Captive (The Phantom Series Book 1)

by Jenny Lynn

  “Do you think I’m worried about that? I buy and sell police and judges in this city. I have ways to make people disappear that you couldn’t even fathom. And that’s what’s going to happen, you’re going to disappear Ella and no one is going to question it. They’ll never link your corpse to me, I’ve done it too many times. I’m too good.”

  “Like Beckett Carter’s parents? You had them killed when they stood in the way of a development you had planned, didn’t you?”

  Marco looked shocked for a moment, then smiled.

  “I’m impressed Ella. I don’t know how you figured that out when their son and I exchanged idle chatter earlier and he was none the wiser. You’re good at what you do. Unfortunately for you, you’re too good, and I can’t have that. So first I’m going to take care of you, then my men have the Phantom who was stupid enough to try to come here tonight tied up in my basement. Tonight I eliminate two of my problems, permanently.”

  I gasped, my hands over my mouth. This meant he had caught Beckett and he was going to die. We were both going to die. I rushed forward trying to dodge Marco’s large frame and felt my fingers close around the door handle before my body was pulled backwards. I fell against the floor, feeling my ribs crash against the hard floor and force the air from my lungs. I kicked and struggled as Marco sat on me and reached forward, wrapping his fingers around my neck.

  I gasped and squirmed but he was too strong, his fingers pressing down harder on my throat cutting off the supply of air.

  “Stop struggling and just give in,” his voice was venom in my ears. “In a few minutes it will all be over.”

  I thrashed, opening my mouth but no air could pass through to my burning lungs. My eyes were watering and everything was getting blurry as my hands scrambled over the floor looking for anything I could defend myself with but coming up empty. I felt my limbs going weak, my movements slower, as my eyes started to close. Marco’s evil, triumphant glare was the last thing I saw before everything went black.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Beckett

  I strolled casually out the bathroom, heading back the way I came. I watched from the corner of my eye as the man from the bathroom resumed his post on the steps, blocking anyone from going upstairs. As the other man was walking away he did a double take, reached over and pulled the black fabric from bathroom man’s back pocket. His eyes widened when he realized what it was, the unmistakable trademark of the Phantom, and as bathroom man looked puzzled the other man grabbed him and shouted for the men by the door.

  A few curious onlookers turned their heads as two men led a confused bathroom man away, out of view through a side door, as one man headed up the stairs likely to report what had just happened to his boss. The distraction over, the party resumed and people fell back into inane conversation. The man went up the stairs and to the left. Perfect, now I knew exactly where to look for Marco. I picked up a glass of champagne and stood near the edge of the crowd, pretending to watch the band with interest, waiting for my moment. It didn’t take long, three men walked down the stairs taking them two at a time and went into the side door.

  I placed my drink down on a table and looked both ways before rushing up the steps. I stopped at the edge, looking around the corner. There was one man standing outside on guard at a door where I bet my ass Marco was hiding. I smiled. One guard? Piece of fucking cake. Pulling my spare mask from inside my jacket I yanked it over my head, then paused. Taking a cufflink off, I thrust my arm around the wall and tossed it down the hall. I waited one second, two, three as the guard became distracted then walked over. When he bent down to pick it up I ran towards him before he could react, reaching him as his hand dipped into his jacket and connecting his face with my knee. I hit his head hard, then tossed him against the wall where he crumpled to the floor and lay still. Problem solved.

  My body was humming as I grabbed the door handle, adrenaline pumping for what was about to happen next. I wouldn’t take my time this time, I would be quick and lethal. It would all be over soon. When the door swung open though, the scene before me was the last thing I expected to see. Ella was lying still on the floor, Marco straddling her with his hands around her neck. My blood, that had been burning only seconds before, turned to ice.

  No, no, no.

  “What have you done?” I growled, stepping in and closing the door behind me. Marco looked up and his eyes widened in surprise.

  “You-they have you tied up downstairs,” he sputtered.

  “Wrong fucking guy,” I seethed, stepping forward as he stumbled back. I reached down and felt Ella’s wrist. There was a pulse, thank God. It was weak, but she was still alive. I would get her help as soon as I was done. If I didn’t want to kill Marco Venetti before, I sure as shit wanted to now.

  He crawled on his hands and feet backwards, pulling open a drawer in his desk and scrambling around. I jumped over the desk with ease, kicking the drawer closed on his hand and hearing the most satisfying crack as his wrist broke. Marco’s face drained of color and he screamed. I punched him across his jaw, his scream dissolved into a low howl.

  “Not so loud,” I crooned. “I wouldn’t want anyone to hear you and disturb us.”

  “You-you’re fucking dead,” Marco spat, pulling his injured hand against his body.

  I ripped my bowtie from my neck, stretching it to reveal the thin black wire. Marco’s eyes bulged as he tried to drag himself backwards.

  “I learnt my lesson last time Marco. No small talk this time, giving your goons time to come and look for you. You thought you were invincible. You killed without repercussions. That all ends tonight.”

  I wrapped the wire around his neck and dragged him to his feet, pulling tight. I felt him gurgle and gasp, thrashing his arms and legs, but my biceps were strained tight holding the wire that would end his life. The wire that would finally give me back mine. A small voice made me turn my head.

  “Wait-stop,” a low croak as Ella rubbed her throat, struggling to her feet. “You don’t have to do that.”

  Fuck. I didn’t want to do this in front of her, but I was running out of time. It was now or never. I wouldn’t get another chance like this again.

  “This needs to be done. He’s killed, he’ll kill again and again. He tried to kill you.”

  She was in front of me now, her eyes darting from Marco to me, pleading.

  “He won’t, he can pay for his crimes in jail.”

  I laughed as Marco thrashed, shaking my head.

  “This is the only justice men like Marco can ever face.”

  I held the wire tighter as Ella dropped to the floor, scrambling, looking for something. She pulled out something from her clutch and held it up to me.

  “No, it isn’t. Listen.”

  She pressed a button, then held the device up to me. That’s when I noticed it was some sort of personal recording device. She pressed a button and I recognized her voice… and Marco’s. I loosened my grip slightly on the wire while I listened.

  “Do you think I’m worried about that? I buy and sell police and judges in this city. I have ways to make people disappear that you couldn’t even fathom. And that’s what’s going to happen, you’re going to disappear Ella and no one is going to question it. They’ll never link your corpse to me, I’ve done it too many times. I’m too good.”

  “Like Beckett Carter’s parents? You had them killed when they stood in the way of a development you had planned, didn’t you?”

  “I’m impressed Ella. I don’t know how you figured that out when their son and I exchanged idle chatter earlier and he was none the wiser. You’re good at what you do. Unfortunately for you, you’re too good, and I can’t have that. So first I’m going to take care of you, then my men have the Phantom who was stupid enough to try to come here tonight tied up in my basement. Tonight I eliminate two of my problems, permanently.”

  Ella stopped the device, looking at me through the mask.

  “The police chief is downstairs. I have proof that no jud
ge can deny. Let me bring him to justice, please. You’re better than this. His life is in your hands, prove that you’re better than he is.”

  A war waged within me, my pulse racing. I looked from her face to Marco’s, back and forth. My body was wound tight, the urge to kill inside me insurmountable. Marco killed my parents. He deserved to die. Why should he get to live in a world where they were dead? What kind of justice was that. But when Ella placed her hand lightly on my arm, that’s when I knew. I couldn’t kill this piece of shit, even though I spent my entire life wanting to. She was right, this would never bring my parents back. Rotting away in a cell would be a greater punishment then I could ever deliver. Death was too easy for Marco Venetti.

  There were voices outside the door, I dropped Marco to the floor and stepped away from him. He gasped and clutched his throat.

  “The window,” Ella whispered. “Go, now.”

  “But you-”

  “I’ll be fine. Now go, quickly.”

  I popped open the window and stood on the ledge while the door opened. Ella rushed past the men on the other side, down the hall and out of sight before they could react. They couldn’t touch her in the crowded ballroom. She would be safe. I dropped out silently onto the grass and rolled, sprinting around the corner while the guards shouted above me. While they scrambled I slipped off the mask and tucked it back in my jacket out of sight, then strolled onto the veranda as if nothing had happened. Beckett Carter, joining the group standing by the pool getting a bit of fresh air away from the party.

  I watched through the windows as Ella rushed into the ballroom and found the Chief of police. She pulled him aside, shouting something. Even from this far away I could see the red and purple marks around her neck, blooming on her skin. She showed the Chief the recorder and I watched as they stood in silence while she played it. There was a grim look on his face as he looked from the injured woman to the device in her hands. He pulled out a radio and said something, then put an arm on her shoulder.

  It didn’t take long for the sirens to wail in the distance, six police cruisers to drive up to the mansion. I was ushered out with all of the other guests, a police officer picking up the microphone and announcing the party was over. As I waited for the valet to bring my car, I glanced at Ella who was off to the side giving her statement to a police officer. She scanned the crowd, then her eyes finally fell on mine. I nodded, a moment of recognition what had happened and what it meant passing between us. I took back my keys and got behind the wheel of my car, Beckett Carter driving away from a gala that had come to an early end. Tonight the Phantom wasn’t the hero. Ella James was.

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Ella

  I can’t describe how satisfying it was watching the police lead Marco Venetti out of his home and into a police cruiser. While they read him his rights he refused to say anything, shouting for one of his men to call his lawyer and send him immediately to the police station. As he passed me by, he gave me a searing glare that could melt ice. I stood my ground, the red marks around his neck mirroring my own. As much as that would have been a fitting way for him to die after what he tried to do to me, I was relieved Beckett had shown some restraint. I couldn’t imagine what he must be going through right now, but I couldn't go to him. Not yet.

  After I was looked over and cleared by paramedics, I was brought to the precinct to give my statement. I told them everything; about the investigations I had been working on. About being invited to attend the event even though society events was not my beat. I listened as they played my entire tape. After taking down my statement and photos of my injuries, as well as taking my notes into evidence, I was free to go. Hours had passed, soon it would be morning, and instead of going home to bed there was only one place in this city that I wanted to be.

  Beckett’s building was only a short taxi ride from the precinct. I twisted my dress in my hands the entire ride, nervous to see what kind of mood he would be in. Would he regret not killing Marco, and blame me? Would he be grateful? I had no way of knowing until I saw him.

  In his lobby I approached the front desk. They did a double take when they saw the woman in a gown, her hair a mess and bruises around her neck.

  “I’m here to see Beckett Carter,” I told them. It still hurt to speak, but I pushed through the pain. Reluctantly they picked up a phone and spoke into it, then nodded at me.

  “You can go up Miss,” they said finally.

  I walked past into the elevator, which started to move up and bring me to Beckett. When the doors opened he was standing there waiting for me. His jacket was off, his dress shirt open at the neck. I glanced past him, there was a bottle and a glass on top of the piano. He must have been playing before I arrived.

  “Hi,” I said, not sure what else to say.

  He stepped forward and pulled me into his arms, pressing his lips against my forehead. He kissed his way down and I finally broke, gasping as tears fell from my eyes. I had kept it together all night, but now I was unraveling in front of him. Beckett kissed my tears, moving to my lips. I tasted salt as he gently moved his mouth over mine, my body sagging into his. When he pulled away he held me close, whispering in my ear.

  “Ella, I was so worried about you,” he softly kissed my bruised neck.

  “I’m okay,” I told him, as much for myself as it was for him. “I gave my statement to the police. He’s there with his mob lawyer, but I don’t think he’ll be able to get out of this one.”

  “Come,” he said, taking my hand and guiding me to the couch. I sat down and leaned on his strong shoulder as he stroked my hair. “Can I get you a drink?”

  I nodded. “Something strong,” I told him.

  He gave a faint smile then got up and walked away, down the hallway towards his bar. When he came back with two glasses, he handed one to me. I sipped it. It was strong, but also smoky and a bit sweet.

  “What is it?” I asked, filling my mouth and feeling a pleasant burn.

  “Manhattan” he told me, sipping his own. We sat side by side, worn out by the events of tonight but also changed. I looked over my shoulder and saw the sun starting to rise over the horizon, slowly chasing away the night. Reminding me that it only takes a little bit of light to chase away the darkness.

  “Ella,” Beckett sighed, running his hand over his face. “When I got into that room and saw you lying there, I thought I lost you forever. I’ve been alone for so long, and then I found you. If I lose you… I would truly be a monster. There would be nothing good left in me.”

  “That’s not true,” I touched his arm. “Beckett, you’re a good man. You had a chance to kill Marco Venetti tonight and you didn’t.”

  His muscles tensed under my fingertips.

  “I wanted to. You have no idea how much I wanted to Ella.”

  “But you didn’t,” I reminded him. “You’re not a monster.”

  He looked into my eyes, his gaze soft and vulnerable.

  “You make me feel human,” he said finally.

  “What you told me in the ballroom Beckett, before you walked away-”

  He stood up and took a deep drink from his glass.

  “If it was too soon Ella, I’m sorry. I-”

  I stood up, cutting him off and turning him to face me.

  “Beckett, you walked away before I had a chance to tell you that I’m falling in love with you too.”

  He froze, watching me, and I stepped closer to him. Closing the distance between us.

  “Even though you know what I am,” his voice was strained, I could see him gripping his glass tighter. “Even though you know what I’m capable of. Ella I’m not normal.”

  I took the glass from his hand and placed it down on the table, walking into his arms and wrapping them around me. I reached up to kiss him, pressing my lips against his until I felt his body relax and his grip tighten on me.

  “Neither of us are normal Beckett, but we found each other. I’m yours, you have all of me.”

  He looked down at me, ra
ising his hand to stroke along my cheek.

  “I may never be able to give you a normal life Ella. I can’t stop being the Phantom, not now. Not yet.”

  “I understand,” I told him. “I don’t want a normal life. I want a life with you.”

  He scooped me up into his arms and cradled me, kissing me. The sun was rising higher through the windows as he walked away, carrying me down the hallway to his bedroom where he placed me down gently on the bed.

  “You should get some sleep,” he sighed.

  I pushed myself up and kneeled in front of him, reaching for the collar of his shirt then slipping open a button. Then another.

  “I’m not tired Beckett,” I told him, continuing to unbutton his shirt until it hung open revealing his toned chest. I bent forward and kissed along his torso, running my lips over tight skin and muscle. When I moved back up to his throat and neck, he cradled my head and kissed me. It was gentle at first, worshiping, then it deepened as he pressed me down onto the bed.

  Beckett pushed out of his shirt, then slowly peeled my dress down the length of my body. I lifted my hips, then let him slide the soft fabric down my legs then onto the floor. He undid his pants, shoving them down with his boxers then lying beside me, his lean body pressed against mine. He stroked my cheek, kissing me, as his hand travelled softly over my body. He cupped my breasts, trailing fingertips over my stomach and hips, goosebumps scattering over my skin. After everything I had been through tonight, his soft touch was erasing all of the evil I had faced.

  When he reached between my legs I spread apart for him, giving him access to stroke me and bring my body to life in the way only he could. The only man to touch me, the only man to claim my body. I arched my back as he dipped a finger inside, growing wet with desire, until I reached for him. When he looked down at me I angled myself beneath him, pressing up. Pleading with my eyes for the kind of release only he could give me.

  Understanding the question I hadn’t asked, Beckett pressed into me. Slowly, inch by inch, he filled me to the core with the thick length of him. I moaned as he stretched me, wrapping my legs around him. I felt him push in, deeper, until he filled me completely. I felt utterly claimed, and so close to being satisfied. As he moved his hips, pulling in and out, I rocked my body in the same rhythm as he did. Our bodies were in sync, moving together, while his fingertip traveled back to my throbbing clit.