Page 39 of My Highland Fling
“Sucks she has to go through this,” Gerard said, his gaze intense.
Ramsay only hoped she’d be in her right mind when they’d recovered her.He knew they would find her, but the Russian had taken her to his home days ago.A lot could happen in that time.Ramsay curled his right hand around his paper cup, tension a heavy weight on his shoulders.That man hadhisGabrielle.The Russian desired a child, so they wouldn’t be having tea parties.He hated the idea of the Russian touching Gabrielle, but she wouldn’t have much choice.
Do what you need to do to stay alive, Gabrielle.We’ll sort out the rest later.
A shrill whistle had them glancing toward the plane.
“Looks like we’re ready to go,” Saber said.
“Tilly, I’ll grab your bag,” Ramsay said.
“We’ll tuck it under a seat,” Henry said.He was a wolf of few words, but Ramsay trusted the man with his life.
They piled onto the plane.Ramsay settled Tilly in a seat next to Saber.Saber would get Tilly talking and pump her for information.It was best if Saber heard everything from the source.Ramsay would report to the others.
“Where are we headed?”Ramsay asked.
“Southern Russia,” Isabella said.“I contacted old friends, and they set me up with the guy who owns this private airstrip.”
“Is he trustworthy?”Gerard asked.
“I think so.The airstrip is far enough away from Popov’s place to avoid nosy interest,” Isabella replied.
The seatbelt sign buzzed, and everyone sat and fastened their belts.Minutes later, they were in the air.Once they could move around, they pored over an estate map and the surrounding area.They discussed tactics and potential problems.No one mentioned their shifter forms, but that was the best way to approach the property unseen.Hauling their clothes and weapons was a problem, but Ramsay didn’t care if anyone saw him naked.His focus was on getting Gabrielle to safety.
A retreat to the palace wouldn’t work, nor would a return to Scotland.Ramsay hoped he and New Zealand might interest her.He doubted Popov would track them.Everyone would assume Ramsay had gone home.He might need to hang around and fly home as planned, but he trusted Saber to protect Gabrielle.He wondered if Tilly would travel to New Zealand, too.That way, he could ensure her safety.
“Do we have a plan?”Ramsay asked.
“We have the basis of one,” Isabella said.“We’ll firm up details once we get a schematic of the house.My contact is obtaining one for us.”
“How much is this costing?”More than Ramsay could afford.“I’ll pay you back.Somehow.”
Isabella grasped Ramsay’s shoulder.“I’m paying.I have plenty, and this is an excellent way to spend it.You don’t owe me anything.”She paused, then grinned.“On second thought, this is my fee.Kian has a birthday coming, and I’d like you to bake a cake for him.Also, I’d like a romantic meal for me and my darling husband on our upcoming anniversary.That is my fee.Can you pay?”
“Yes!”Ramsay’s eyes burned, and emotion almost bested him.“Thank you.”He forced the words past the lump in his throat.
“We’ll save your mate,” Isabella said.
Ramsay nodded but silently acknowledged a truth.Rescuing Gabrielle from this dangerous situation was possible, but her mental state afterward could sever any chance of happiness for them.
Chapter 19
Monster
Gabriellecautiouslyturned,thepain in her back and torso bringing tears to her eyes.She bit back a moan and was only partially successful.At her side, her new husband slept, face innocent in slumber.
A lie.Adrik was a monster.Every part of her body ached because he’d tied her up and beat her, striking her with his belt and taking pleasure in her agony.She’d tried to tell him she had her period, but he hadn’t cared, hadn’t stopped.The information had pleased him, as had the lightness of her bleeding.
“Excellent.No devil spawn.You will bear my child, or I will replace you,” the man had growled in her ear as he’d thrust into her screaming flesh and grunted his enjoyment.
Silent tears escaped, and her mind zapped to Ramsay.They’d spent two glorious days together, and she treasured the memories.It might be the only thing to keep her sane because it was apparent her life here would hold nil satisfaction.
Already, the days blurred together.Adrik forced himself on her continuously.Three times, at least.Sometimes more.Gabrielle had learned not to fight him because he’d call for his guards to restrain her.She feigned delight in the entire business.The only blessing was sometimes he couldn’t perform.A good thing, in her opinion, since he cared nothing for her.She was a broodmare.If Adrik’s pride didn’t get in the way, he’d do everything in a lab.
The first night, she’d asked if he might be the problem and not with his previous wives.That had started the beatings, and her agonized screams had stimulated him.
Gabrielle sniffed, trying to remain quiet.She couldn’t leave the bed before her husband.One of many rules.Sex or no sex this morning?Time would tell.She kept her eyes closed and lay motionless, waiting for him to wake, waiting for his decision.
