Page 12 of Captive of Outlaws

My mind is whirling, making a thousand calculations a minute. They’re not wrong. I won’t survive out here long without food or water. My microwave Easy Mac was a long time ago. And I do have to pee.

“Scarlet.” LJ grunts for Will’s attention. “Rob’s going to wonder what’s taking so long.”

Will widens his clear blue eyes in exasperation. “Well, blameher,” he says, looking at me.

A plan. A plan. Whatwasmy plan? Get up before dawn, but that’s already shot. I shiver as the forest rustles around us, sunlight streaming through the green panes of leaves. Then...I guess walk out of the woods in what Ithinkis the opposite direction of town, hoping I’ll eventually come upon a gas station where nobody pays me any mind, and then...

And then what? Beg off a jerry can of gas and hoof it all the way back here? Maybe snag a cup of coffee while I’m at it?

I rub my temples. This was all so fucking stupid.

“Maren.” Will’s voice is firm. “You can’t stay here, and you know it. The only question is whether you’ll come with us willingly or—”

“Or whether we’ll have to drag you by the hair, kicking and screaming,” LJ finishes. His crooked half-smile flickers back on his face, the only reason I can tell he’s joking.

I think.

I dig my teeth into my lower lip, thinking and trying to stall.

“What about my car?” I nod at the Mustang.

“She’s yours?” LJ asks, a tinge of approval in his voice.

“Of course she’s mine,” I snap. “And you’ll keep your grubby hands off of her if you know what’s good for you.”

LJ raises his eyebrows, then spreads his hands wide. “Take it easy, Princess. I mean her no harm.”

I narrow my eyes at him, feeling slightly ridiculous. “Good.”

“Whataboutyour car?” Will asks.

“I can’t just leave her here,” I say, an accidental crack of desperation sneaking into my voice.

“We’ll take care of it.” This, from LJ. Will glares at him.

“We will?”

“Be a goddamn shame to let it rust out here,” LJ says. “So yeah.”

“Fine.” Will sighs. “Can you just come with us now? Please,” he adds. “I’m not exactly fond of doing this white knight thing.”

“So why are you?” I fire back. A tingle of suspicion spreads across my scalp like a warning. “How did you even find me here?”

Will looks at LJ. LJ just shakes his head.

“It’s...a long story.” Will pinches the bridge of his nose. “Call it a professional obligation.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I say, looking at LJ for help.

“Not for me to explain,” he says grimly.

There’s a beat of silence. Nothing but the rustling of the woods around us and the distant call of a mourning dove.

Then, to my surprise, Will softens.

“Listen, we’ll explain stuff later. Promise.” He holds up a hand. “Honor among thieves. But for now—”

“Look, Princess, can you just come with us?” LJ says. “I’m fucking starving.”

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