Page 6 of Holiday Hostage

“Lady in the water, huh? Like something out of an Arthurian legend.” Bryce’s smile, though dimple-free, is just as stunning. He scratches the stubble along his jaw and tilts his head. “You said you were at the bank because of a loan, right? They denied it?”

“My bakery…well, it’s not really my bakery. I mean, it is now. It was my grammy’s. She built that business from the ground up. She started selling cakes and pies out of her kitchen to help make ends meet when I was little, and then when the orders got too much for her to handle with one oven and a hand mixer, she signed a lease, and the rest is history. She left it to me when she died.” I rest my elbows on my knees and prop my head in my hands, letting out a deep sigh as if that might expel the exhaustion and failure I feel every day down to the marrow of my bones.

“I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother. Are you running the business all by yourself? No family or friends helping out?” Eli mirrors my pose, giving me his full attention.

Bryce seems equally interested, listening as if he didn’t already hear my sob story back at the bank. Koda, not so much.

“It’s just me. Grammy was all the family I had left. My mom died when I was four, and I never knew my dad. He left town before my first birthday. Grammy raised me by herself after that. I’m trying to do right by her with the bakery and her house, but I’m not doing a very good job.” I suck in a ragged breath and swipe at the tears flowing down my cheeks. “It’s still Grammy’s bakery because business just isn’t the same without her. I worked side by side with her since I was old enough to hold a whisk, but the secret ingredient to all Grammy’s recipes was love. She loved what she did, and you could taste it. I make a better assistant than an actual baker. That loan was my last shot at keeping the bakery up and running.”

“Sorry to hear about your grandmother.” There’s a flash of sadness in Koda’s eyes as if he’s all too familiar with loss, but it’s gone so fast I wonder if maybe I’m just seeing things that aren’t really there.

“Yeah, that’s gotta be rough, being on your own and taking over the business like that...” Eli offers a sympathetic smile. “I'm sorry you didn’t get the loan. Maybe they’ll feel bad you were caught up in a robbery while getting denied for a loan and change their mind.”

“Me too, Laiken. I’m sorry about your grammy and the shit going on with the bakery.” Bryce holds my gaze for a moment like there’s more he wants to say, but seeming to think better of it, he looks away, shifting his attention to the view outside the kitchen window instead.

I don’t know if it’s the stress of the situation or their unexpected kindness, but I can’t sit here under the weight of their stares a second longer.

“I need to use the bathroom,” I exclaim, shooting up from my spot on the couch. My bladder is in agreement but that particular need isn’t as pressing as the one to escape this conversation.

“Oh, yeah sure. Come on, I’ll show you where it is.” Bryce escorts me to the half bath, surprising me when he not only leaves me alone in the room but allows me to shut the door. I expected stricter surveillance as a hostage.

Necessary business concluded, I catch my reflection in the mirror while washing my hands. I don’t recognize the woman staring back at me. She’s different from the girl who left the house this morning. My last shred of hope for keeping Grammy’s memory alive is missing from my hazel eyes. But the difference in my appearance from before she got sick until today is staggering, and it’s painful to admit I haven’t paid attention until now. I’ve been too busy taking care of everything but myself. The short blond hair I rocked in high school has grown into an unruly bob. My complexion is fairer, and my cheekbones are more pronounced. I’ve lost weight, and I’m washed out. The vibrancy of my youth is abandoning me way too soon.

Death and desperation have a way of doing that, I suppose.

A light draft in the room pulls my attention to a window above the toilet. I could climb out and make a run for it. But to where? I have no idea where I am or where the nearest town is. I have no money, no supplies. The only thing I would leave here with is the clothes on my back, and it doesn’t take a trained survivalist to figure out my chance of making it alone on the run through the woods isn’t good.

Bryce promised they weren’t going to hurt me. I must be crazy because I believe him. How long does it take for Stockholm syndrome to set in? That’s the only logical explanation for my decision to open the door and go back out into the living room instead of climbing out that window.

Koda is leaning against the wall opposite the bathroom door, arms folded over his chest.

I let out a gasp, damn near jumping out of my skin when I see him there. “You scared me half to death.”

“Thinking about making a break for it and calling the cops?” He arches a brow and examines me with his intense dark eyes.

“Truth?” I ask, hovering in the doorway, too afraid to take a step forward or back.

“No, I’d prefer you lie to me,” Koda deadpans, holding me in place as he continues to rake his gaze over my body.

“I thought about it.” The corners of my mouth curve down in a little frown, and I shake my head. “But I wouldn’t get very far. I’d get lost or injured, or one of you would catch me. Probably a combination of all three.”

“Pretty and smart.” Koda encircles my wrist with his large hand and leads me back to the living room and his partners. “You might survive this yet, princess.”

CHAPTER 4

“Idon’t know about the rest of you, but I need a shower, and then I’m going to crash.” Eli gets up and puts his plate in the sink. “It’s been a long-ass fucking day, and the adrenaline rush is wearing off.”

“I’m going to finish cleaning up from dinner first,” Koda says. Bryce leaves the table and heads outside, grabbing his jacket from a hook by the door on his way out.

With a yawn, I stretch my arms over my head and arch my back. “Is the couch where I’m sleeping?” I don’t want to be presumptuous. It’s a three-bedroom cabin, and they weren’t expecting a fourth member in their party.

“Nice try, Laiken.” Eli shakes his head and barks out a laugh. “I hate to break it to you, but you’re a bit of a flight risk. We can’t just go to sleep and leave you out here on your own. I’ve got the first watch. You’re with me in my room tonight.”

“Your room?” I squeak out. The thought of sharing rooms isn’t one that’s occurred to me.

“Yep,” he replies, popping the p on the end. “Come on. I want to get in the shower before Bryce gets back and decides to hog all the hot water.”

“I don’t think Bryce will be taking a hot shower today.” Koda laughs, tossing a glance in my direction. Eli laughs and shakes his head before grabbing my arm and pulling me down the hall to his bedroom.

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