Page 50 of Abducted

“Stamos hired me! That’s all I know. He was out for blood because you fucked up a job. If he doesn’t kill you and the woman, they’re going to kill him.”

Rage coursed through his veins like a violent sea. He lowered the weapon to the man’s thigh and fired. He screamed and curled into a tight ball, sweat pouring over his temples.

“Sorry ’bout that.” His tone was dry. He got to his feet and checked the man sprawled on the pavement. He pressed his fingers to his neck; no pulse. Keeping his gun poised, he approached the driver’s side door. Blood pooled out of the driver’s mouth and onto his leg, his face battered from the airbag. Cal pressed his fingers to his throat. He had a pulse, but it was slow and wiry.

Even if he walked away alive, he wouldn’t be in any shape to chase them. He pocketed the gun and stalked toward the truck. Lana’s oval face stared back at him through the windshield. An iron fist formed in his stomach. He opened the driver’s-side door and snagged her cheeks in his hands. Her eyes darkened as he pressed his lips to her mouth. Damn, he hated that scared look in her eyes.

“Hop over. I’m driving.”

She released her seat belt, climbed across the console, and dropped into the passenger seat. He pulled out of the trees and onto the road. Lana’s silence hammered through him. She was shaken up, but as soon as they got to his place, he’d fix that. Darkness spread across the sky, turning the pavement to black ink. Fifteen minutes later, he pulled into the attached garage of the small, two-bedroom log cabin. He led her through the side door into the house and flicked on the lights of the small kitchen. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out as Lana sank onto one of the wooden bar stools. Relief washed over him as he read the text.

All good. Hope you made it safe, on our way.

“Nate and Ethan should be here within the hour. Can I get you a drink?”

“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

“I’m having tequila.”

She made a face.

He laughed. “How about some wine?”

She nodded her approval. “Now you’re talking.”

He poured her a glass of pinot grigio and handed it to her. She brought the glass to her lips, sipped, and closed her eyes on a moan. “I needed that.” She wrinkled her nose as he fixed his drink. “How do you drink that?”

“It’s tequila and water.”

She stuck her tongue out. “Yuck. I’m pretty sure tequila is meant for margaritas and that’s it.”

“Tequila actually lowers blood sugar and cholesterol. I drink it with water to avoid the sugar that comes with soda. It’s clean, with no hangovers.” He took a sip. “Tastes good, too. Want a sip?” He offered his glass.

She leaned away and clutched the wineglass to her chest. “I’m good with this, thanks.”

He grinned. Her eyes lowered to her wineglass. She swirled the golden liquid. “Are you still leaving to find Will?”

Guilt twisted his gut. Christ. This was what it would be like. A future with Lana would only cause her disappointment. He would always have to see that sad and fearful look in her eyes, and he’d always feel like a piece of shit for doing it to her. Especially after what she’d been through the last hour. But he had to find Will. He could be the final link to ending this nightmare for good. The past few days had given him a glimpse of what life could be like with Lana. It could be happy. But how could he give everything up? All that he’d worked for? His career, his livelihood. Nothing else would amount to what he did now. But nothing—no one—else would amount to Lana.

He lifted her chin with his knuckle. “I won’t be long, okay? I need to do this. We can’t let this go on any longer. Are you all right?”

Eyes wide, her lips pressed together, she nodded. “I’m a little on edge, but I’ll be fine. I’m sorry. I don’t want you to feel torn.”

“I’m not torn. I want to be here, and only here.” He pressed his lips to hers. Her mouth was as smooth as silk, and her lips tasted of wine. “Wait up for me. There’s something I want to show you later.”

A blush tinted her cheeks. She lifted the glass to her lips. “I’m not promising I won’t pass out.”

He pointed a stern finger. “No more wine for you.”

They hung out in the kitchen while Cal put some frozen pizzas in the oven. He always kept his place stocked with quick food in case of emergencies.

Ding-dong

Cal stiffened. Lana’s hands curled around the edge of the table as if ready to bolt. He placed a hand on hers. “It’s only the guys. Wait here.” He exited the kitchen and advanced on the front door. His hand hovered where his Glock sat at the small of his back. A glance out the side window showed Ethan and Nate. He opened the door.

Rufus came barreling in ahead of them, making a beeline for the kitchen. “What the—”

“Thought you could use some extra security.” Nate shut and locked the door behind them.

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