Uncovering You 5: Confessions by Scarlett Edwards Read Free Book Online Page A

you to enjoy yourself. Just use your common sense, Lilly, and we’ll avoid any accidents.
    “Now, obviously, I don’t have the time nor the inclination to listen in on your every word today, or tomorrow, or any other day this trip. That’s why the task has been relegated to Rose.” His eyes move up to meet mine. “I assure you,” he says softly, “you do not want to test her loyalty to me. If you do…” He pauses. “The result will be very unpleasant. For both of you.”
    I clear my throat and look out the window. Rose will be the one spying on me? Well, things could certainly be worse.
    Although, I guess that in a way, that limits what I can do, knowing Rose will bear the brunt of the blame if anything goes wrong is a stronger deterrent than the collar itself.
    I turn back to him. “I understand, Jeremy. Thank you for informing me of your—” I stall. “—Precautions.”
    “Of course,” he says. “You must know the parameters governing your behavior for this trip if you are expected to remain within them.” He reaches out to take my hand. I stop myself from recoiling just as his fingers brush over mine. “Don’t do anything that would displease me, and this trip can be quite prosperous for both of us.”
    With that, he opens the door, and steps out onto the busy downtown street in front of a spiraling steel and glass tower.
    “You’ll be brought to the hotel, where you will remain until evening. If you prefer, I’ve given permission to the driver to chauffer you around the city. You’re not to leave the car, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do some sightseeing from the back.”

Chapter Seven

    The thrill of being in a new city is somewhat diminished by the fact that I can experience it only from the back of a vehicle.
    Still, I have little reason to complain. Stonehart went over the rules without being overtly unpleasant. Even if I don’t like them very much, I understand the need to establish boundaries beforehand. Initial parameters are essential to ensure compliance of both parties in the agreement.
    Jesus . I stop short. I’m starting to sound like Stonehart!
    Focus, Lilly. Think! I tell myself. You’re out of the mansion. Look for an escape!
    But is escape even possible now? The collar is still around my neck. The brooch has a GPS chip so that Stonehart can track me wherever I go. I look at the door handle. Undoubtedly, it’s locked. I can’t just plunge out of the car into city traffic.
    And even if I could… what would I do then? The collar would send me thrashing to the ground in moments. It would cause a scene in public. For any onlooker it would look like I’m having a seizure. I’d pass out. Somebody would probably call the paramedics. Then I’d wake up in a hospital wing somewhere, safe and far away…
    No. Not safe. Not far away. Stonehart would find me. He would be furious. I’ve seen the extent of his anger.
    I sigh and settle back. I cannot run yet. I need to bide my time and wait for the perfect opportunity. I cannot do it blind.
    Besides, I want more than to simply escape. I want to get back at Stonehart for everything he’s done to me. I need to get back at Stonehart for everything he’s done to me. To have the opportunity, I need to stay close to him.
    I spend the next hour or so directing the driver through the streets. Portland is quite small for a major city. It has a certain antiquity that I imagine would be quite charming… if I could experience it from outside the car.
    In time, I get bored of sitting in the back. I want to stretch my legs. I ask the driver to bring me to the hotel.
    It takes ten minutes to get there. My mind wanders to the conversation Stonehart and I had last night. It was the most honest I’ve ever seen him.
    Or maybe not. It’s difficult to tell when the man is being honest. He sounded sincere, sure, but maybe the entire thing was another attempt at manipulation.
    We arrive at the hotel. It’s an upscale place—obviously. In the