She didn't care. "Stop looking at me like that. I'm not helping you."
"I just want Jacob to feel better."
With Leila's blessing, the women grew bolder.
"Come with me, handsome!"
"I've got money, sweetie. I can pay your bill for you!"
"No, no—come with me. I'm prettier than her."
They ordered the guards to hold me down while they tore at my clothes.
I struggled with everything I had. The men in the room burst out laughing.
I memorized every one of their faces. "You think this is funny? In a few minutes, you'll be the joke."
"And you." I looked at Jacob.
He spat at me. "Strip him. Time's up. No more stalling—"
He didn't finish.
The doors flew open. A squad of men in black suits stormed in, moving with military precision. They took down the guards surrounding me one by one.
Then came Gavin Mercer—the most powerful bank executive in Capital City. He strode in carrying a briefcase, his face carved with an intensity that could freeze the room.
"Mr. Dickerson, I've brought the money for you. Glad I wasn't late!"
