“She doesn’t know anything about it, Xav,” Lyle said. “But I’m sure she can help me figure out where it went.”
Her bracelet vibrated gently against her wrists. Thank God. Tears burned her throat, but she swallowed them down. She knew from Carter’s instruction that the vibration meant help was on the way. They weren’t rescued yet though. In fact, she didn’t like the gleam in Xavier’s eyes.
She needed to do something and fast.
“Lyle, you jerk.” She wrinkled her nose and spat. “You used me as a mule?” She charged forward and kicked his shin.
He howled and hopped on his other foot, nearly falling in the process. “I said I was sorry!”
“Sorry?” She rounded on him. “It was you who trashed my apartment in London and my place here, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, but I was…”
She kicked him again, doing her best to not hit him straight on.
Xavier and his goons laughed.
“You’re lucky my hands are tied, or I’d show you what sorry means,” she hissed, putting her back to the men so only Lyle could see her face. She quickly winked, hoping he caught on.
“Ooh, I like her.” Xavier chuckled.
One of the men—the tallest one—moved until he faced her, staring at her with a suspicious gaze.
“This yank has balls,” another said.
“Cut her loose,” Xavier told the skeptical goon who was closest to her.
Yes, she thought silently but held her joy in check.
He frowned. “You sure, gaffer?”
“Did I stutter, wanker? Yes, I’m sure,” he chastised. “Lyle was going to get a beating anyway. Might as well let her do it.”
Come on, Dante, Mac, Carter, Dex, somebody, she silently willed. These guys were about to call her bluff.
Tall Goon approached, pulling out a hunting knife as long as her hand. He callously twisted her around, and she gritted her teeth against the pain. “I’m watching you,” he murmured, breathing in her ear. “Don’t go getting any ideas.”
The blade was cold against her wrists, and she held her breath, waiting for him to cut her free, praying he didn’t draw blood in the process.
“Gently now, Grier, she’s got some pummeling to do.” Xavier snickered.
She felt the snap of her restraints as Grier cut her free. Offering him a curt nod and a thanks, she hoped it threw the guy off.
Miraculously, the bracelet was still on her wrist. And when she felt it vibrate in three consecutive pulses, she knew it meant the men were outside.
Actually, she was pretty sure a few were already inside, because she thought she spotted the shadows moving just inside the broken door.
Her heartbeats increased and her hands were starting to shake.
Amanda wasn’t sure what Dante and the guys had planned, but she was pretty sure if she and Lyle were out of the way, it would go easier.
“Okay, let the fun commence,” Xavier said.
Amanda lunged for Lyle, who tried to turn and run. She hit him hard, and they both crashed through the rotted wall and rolled until what was left of an old stone wall stopped them.
“Stay down,” she told him as the sound of gunfire echoed through the air.
“Jesus, are they shooting each other?” Lyle blinked.
