My breaths came in quick pants as horror set in. Not here. Not again.
Dark spots danced in front of my vision as my fingers started to tingle. I couldn’t pass out. Not now. Not here.
I still had my bra and underwear on. At least, that was something. I bit back the sob that tried to break free.
I attempted to focus on my breathing, to slow it down. But it was as if the regulation of my lungs was out of my control. They ached and burned as they struggled for oxygen.
I bit the inside of my cheek hard and forced my mind on something else. Anything. It was Lawson’s face that filled it. The tender way he touched me. How one corner of his mouth hitched when he called meLittle Minx. The way his blue eyes sparked when I knew he wanted me.
The ragged sob broke free this time. Lawson. The man who had given me everything. Reminded me just how strong I was. Showed me how joy-filled everyday life could be. Shared the three most amazing boys there were.
My heart squeezed as an image of Luke, Drew, and Charlie materialized in my head. They’d given me everything, too: purpose, laughter, love.
The tingling in my fingers lessened a fraction as my breathing slowed. My fingernails dug into my palms, hard. I wouldn’t lose my guys. Not now. Not after just finding them.
I pushed to a sitting position and studied the room—if that was what you could call it. A shiver racked my body again as I took it all in. It was the same place I’d been held five years ago. Where my torture had begun.
The police and FBI had never found the cave where the man had held the women before he killed them. And while the search had continued in earnest for a good six months after I escaped, the consensus was that he had fled the area.
Not him. Not some unknown bogeyman. Damien.
My mouth went painfully dry. None of it made sense. The vet I’d seen be so gentle with animals, so patient with children. How could he be a person who raped, tortured, and brutally murdered?
I’d thought back then that his voice sounded different at various times. But to put on that sort of affect took practice. Lots of it.
My breaths started coming quickly again.
I closed my eyes and pictured Lawson’s face. His strong, stubbled jaw. The nose just slightly crooked. The blue eyes that saved me every time I stared into them.
My breathing slowed again.
I opened my eyes and studied the cave around me. I knew there were all sorts of natural rooms carved into the rock. Just like I knew there was a long tunnel that led to the outside world. I could run that tunnel.
Damien had taken my shoes, likely thinking it would make escape harder, but he should’ve known better. I would rip my feet to ribbons to get away from him.
My hands went to my ankle and the shackle there. It was rusted but made of thick metal. I tested the lock. It held steady. I tried the spot where the chain connected to the cuff. It, too, held strong.
I stood then, the world going a bit topsy-turvy as I did. I pressed a hand to the wall to steady myself. The stone was freezing and damp, as if water trailed down the walls. Another shiver racked my body as if I were just now realizing how cold it was.
I followed the chain toward the rock wall. It was bolted there, just like before. I tried the bolts first, attempting to turn them with my fingers, but they were stuck in. Then I tugged hard on the chain itself. There was no give.
Hot, burning tears built behind my eyes. I would get free. I would find a way. I’d beaten him before. I’d do it again.
Memories of that night slammed into me. How he’d extended my torture session. I’d been so out of it when he took me back to myroomthat he hadn’t even bothered to lock me up. He’d thought I was too beaten. That I’d never try for freedom. But he’d been wrong.
“She looks so beautiful back home in her rightful place.”
I whirled at the voice as it echoed off the walls. My hands went up in a defensive posture.
Damien laughed, the sound rich and deep. “You always did have the best fight of them all. That’s why you’re so special.”
I didn’t say a word. Was unsure if whatever I might let loose would make things worse. I remembered how quickly his temper could turn.
“Oh, Halston. There’s no need to be shy. Not with your husband.”
“You’re not my husband,” I spat, so easily forgetting my previous worry. But I knew whathusbandmeant to him. I knew what he thought he could take. He could cut me to the bone before I’d ever let him take that.
Damien made a tsking sound. “Now, now. There’s no need to play hard to get anymore, Halston. I’m here. Haven’t I proven my dedication? My patience? What else do you need from me?”
