Thanks,” I said with a small smile, unraveling the pink wraps around my
hands. “I’m going to go clean up. I’ll see you later.”
After being escorted back to my suite, I took a long, hot shower to calm my
nerves. What if I told Darren I was ready to leave, and he decided I’d stay on the
island anyway? What if he never let me leave the island? I doubted it. Being out
here had to make things more difficult for him to manage his organization.
Returning home for good would make this easier for him, right? I just hoped Holly
would be free and clear to leave, even with all of her digging. I thought I did a pretty
good job at quashing it, and I hoped it stayed that way.
When I was done with my shower, I dolled myself up, knowing what I was likely
to do later. I chose a white strapless layered sundress and added a little curl to my
hair. I even threw on a little makeup and some perfume. In my strappy silvery-gold
sandals, I paced the room, my arms folded over my chest as I contemplated how
soon we might leave the island once I told him I was ready. I also wondered what
kind of world I’d come back to. Would things be even more strict than they already
were? Would there be new rules? Would I have to wear my cuffs again? Darren had
said he had a new curriculum for me, and I feared what it might be.
Once we left the island, I’d likely be entering a whole new world compared to the
one I ran from. And I was sure it was going to be far worse than my island treatment
considering I’d have better access to certain resources on the mainland that I didn’t
have on the island. Darren couldn’t afford to give me a single centimeter to gain an
opportunity to try to overthrow him. It was all about control with him, so I could
kiss whatever “freedoms” I’d had before goodbye.
Fuck. This was going to suck.
Eventually, I was finally escorted to the dining room where I waited for Darren to
arrive. My heart fluttered while I wiped my sweaty palms against my legs. I didn’t
know why I was so nervous, especially since I was sure Scott had informed Darren
what he probably already knew. After a few minutes, I notice Hank turn his head as
if he were listening to something in his earpiece.
Goddammit.
“I’m sorry, Miss Jaden. Mr. Davis will not be able to join you tonight. He is being
held up.”
I clenched my teeth in aggravation. I fucking knew this was going to happen.
“Could you at least get a message to him that I need to speak with him the
moment His Majesty is available?” I growled in irritation.
“I will let him know,” Hank said with a nod.
“Thank you.”
After finishing my dinner alone, I
