By the time Ashton came into view again, I was already dangling mid-air, my legs shaking uncontrollably. Below me stretched a massive pool, and I knew that the moment the rope was cut, I’d be as good as dead. My fear of heights rooted me in place—I couldn’t risk looking down too much.

From where I hung, I could see Ashton and Logan on the ground, both restrained by Philip’s men. All of us were ensnared in this sick, twisted game of his.

Philip was lounging ...