What did I just do?
They continue to argue next to me a moment before things quiet.
“She’s got a set of balls on her at least. Maybe don’t kill my torture expert before he’s done his job though.”
I nod, staring straight ahead.
“You did good. I’m proud of you.” Jared’s voice is right next to my ear, making me jump.
He chuckles, but only places his arm around me, leaving the gun resting in my hand.
I could shoot him. I could end this right now. Kill Jared. Try to get a shot off on his father. Maybe Nate can take care of the guys holding him, but I know our chances are slim.
Where is the cavalry?
My heart stutters. Maybe Jacob never made it there. Or maybe he didn’t care enough.
My little stunt is soon forgotten as the leader continues his plan for Nate.
“Well, I guess I’ll have to get creative. You,” he shouts at a man standing on the edge of the room. “Bring buckets of that water out back. I haven’t waterboarded anyone in a while.”
My stomach clenches in terror. I involuntarily move a step forward but stop when Nate meets my eyes with a quick shake of his head.
I stop, watching as the two men next to him grab each of his arms, one putting a foot into his back, making him arch back.
“So, Nathaniel. Why don’t you tell me everything you know about your operation? If you do, I’ll spare your life.”
Nate chuckles. “Loyalty cannot be broken.”
The man shakes his head. “Anything can be broken with enough incentive.”
“Why don’t we sneak out of here? They don’t really need us.”
The whispered voice comes from Jared. I want to deny him, but I can’t. At this point, he is the only thing keeping me alive.
Nodding, I let him steer me back outside. He walks me around the side of the building before stopping, pushing me against the wall roughly.
“I knew you were the one. From the very first time I saw you, I knew you were special.”
He kisses my cheek, trailing his tongue down my jaw.
“What do you mean? At the party?”
He chuckled. “I was told to vet the new girl. See if she could be trusted. I didn’t expect you to walk up to me and ask me to buy drugs from you. I mean you didn’t know who I was, but I pretty much bought my own drugs that night.”
He presses a hard kiss to my lips, but I push him back.
“Hold on. You owe me some explanations.”
He sighs. “Ball buster. That’s what you are. What do you want to know? I’ll tell you everything.”
His eyes are full of promises. Promises that chill me.
“Why were you sent?”
He shrugs. “I’m young enough not to draw attention. No one bats an eye at a college-aged kid hanging out at a high school party.”
“Did you know Shannon?”
