Page 52 of Caught By Menace

“She is.”

“I want her to be happy. Fuck knows she never found happiness here.”

Menace wondered if this was where Naya had learned her rather bad habit of cursing. “I plan to do everything in my power to make her happy.”

“You better.”

Menace wanted to chuckle at the man’s empty threat but the look on Dankirk’s face stopped him. It was clear he felt something very strong for Naya. A painful sensation twisted his gut. What if this man had been waiting for Naya to reach the safe zone so he could whisk her away to the colonies? “Does she love you?”

The man laughed, the sound harsh and angst-ridden. “Not in the way you’re thinking and not in the way I’ve always wanted. I’m sure you’ve figured this out, but she’s not exactly the kind of girl who falls in love or trusts easily—and with good reason.”

“Her family—”

“They’re shits. Even her sainted father,” Dankirk added. “I know she remembers Tom as being her hero, but he was the farthest thing from it to anyone else who knew him. With all his debts and shady dealings, he made it impossible for her to have a normal life after his death.” Dankirk inhaled a sharp breath. “The best damn thing that ever happened to her was being Grabbed by you. Don’t fuck that up for her. She’s got a new life, a new start. She deserves it.”

Taken aback by the intensity of the man’s remarks, Menace remained quiet and let it all sink in. “I’ll take care of her. You needn’t worry.”

“Do you promise?”

“She is precious to me. I give you my word that I will protect and care for her.”

This time when Dankirk extended his hand, Menace grasped it. Dankirk slowly retreated. He waved at the woman Menace had been entrusted to ferry back to theValiant. “Good luck, Penny. I’ll make sure your mama knows you made it safely.”

“Thanks, Danny.”

Holding Naya’s bag, Menace rejoined the small group and gestured for Penny to start walking. Menace flanked her while Raze and his two men led the way back to the waiting ship. Once he got the young woman safely buckled into her seat, he handed the bag to Venom. “Take this.”

Venom’s eyebrows shot up but he accepted the bag all the same. “What do you want me to do with your wife’s bag?”

“Search it. I don’t want any questions arising about the procedures followed to clear her things. Let Cipher scan it.”

“Sure.” Venom disappeared out of the seating area to the cargo section where Cipher had set up shop.

Menace dropped into his seat and tugged the various belts into place. Secured, he waited for the flashing light to turn solid green to indicate takeoff was imminent. He spotted movement out of the corner of his eye. Penny’s fists were so tightly drawn her knuckles had gone white.

Worried she was going to stroke out from fear, he reached over and touched her arm. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. There will be a few minutes of uncomfortable pressure as we zoom through the atmosphere. Before the gravity boosters kick in, there will be a few seconds of weightlessness.” He grabbed the puke bagstuffed into the sleeve above her head. “If you need to vomit, use this.”

“Th-thank y-you,” she stammered. She took the bag with shaking fingers. Her teeth rattled together so hard he feared she might break one of them.

“Would you like a sedative? There’s still time to administer an injection before we lift off from the surface.”

“N-no,” she said with a determined shake of her head. “I just need a mo-moment.”

He held her wide-eyed, panicked gaze. “You’ll be fine. Take some deep, calm breaths. I’ve heard some people like to close their eyes and count silently. That might help.”

She shot him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

In the next instant, the light in the passenger area turned bright-green. The ship vibrated and gained speed. Next to him, Penny squeezed her eyes shut and gripped the puke bag. Across the aisle, Raze eyed her with some concern. Menace second-guessed his decision to offer the sedative. He should have just given it and asked forgiveness later.

When they reached outer space, she squeaked. He expected her to blow any second, but she got a hold of herself and managed not to lose it. Twenty minutes into their three-hour trek to theValiant, she’d calmed enough to relax. Half an hour into it, she worked up the courage to speak.

“You were part of the Connor’s Run Grab?”

Menace nodded. “Yes.”

“You’re happy with your wife?”

“Very.”

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