Page 5 of SEAL's Resolve

“That’s the point, man. If the woman gets loose, she won’t have anywhere to run. The pampered society princess won’t survive out here.”

A snort. “She’s trussed up like a turkey. I don’t think we got anything to worry about. She’s not going anywhere.”

“She’s smart. Don’t underestimate her.” The two guards passed Rafe and kept going.

At least Kristi was still alive. If she was unhurt and able to maneuver under her own steam, so much the better.

Once the men went back inside the cabin, Rafe eased from his hiding place and returned to his target window. He waited. Sure enough, seconds later, a dim light shone in the room, then went out again. He heard the muffled sound of a door closing.

He stayed in place another two minutes, waiting. At the two-minute mark, Rafe tried lifting the window. Locked. He grabbed his Ka-Bar, pried open the lock, and raised the window. He waited, but no sound came from inside the room or the rest of the cabin occupants.

Grasping the ledge, Rafe pulled himself up enough to peer inside the room. A woman sprawled on her back was tied hand and foot to the bed frame. Moonlight illuminated Kristi’s face. She appeared to be sleeping and was alone.

He frowned. Had the kidnappers drugged her? If so, rescuing Kristi would be more complicated, especially since he was working alone for the moment.

Rafe hoisted himself over the ledge, landing in a crouch, alert and ready for trouble. Now came the tricky part.

He approached Kristi’s bedside. Rafe didn’t have time to rouse her gently. The guards could return at any time. While he could take on several men at one time, the odds of Kristi being injured by accident were too high for his comfort.

Rafe clamped his hand over Kristi’s mouth.

CHAPTER THREE

Rafe easily controlled Kristi’s struggle to get away from him. He bent until his mouth was close to her ear. “It’s Rafe Torres. Your father sent me.”

Kristi’s eyes widened. Her muscles relaxed as she focused on his face.

“You with me?” he whispered.

A slight nod.

“I’m lifting my hand. If you scream, the kidnappers will come.”

Another nod.

Hoping she was awake enough to cooperate, Rafe eased the pressure from her mouth, then removed his hand entirely.

“How did you find me?” she whispered.

“Escape first. Explanations later.” He straightened and unsheathed his Ka-Bar. Ignoring her soft gasp, Rafe sliced through the rope binding her hands and feet to the bed frame. Kristi wore jeans and running shoes. Excellent. Her clothing would help protect her while they navigated through the woods.

After sheathing his Ka-Bar, he massaged her shoulder joints before lowering her arms to her sides. “Okay?”

She nodded despite the tears on her face.

He admired Kristi’s fortitude. Although her shoulder joints must ache and burn from the position she’d been in for hours, she didn’t complain. “How many kidnappers?”

“I counted eight.”

Holy cow. Were all eight of them on site? “You injured?”

“Nothing that can’t wait.”

Fury rocked through him at the knowledge that the kidnappers hurt Kristi. Not his priority at the moment, he reminded himself. He’d take her word and assess the injuries after they were safe. “Can you run?”

“Watch me.” Grim determination gleamed in her eyes.

He helped her stand and kept his hands on Kristi’s shoulders to steady her while her equilibrium adjusted to the change in position. When she nodded to let him know she could stand on her own, Rafe nudged her toward the window. He climbed through first and lowered himself to the ground, then turned back for Kristi. When she stood beside him, Rafe lowered the window, clasped Kristi’s hand, and led her toward the tree line and his pack.

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