Chapter 495
Chapter 495:
“I’m Commander Kael,” the man said, his voice a low rumble. “New Head of Security. Mr. Graves warned me you were slippery p>
He signaled, and four guards stepped out from the shadows behind him.
Skye backed up. “I… I was looking for the bathroom p>
“The bathroom is in the suite,” Kael said, stepping forward. “And the ventilation ducts are not for guests p>
He grabbed her arm. It wasn’t a gentle escort hold. It was a grip meant to hurt, aimed specifically at a pressure point near her elbow.
“You stole something,” Kael said, his eyes flicking to her hand.
Skye froze. He knew.
“Get your hands off me!” she screamed, slapping his hand away. “Lucian will kill you if you touch me p>
“Lucian pays me to secure his assets,” Kael replied calmly. “Not to pamper them p>
He dragged her toward the elevators.
Skye’s mind raced. She had the card. If Kael found it, she was dead. If he took her to Lucian with it, she was dead.
She had to hide it.
The guards moved with the heavy, inevitable momentum of boulders. Skye knew she couldn’t fight them physically. Her hands throbbed with renewed agony, her body exhausted, and the black stilettos Lucian had forced her into made running a fantasy.
She looked at Kael, then at the card clutched in her palm.
“Wait!” Skye gasped, digging her heels into the carpet. “I… I think I’m going to be sick p>
“Hold it,” Kael growled, not slowing his pace.
“If I vomit on this dress,” Skye gagged, feigning a retch, “Lucian will make you lick it up. You know how he is about his aesthetics p>
Kael paused. He knew Lucian’s obsession with perfection. A ruined dress on the “asset” would be a strike against him.
“Fine,” he spat, shoving her toward a door marked STAFF RESTROOM. “You have two minutes. If you’re not out, I’m coming in p>
Skye stumbled into the bathroom. She locked the door and leaned against it, breathing hard.
𝖮𝘳і𝗴𝗂𝗻a𝘭 𝗏𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝗈𝘯 o𝗻 𝗯𝘦.c𝗼𝗆
She looked at the black card. Where could she hide it?
The bandage? No. It was already soaking through with fresh blood; touching it would draw attention.
The shoe? Too risky. If they made her take them off to prevent running…
Her eyes darted to the mirror. She adjusted the bodice of her red dress. It was tight silk, structured with boning. Any hard edge would show through the fabric instantly.
Her hand went to her throat. The qipao had a high, stiff Mandarin collar, reinforced with heavy embroidery and interfacing to keep it upright. It was thick, structured, and sat tight against her neck.
Skye quickly slid the black card vertically inside the collar, behind her neck. The stiff fabric held it in place against her spine. It was uncomfortable—the sharp corner dug into her vertebrae—but the heavy embroidery on the outside completely masked the outline.
“Time’s up!” Kael pounded on the door.
Skye flushed the toilet for effect. She opened the door, holding her stomach.
“I’m ready,” she said weakly.
Kael grabbed her arm again. “Check her p>
One of the guards stepped forward and patted her down. He checked her pockets—she had none—patted her hips, and ran his hands down the sides of her dress.
Skye held her breath as his hand brushed near her neck, but he was focused on her torso and legs.
“Nothing, boss,” the guard said.