Page 75 of Duty Bound

Lily watched as Stitch started talking to them. What the hell was he doing? Grief-stricken, tired, confused, she threw up her hands and leaned back.

She didn’t care anymore.

Maybe he was getting supplies, although eating was the last thing on her mind right now.

When he got back to the car, she opened her eyes.

“Are we done?”

“You’re getting out.”

“What?” She gawked at him. “Why?”

“I’m going back.”

She gasped and threw her hands around his neck. “Thank you!”

“Easy now.” He disentangled her. “This couple will take you to Kabul. It’s probably safer that you’re not seen in the Land Rover, anyway.”

Lily smiled through her tears.

She was okay with that. More than okay.

If it meant Blade had a chance.

“When you get to Kabul, call Pat. he’ll know what to do.”

“I will. Thank you, Stitch.”

“Good luck, Lily.” He paused. “And for what it’s worth, I think Spade would have been happy to see you two end up together.”

CHAPTER 27

Blade had been stripped, his wrists bound, his body thrown unceremoniously to the floor. He lay in filth in a world of pain while the enemy kicked the shit out of him.

“Who are you?” The voice yelled in his ear.

He didn’t reply.

Another kick to the ribs, then another, which coincided with a muted crack. He winced.

Fuck, it hurt to breathe.

His left arm, already awkwardly positioned beneath him, felt wrong. A sharp, searing pain confirmed his suspicion—broken, likely from the way they'd twisted and slammed him down earlier.

He tried to curl into a ball but was hauled to his knees.

“What is your name?”

Blade caught a whiff of stale coffee and cigarettes.

A fist connected with his jaw, and he tasted blood. He spat it out at the man’s feet. Another blow, this time to his head. He keeled over, seeing stars.

A boot connected with his face, crunching his nose in a way that caused blood to immediately flood his mouth and dribble down his chin. Darkness encroached on his vision. Maybe he’d pass out. Then he wouldn’t feel any more pain.

He welcomed it.

The only thought in his head was Lily. Stitch had gotten her through the checkpoint. She’d be on her way to Kabul right now. To freedom.

---