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DEE PUSHED RAKE ASIDE and ran into the bedroom. “Lydia?”
“Dee?” Lydia shoved the breakfast tray from her lap and ran into her sister’s arms. “Oh, Dee!”
Dee swung her around, examining her. “Did they hurt you?”
“No.” Lydia swallowed, taking a deep breath. “You shouldn’t have come. Jonathan will never let you go now.”
“You’re my little sister.” Dee held Lydia’s face. “I don’t care if I have to stay here the rest of my life, I’d do anything to save you.”
“What about the baby? Is it okay?”
“I’m fine.” Dee hugged her and kissed her cheek.
Lydia’s lips trembled. “I can’t believe Jonathan faked his death to get you back.”
Dee turned to Rake. “I’m here so let her go.”
He snorted, eyebrows wiggling. “That’s not my decision.”
Jonathan waltzed inside and the tiny hairs on Dee’s arms stood. “Hello, Deidra.”
“You.” She charged him. “I’m here you son of a bitch. Let Lydia go and we’ll settle this you and me.”
“That fire.” He caught strands of Dee’s hair between his fingers. “That’s why I can’t get enough of you.”
“I warned you, you fuck with my sister and that’s it.” She slapped his hand away. “Let Lydia go right now.”
“No.” Lydia moved beside Dee. “I’m not leaving you either.”
“What?” Dee grabbed her. “You’re getting your narrow, black ass on that jet. I’m not playing with you.”
“I’m not going.”
“Goddamn it, Lydia. This is a very dangerous situation.”
She crossed her arms, batting her eyes. “That’s why I can’t leave you.”
“Lydia.” Dee held her palms together. “After Dad died, I promised I’d let nothing happen to you. I can take care of Jonathan.”
He smirked. “The pleasure would be all mine.”
“This is my fight, baby girl.” Dee stroked Lydia’s cheeks. “Let me do this my way.”
Lydia glanced at Rake and Jonathan.
“Please.” Dee shut her eyes. “If I know you’re out of this mess, it’ll make everything much easier.”
Lydia blubbered, holding her mouth. “If something happens to you, I won’t make it.”
Jonathan’s face contorted with what might’ve been sympathy.
“I love you.” Dee put her damp mouth to Lydia’s lips. “I got this.” She peered at Jonathan. “What the hell are you looking at? Make the arrangements and get her out of here.”
Jonathan cocked his head to the side. “Nah.”
“What?” Dee let Lydia go. “I’m here so let her go.”
He walked in a circle, holding his hands behind his back. “I’d like Lydia to stay and partake in the plans I have for all of us.”
“You bastard.” Dee jumped at him. “You said you’d let her go when I came. I’m here so let her go!”
“I changed my mind.” He flicked lint off the shoulder of his black shirt. “I want Lydia to become a part of The Circle.”
Lydia’s breath caught in her throat. “You promised.”
Jonathan pursed his lips, staring at Dee. “I lied.”
“You motherfucker.” Dee pounced on him, smacking and scratching his face. “Let her go. Let her go!”
“Ah.” Jonathan stumbled back, blocking her punches. “That fire! Ha, ha! Oh, we need more of that around here. Get her, Rake.”
Rake grabbed Dee around her waist.
“Let me go!” Dee kicked and spit at Jonathan. “I hate you. You won’t get away with this!”
“Well.” He straightened his collar. “This isn’t how I hoped our reunion would be but it’s exciting.”
Dee scuffled with Rake, trying to get to Jonathan. “You’re gonna die for real!”
“I want you both.” He sauntered to the door. “I suggest you calm down, Deidra. Think about the baby. Let’s let the sisters have time alone, Rake.”
Rake walked to the door and stopped beside Jonathan.
“Jonathan, please.” Dee sniffled. “Let Lydia leave. I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Dee.”
“Jonathan.” Dee stuck her hand in Lydia’s face to silence her. “I’ll do whatever you want. I will be Head Mistress.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“I’ll be whoever you want me to be but please if you have any decency in you let my sister go. She has nothing to do with this.”
“On the contrary, Deidra.” He ogled Lydia, licking his lips. “We’re all going to live happily ever after in The Circle. I’ll be back once you’ve calmed down.”
“No!” Dee ran to the door as he closed it. “Jonathan!” She slid to her knees. “Let Lydia go, please! I’m begging you. Please!”
Lydia knelt beside Dee, pulling her into her arms.
“He’ll pay for this,” Dee whispered. “With every inch of his life.”