Page 87 of Playboy Billionaire

His phone immediately buzzed back.

Noah: I’m on it. Wait for me. Don’t go in alone.

Griffin silenced his phone then headed back. He flattened himself against the wall, inching his way slowly. He wasn’t about to wait for Noah. When he reached the corner, he peeked his head around and could see that the man had his back to the window and was waving a gun in the air. Penelope sat on a bar stool facing the patio.

He hoped he could get her attention without her giving it away. With the outdoor patio lights on, he would be visible if she was looking. If she saw him, she might be able to keep the intruder distracted long enough for him to approach. He made his move and quickly dashed to the arbor, crouching down behind the hot tub. Peering over the top, he couldn’t be sure, but he thought that maybe Penelope knew he was there.

He waited for a second and then she stood up and began pacing, ensuring that she had the full attention of her assailant. Good. She knew he was there.

“Quit pacing and get your things, now!”

He pointed his gun toward the hallway, “Let’s go.”

He followed her, his gun pointed at her back.

Griffin spied Noah and motioned him over. This was a lucky break. They had one shot at it. There wasn’t time to wait for the police.

Speaking softly, he filled Noah in. “One man, as far as I could tell, he has a gun trained on Penelope. From what I could gather, he’s taking her hostage and they went to her bedroom for her to gather things. I’m going in.”

“Shouldn’t we wait for the police?”

“No. We have the element of surprise. I think Penelope saw me, so she’ll be working with us. If we get inside, we can hide in the great room until they come out then try to overtake him.”

“I’ll follow your lead.”

“Once we get inside, when I nod, you’ll know I’m about to go for it. I’ll try to disarm him. We have to make a silent run for it. Now!”

They made it inside and ducked down behind the sectional sofa. They could hear faint voices that were getting louder as they approached. Griffin looked at Noah. Both now running on adrenaline, Griffin knew, like any junkie, that he had to make it work for him, not against him. He took several deep slow breaths. Penelope was no more than ten feet from where they were crouched. His breathing sounded loud to his own ears and he wondered if they could hear it.

He took a risk and lifted his eyes above the couch and saw that the man was turned slightly away from him. It was now or never. He nodded to Noah and sprang from behind the couch, the element of surprise giving him a momentary advantage. They rolled around fighting for control of the gun. Noah jumped in and a shot rang out. Noah went down. Griffin couldn’t spare a glance.

“Oh my God! Noah!” Penelope cried out.

Griffin had the man’s wrist in a vice grip and was twisting it with all his strength. The gun fell to the ground, and the scuffle continued.

“Grab the gun Penelope,” Griffin yelled.

“But Noah!”

“Penelope, just grab the fucking gun!”

She was now crouched by Noah’s side. Griffin could hear her crying, but all he could focus on was the gun lying two feet from his reach. It was anybody’s game at this point. This guy was strong. He felt an elbow slam into his head and his vision swam for a few seconds. Just enough time for the other guy to get the upper hand. Next thing he knew he was being hauled upright in a headlock; a gun jammed against his temple.

“Penelope, if you don’t want me to blow your stud’s head off, I suggest you come to me. We’re leaving now.”

“Don’t listen to him Penelope. If you do, we don’t stand a chance,” Griffin said.

“Shut the fuck up or I’ll off you anyway.”

“How far do you think you’ll get?” Griffin said, trying to get under his skin.

“Let’s see, my own jet, a private island out of US jurisdiction…if I were a betting man, I’d give it ninety percent.”

“Josh, I’ll come with you, but you have to let me call an ambulance for Noah and you have to promise to let Griffin go.”

“You come over here and help me tie this piece of shit up and we’ll call after we’re in the air.”

“No! He’ll bleed out by then,” Penelope said. She was as pale as a ghost and her teeth were chattering.

---