ASHTON’S CHOPPER HOVERED over the bay, and he watched with his own eyes as his container was lowered onto the cargo freighter. The red box was one of three thousand Lego pieces stacked on that ship. His just happened to be right on the outside so he could make sure he saw it leave the bay, and he would see it arrive in London.

He didn’t head to the airport until he saw the ship pull anchor and head into open waters.

“The plane is waiting, sire,” Xavier reminded him through the headphones.

Ashton nodded and the chopper swirled around to head back inland.

Foolish girl. He wished she had chosen differently. The back of the jet held a comfortable bed and he would’ve liked to get her in it—forced or not, he didn’t care. She was beautiful, though foolish.

Out the window of his plane, the world grew smaller and the ocean took over the land.

“You know he will eat them both after eighteen days.” Xavier leaned his head over. “You didn’t put the wards on his cage. It’s only a matter of time before he breaks out.”

Ashton smiled his most charming smile at the stewardess who brought him a glass of whiskey. “That’s the plan.”

The busty blonde bent over to hand him the drink, purposely giving him a view down her shirt. “My Prince.”

“Thank you.” He winked at her.

“If there’s anything I can do for you, all you have to do is ask.”

“How very kind, beautiful lady. Very kind indeed.” Ashton glanced over at Xavier, who was licking his lips as he examined her backside. “You know, my friend here is a world renowned warrior. Perhaps you could show him some of your kindness. I happen to know he loves blondes.”

She turned around and held out her hand to Xavier. “Come, warrior, I have something to show you in the back.”

Xavier, being the good little bitch that he was, looked to Ashton, who nodded and saluted with his glass. The two of them disappeared into the bedroom and only moments later, he could hear the giggles and moans. He would be well taken care of.

There was no better way to seal a man’s loyalty than to give him what he desired and remind him who supplied it. For Xavier, it was women and power, and the ability to break the rules beaten into him by the gods and the Thracian teachers who had trained him all those years ago. He had married because he wanted a woman, he’d grown as a Thracian because he wanted power. Two things Ashton had in abundance. Now that Xavier’s desire for other women was out in the open, he could use the information.

“You’re all alone, my Prince.” Another busty woman in uniform came towards him. Her dark hair flowed around her shoulders. This was why he hired them, to keep him occupied on long journeys. “I think you need some company.” She unbuttoned her shirt and Ashton observed the scene, growing harder with each button she loosened. Yes, he had more women than he knew what to do with.

“I think I need you on your knees.”

As her head bobbed up and down between his legs, Ashton sipped his whiskey and thought about the Nadal girl. He’d left her with no food, one jug of water, a half dead Thracian, and a flesh eating monster that was bound to figure out how to escape his cage. He still had no teleporter, but at least the teleporter would suffer, thinking she could have saved her sister. There was a sense of victory in that.

Odd, he almost hoped she lived.