Page 19 of Captive of Outlaws

And he’s holding a goddamn crossbow.

Which, to his credit, he immediately unloads and sets on the ground when he sees us.

“Well, well, well,” he says, not unkindly. “What have wehere?”

This must be Rob.

He’s not what I expected. Not the grizzled mob boss or the sleazy drug kingpin. But he’s still dangerous. I can tell that much even at twenty paces. I set my chin, determined not to show weakness.

But every step he takes towards me threatens my resolve.

Will, for his part, seems to ignore the question. “Not working?”

“I took the night off,” Rob says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Need a break once in a while. All work and no play, you know?”

A night off? I’m assuming he doesn’t work third shift at a factory. But what on earth could these guys do for a living?

Finally, Rob addresses me directly. “So, you’re our little troublemaker.”

“Excuse me?” I look at Will, then at Rob.

“Scarlet here—my security man—told me the system picked up a trespasser,” Rob goes on. “So I sent him and LJ down to investigate. I was expecting a poacher, maybe a tweaker taking shelter. Not anything nearly so lovely as you.”

I pull a face out of instinct. He’s trying to flirt with me? Now, under these circumstances?

Rob strides closer, and closer still, until he’s literally pacing a circle around me, sizing me up and down.

“Hey!” I say, in spite of myself. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

He darts his piercing green gaze to Will. “She’s shivering.”

Will shrugs. “It’s chilly out.”

“And you didn’t get her something warmer to wear?”

“I...” Will looks crestfallen. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize to me.” Rob nods in my direction.

“Sorry,” Will mumbles. I don’t know how to react, and settle for a shrug.

“I don’t think we’ll be dealing with you the way we normally do, then,” Rob goes on, looking at Will. “Wouldn’t you agree, Scarlet?”

Visions of torture, duct tape, ropes, fingernails being pulled out flash before my eyes. “You won’t get away with it,” I blurt out. “People are looking for me. They’ve probably gotten a search party together already.”

“Really?” Rob pauses, intrigued.

“Says her family knows the sheriff,” Will says. Rob raises his eyebrows.

“You don’t say.” He looks me over once more. “What’s your name, pretty lady?”

“Maren,” I say, realizing too late I might want to lie.

“Maren, it’s a pleasure. Rob Locksley.” He dips his head courteously. “I’d like to welcome you to your new home.”

“What?” Will and I say at the same time.

“You heard me,” Rob says. “We’re going to keep you here, Maren. For as long as I see fit.”

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