Page 28 of Two Hearts' Subterfuge

After he followed for a few more minutes, Ben was pretty sure that they were headed toward the Riverbend Lodge. There were several vacant cabins available at this time of year, and many were in isolated locations.

Sure enough, after driving across the stark steel bridge above the turbulent waterfall of the Crystal Rock River, the car turned left, traveling west along the riverfront access road.

He’d managed to tag behind, but Ben would definitely be noticed if he followed along the road. And then there would be the crunching gravel which would warn them that someone was behind.

There was no other road leading away from the cabins located in that area, so Ben decided to park in the Riverbend’s lot and approach on foot. He sent a text message to Dad, letting him know where he was.

Deciding to take cover amidst the pines, Ben quickly parked in the row nearest the woods, pulling his ski mask over his face and tugging on his gloves. He wasn’t sure why he decided to go in disguise. Sure, there were video cameras on the lodge property, although not very good ones. But after suddenly remembering that the one guy had been flagged by Homeland Security, Ben knew he should be cautious since the kidnappers were an unknown entity to him and Dad.

He had no idea about what to expect if they were holding Aylin in the cabin, so maybe he should take some kind of weapon along in case he was discovered. He’d promised Dad that he wouldn’t try and be a hero, but if he saw them hurting her, he wasn’t sure if he could stop himself from trying to protect her. There was a tool box inside the covered pickup bed, so he took out a hammer and supersize screwdriver from inside.

He strategically made his way along the river, switching off the volume of his phone and putting it back in his pocket.

The car that he’d followed was parked in front of the largest cabin at the end of the road. Since there was no sign that the place was being guarded from the outside, Ben approached the back of the cabin, where he knew that the bedrooms were situated. Most likely they would lock Aylin inside one of therooms rather than rest her on the couch in the living room in case she woke and tried to escape.

Luckily, the windows had no curtains. Usually, the utilities were shut down because these cabins weren’t rented during the winter since they were harder to maintain through bad weather. The owners must have made an exception for some extra cash, Ben figured.

Although the first room was empty, there was luggage inside. When Ben crept around to the room on the corner, he could see a prone figure lying on the bed.

Thankfully, it was Aylin. He could see that she was starting to stir. But suddenly, the door sprang open, and two men walked inside.

Ben moved quickly from the window, pressing his back against the outer cabin siding.

Even though he only got a quick look, he was sure it was the same two men that he’d seen in the parking lot.

Surprisingly, he could hear the conversation going on inside pretty well, and when he heard what they were saying and understood why Aylin had been kidnapped, Ben’s jaw dropped open.

Dad was not going to get here on time. They were in the process of loading up their car.

So much for not being a hero, Ben decided, once the men left the room.

Chapter Sixteen

Feeling like she was waking from a long winter’s nap, Aylin began to stir.

But she couldn’t believe her eyes when she recognized one of the two men who entered the room.

“Ash?What’s going on? Where am I?”She shook her head in disbelief after noticing his look of disdain. “Whyare you doing this?”

But Ash ignored her as he talked to the other man. “When will I get my final payment?”

And that’s when Aylin realized that she’d seen this man before. He’d been the one staring at her inside the hotel lobby last night before they’d left for the chapel.

He’d had the creepiest look in his eyes.

“You are still virgin?” the man asked loudly, approaching to stand over her.

Her mouth dropped open when he held up a pistol.

“Answer me girl,”the older man roared.

“I’ve never even had a boyfriend,” she muttered, her eyes going wide. “Why?”

“You will become my uncle’s next wife,” Ash growled. “It was arranged years ago. We will be leaving shortly.”

They turned, exiting the room.

Aylin could hear the conversation continue once the door was closed.

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