Was I this weak with Katya? Would I be the same with my other siblings?
I think not.
Katya and I were close, but that was also unusual for my family. When I went into what I thought would be her rescue, I allowed myself days of surveillance and planning before making a single move. I barely allowed myself hours with Quinn.
I’ve softened.
I can only hope it ends up being a positive in my life. Because right now, it seems like the worst thing to ever happen to me.
* * *
Even though I’m halfway expecting him, Ronan scares me when he taps on the window of the SUV. I press the button to unlock the doors, and he slides into the passenger seat.
“I didn’t think you’d come,” I admit before I can stop myself.
“I said I would.”
“I know. It’s just . . . nevermind. What’s the plan?” I ask.
“I’ve got a few men, the only ones I can trust. I’m hoping it will be enough.” He nods toward the six men waiting outside. All dressed in tactical gear and looking ready for anything, which makes me feel better about having Ronan on my side. However temporary that may be.
Ronan looks different. The opposite of how I’ve ever seen him before. His eyes are heated, and he too looks ready for action. In direct contrast with the normal cold and unaffected façade he assumes on a day-to-day basis.
He’s dressed like Mack, all in black tactical gear: cargo pants and a thick utility belt with gun holsters and ammo clips, short sleeve black T-shirt, covered by a bulletproof vest, showing off his impressive arms. Arms you would almost miss the definition of when encased in his custom-tailored Italian suits.
I love a man in a beautiful suit, don’t get me wrong, but with Ronan dressed like this, I can see why women back in Russia would go so crazy over him.
“You’re a good man, Ronan,” I tell him. “Thank you for this.”
“Don’t mistake one good deed with being a good man.” He hands me a comms unit. “I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.”
And with that, he’s out the door and I’m alone once again. He and his men are up, and over the wall in seconds. It’s times like this where I’m reminded that what I and my girls do, even what Mack and Reed do, it’s not so special. Anyone can ready themselves for battle, they just need to want it bad enough.
29
Quinn
My head is fuzzy, and I feel lost. But I know I’m safe. I just want to open my eyes and make sure. I don’t want to miss anything; I hate when that happens. There’s a hand touching mine, fingers softly caressing my palm and inner wrist in a soothing motion.
It’s nice.
Reminds me I’m not alone. Which is the only way I’m able to let the darkness back in, allowing me an escape once more.
* * *
The beeping wakes me. At least I think I’m awake. Is it a timer? Did I leave something on? My coffee pot?
I try to get up, but I can’t move. My brain gives the command, my limbs just don’t respond. Am I still asleep and I just don’t realize it? That would make the beeping a dream.
Or a bomb.
Can I explode in my dream? And if it’s a dream, will I still be hurt? I don’t want to be hurt.
I don’t like pain.
My heart beats faster.
I can’t move.
