Page 57 of Dauntless

I greedily gulped in as much as I could to fill my lungs before he closed off my breathing again. His large muscular arms went around my neck in a choke-hold.

I hit at him, scratched and stomped on his feet, but he had his bearings. He was now as moveable as stone. Still, I tried clawing at his hands again, but then a sharp pain exploded in my shoulder. I started to fade. It was done. I was leaving with him.

He walked on, and I slowly disappeared along with my hope.

***

My head was down on her lap. Her hand smoothing my head soothingly like a mother would a child as she softly hummed Amazing Grace. I wasn’t religious, but I recognized the song. I stirred. Loren.

“She made noises. Is she awake?” Dimitri called back from behind the driver’s seat.

My heartbeat jumped in my throat as I awaited her answer.

Loren’s hand closed over my mouth for me to remain quiet, as she calmly continued to pat my hair. “No, Simon. She’s still asleep… I think she’s dreaming.”

I stiffened on her lap. Why was she lying to Dimitri?

“Okay,” Dimitri replied. “But remember you were brought along because you’re good and honest. Now if she’s awake we need to give her more drugs so she can stay calm and quiet.”

“Yes, Simon,” she replied. “But she’s still asleep... drugs are dangerous.”

“Yes, drugs are, baby girl, and you would know,” he answered in a pacifying voice. “But as I explained to you before, chosen women need motivation to obey. It’ll be her choice how much motivation she needs. It won’t be my fault or yours if she becomes an addict. But if she does, you can help show her the way, like you have done for the others.”

“Yes, Simon,” she answered softly.

Loren went back to humming, and I tried not to move or make a sound.

I reminded myself that Angel had made the mistake of trusting her. Though she had shown some remorse at the house and now. That could work in my favor.

Even though she helped me, I was angry with Loren, but in a way, I understood why she helped betray me. She, like all the kept-women in The Agency, was a pawn to be used whenever they needed. Angel had, in her mixed-up way, tried to warn me that my game was still in play. My game had deviated to become a part of her own by my being with Dane, but it wasn’t over. As Dimitri put it, the original plan was back in place, thanks to Patrick. He’d been behind my involvement all along. I just hadn’t known the extent until now. I had reveled in his loss of my resources and contacts with the divorce, but I had underestimated the lengths he’d go to protect himself and his power. I’d never do that to anyone again. I’d act, and he’d pay. I just needed to find my way out. If there still was one.

My only solace was Dimitri was upset by something that happened at my house. Part of his plan had gone wrong, and whatever it was could make more things unravel. Surely by now, Elliott must have realized he didn’t have the real Dimitri. He would have called to check on me, and my not answering would be signal enough that something was wrong. However, what he didn’t know was that he had a traitor working with him. Someone willing to hurt him if Dimitri instructed him or her to. On the other hand, Dimitri and Walter must have told Angel that everyone was against her, and out to get her, but that wasn’t true. Still, just like her, I wasn’t willing to take that risk.

I admonished myself and my choices and what had befallen me. Again. I had to find hope. I may have been abducted, but just like before, I wasn’t alone. Knowing Elliott, he wouldn’t stop until he found me. And when he did, I made a promise not to let myself get in the way. I would tell him how I feel and how much I wanted us to be together. That was if I could remember. Would I be so altered after Dimitri was done with me, such that I would only remember the love I once had for Patrick?

My thoughts were interrupted as the car moved up a ramp, and a burst of excitement shot through me. There was a chance we were on the Mukilteo Ferry heading on to Whidbey Island. If Elliott finds my message in the cabinet, would he put it together and go back to Loren? Then again, it hadn’t worked before for Dane, even me for that matter, when he went to her. Still, it gave me hope I’d be rescued soon.

“Stay where you are, Gia,” Dimitri said. “I know you’re now awake. You were only given a mild sedative. You’re probably thinking of getting away. You can, but then my contacts expect to hear from me every hour. If I don’t check in, they are instructed to kill Elliott first. Patrick wanted your father to die first, but that would be his end game. I don’t play for him.”

I dug my hand into my neck to stop the sob that rose in my throat. My father is vulnerable, helpless and at the mercy of those that I trusted. Thinking someone would harm him was enough to win my silence. I would never risk his life or anyone else’s.

A beeping sounded, and my nerves jolted, though I feared his answer if I question, then he said, “You may as well know more about me since we’ll be together for a while.” The car slowed to park. “That’s the alarm for my heart’s medication. I’m dying.” There hadn’t appeared to be anything visibly wrong with him at the house, but Angel had suggested as much. He could also be lying, but I didn’t dare say so.

“Then why spend your final days doing other people’s bidding?” I asked. “Please, let me go and disappear.”

Loren whimpered.

“It’s too late for that now,” he replied and cleared his throat. “I’ve got my game to play too, which you’ll learn about in time. Now quiet so I can make sure your loved ones stay living.”

I moved to sit up, but Loren pushed my head down. “Obey, or you’ll be drugged and put in the trunk,” she said loud enough for Dimitri to hear.

He chuckled. “I’d listen to her,” he mused.

My mouth twisted in rage, but I remained where I was, on her lap. My ears strained as Dimitri made calls on his phone. He was barely audible. When he was done, he spoke to Loren.

“It’s for Gia,” he said. “She’s thirsty.”

He must have passed her water. My throat was parched, and mouth dry like cotton. I wanted the water. Loren eased her hold on me, and I sat up. She handed the water bottle to me. The top was sealed in place. I decided to drink it. Looking out the window, I could confirm we were queuing for the Mukilteo ferry. We are headed to Loren’s home? I wasn’t sure. I was tired again and fell asleep almost instantly.

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