Page 108 of Hate Wrecked

Butch’s mouth twitches, the first sign of discomfort I’ve seen. “Daniels knew what was what. Always did. You think we just stumbled across this place?” He steps closer. “Everything’s been lined up for a while, kid. No one will miss him.”

I swallow hard, anger swelling, but I keep my face neutral.

“People noticed when Glenne went missing. People notice when a Finn’s involved. Poor little rich girl gone. Shady daddy’s son missing too. It wasn’t hard for the media to spin a story. Bodyguard background…lotta secrets in your family tree, boy. Made it really easy for the world to wonder whotookher. Heard you were obsessed with her some years ago. You sure as hell didn’t just meet her.”

My hand clenches at my side.

He steps even closer. “Question is…when they finally find the wreckage, what story are you gonna tell, Rowan Finn? One where you’re the hero? Or one where we helped you out of here?” Butch’s grin widens—then he looks past me, toward the trees. His expression sharpens.

“That’s a lot of gun for one guy,” I remark. “You sure you can handle it?”

“I can handle a lot,” Butch snarls, before looking beyond me to the tree line.

“So you know about my background, then? I can’t believe they left you here alone with me. Sounds like they want you out of the way.”

He looks back at me. “Neither of them can man the boat.”

“Fine crew you have.”

“Fine lady you have,” Butch snarls, walking toward me. “Pretty as her pictures, I bet. Might be a little rough around the edges by now, though, right?” He steps closer. “I cannot wait to be the hero who saves Dane Williams and Desi Monroe’s daughter.”

I remain silent, letting the allure of a reward distract him.

And then, from deep in the jungle, comes a sharp, terrified scream.

Butch’s head whips toward the sound, his body angling away from me—and I move.

YOU WANT THAT ON YOUR SOUL?

RILEY

I race through the jungle,outrunning the screams, my eyes stinging. I left the machete behind, stuck in his hand. The rusty blade went through it, but I couldn’t stomach pulling it out in that split second.

I can hear yelling in both directions: one from the other man who was looking for me, and another from where Rowan headed. I race blindly as the sun rises, everything becoming clearer, still blurred through my tears. I can tell when the other man finds the one in the pit. I hear raised voices, a cry, and then the thundering of a moving body coming toward me.

I circle wide as I approach the place where they docked their boat, skirting the shore and slowing my pace.

Through the trees, I see two bodies close together.

I drop down to my knees, pulling out my small knife. When I hear my name being called, I almost stand but then curse myself for the impulse.

The noise behind me quiets as the running man falls back.

He’s also assessing the situation.

“Riley!”

I don’t answer, shaking my head.No, no, why is he calling?Rowan wouldn’t call for me unless it was safe. But still, I hide.

When I hear my name again, the desperation in his voice compels me to move.

I walk slowly through the trees.

Rowan is on the sand, his arm wrapped around the neck of the man with the gun, but there’s a gun in Rowan’s hand as well, and he has it at the man’s temple.

My hand flies to my mouth as I run out of the trees. Tears sting my eyes at the sight of Rowan alive and safe.

“There she is,” the man says, clearing his throat.

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