“Soon? Soon would have been six hours ago. We’ve been on this plane forever.”
“Such a complainer. Don’t bite the hand that will have to keep you alive once you’ve served your purpose,” he said in a dangerously soft voice.
The subtle threat sent chills dancing up her spine.
She glanced toward the window, but Hancock snapped it shut, blocking her view. All she knew was it was daylight and they were over a large body of water.
She wouldn’t panic yet. There was plenty of time to glean information to pass on to Rio. Shea had been a quiet presence in her mind. As was Rio. It was the only reason she hadn’t lost her composure yet.
Neither had tried to talk to her. She’d been very specific in asking them not to use the pathway until she initiated contact. Knowing Rio, he’d wait only so long before his impatience got the better of him and he would be yelling in her head, asking her if she was okay.
Strangely, that thought brought her comfort. It was nice to have someone who cared.
The plane continued its sharp descent and then she heard the sound of the landing gear lowering. She instinctively braced herself, tensing until they touched down.
Now fear began a steady thrum in her chest. She tried to swallow it back, but it chooked her, cutting off her air.
This was it. Wherever it was that Hancock was taking her, they were here and hell awaited.
Grace, goddamn it, I can feel your fear. Tell me what the hell is going on. Where are you? Can you tell me anything about your location?
Rio’s voice blew into her mind, taking away some of the fear that threatened to overwhelm her.
We just landed. I don’t know anything more yet.
She forced calm into her message and made sure to include Shea. Neither of them needed her to be hysterical. They felt helpless enough not knowing her fate, not knowing what lay in store for her or where she was.
I’ll tell you more when I’m able. Please be patient. He watches me and he knows when I’m communicating with you. I have to remain conscious or I’ll never be able to give you any information.
I’m going to kill that son of a bitch for hurting you, Rio seethed.
But Grace shut him out, forcing a bland expression to her face. Emotionless. Untouchable. She wouldn’t show this man her fear. She wouldn’t show anyone how terrified she was. She was finished being a victim, and by God, she was through wishing to die. She wanted to live. She was going to live. She’d promised Rio she’d do whatever it damn well took to survive, and it was one promise she wasn’t going to break.
To her dismay, Hancock jerked her upward, twisted her arms behind her back and handcuffed her wrists. Then he hastily tied a blindfold around her eyes before the hatch opened so they could disembark.
She was careful to keep her emotions in check because they would only set Rio off again and Shea would worry more than she already was.
Hancock’s men filed off the plane and then Hancock took her arm in a surprisingly gentle grip and guided her toward the steps.
“Watch your step,” he ordered. “First one coming up. Stay beside me and take your time.”
“It wouldn’t do to have the lab rat break her neck before she can perform,” Grace said nastily.
“If you break your neck, I don’t get paid.”
“I hope you choke on your damn blood money.”
He chuckled. “In another situation, I just might like you, Grace. But quite frankly you’ve been nothing but a pain in my ass since I took this mission and I’ll be happy to see the back of you.”
“The feeling is entirely mutual,” she snarled.
She found herself shoved into the back of a car. It was comfortable. Expensive leather. It even smelled expensive. The ride was smooth too. Unlike the various vehicles she’d been hauled around in when she’d been captured before.
“Who do you work for?” she asked softly.
“You’ll meet him soon enough.”
Him. Not them. One person. She didn’t know what to make of that revelation.
I don’t think this is the government or some lab like last time, Rio. She tried to keep the worry out of her message. It has a different feel. Not much has been said but I just got off a plane and I’ve been on one since we left you in Virginia. Hancock just said “him” when I asked who he worked for. Not “them.” Not some faceless group. He said “him.” But I’m blindfolded so I can’t see anything!
We’re on our way, honey. I don’t want you to worry, okay? I want you to stall for time. Do what you need to do but do not make them angry. If your chy. If yooices are to submit or for them to hurt you, then you damn well do what they want you to do. Do you understand? No matter what happens, baby, you and I will deal with it together. I’ll always be here for you. You’ll never be alone again.
She closed her eyes, knowing Hancock wouldn’t be able to see through the blindfold. She knew exactly what Rio was telling her. No matter how bad it got. No matter what she was asked to do. No matter what was done to her. He didn’t want her to give up and choose to die. He wanted her to live.
I’ll be here waiting. I know you’ll come for me, Rio.
She poured every ounce of her trust, her faith, her absolute belief in this man. He loved her. She had no doubt. He was an honorable man no matter what he thought of himself or his past choices. She knew without doubt that he’d move heaven and earth to bring her home again. Home to him.
What seemed an eternity later, the car ground to a halt and the doors opened. There was urgency to everyone’s movements. Orders were issued in stilted English, with an accent she didn’t recognize.