Page 80 of Red Captive

“Stop beating yourself up. You stopped them. You saved me yet again. At least, you must have, or I wouldn’t be here.” I look around, still not sure of where we are exactly.

“I almost lost you.” He cups my jaw for a second before letting me go. The air suddenly feels a little charged. The bedroom feels small. We look each other in the eye for a few long moments.

“What happened? How did you get me back?”

Steel goes through the events blow by blow.

“He just left me?” I ask, shock taking hold of me. I frown.

Steel nods. “Rex knew I was going to catch him, so he dumped you and made his escape. One thing I can say is that he didn’t want you hurt. He seemed to be protecting you. His reason for leaving was to save his own ass, though. It should never have happened in the first damned place.”

“Why would Rex abduct me?” My voice is soft. “Why?”

“I don’t know. I know the male has a hard-on for you. Maybe he—”

“No.” I start to shake my head, but it hurts. I wince. “He’s a good guy, Steel. He wouldn’t take me unless…unless…” I chew on my lip, trying to come up with a better reason. With something else, anything else.

“Unless he was ordered to take you,” Steel finishes my thought.

“Do you think the general ordered my abduction? Surely not?” I narrow my eyes. “Why would he do that? I’m still meeting candidates. We told Frost I’m fully on board. I’m all in. It doesn’t make any sense.”

He shrugs. “I think that things have changed now that Arctic has taken a special interest in you. I don’t think he has the freerein he had before. Maybe he’s worried the whole thing is going to blow up. If I know the general, he will have made a couple of promises he now has to make good on. Or it could be someone else who’s responsible; the duke maybe, or any of the other candidates who took a keen interest in you. They’re all males of power and influence. They all have the means.”

“Rex is one of the guards. That tells me it’s probably the general.”

“Rex could have been bought off. He could be working for Arctic or Frost or even the lieutenant. We haven’t mentioned him, but he is part of the equation.”

“I suppose so. This is insane. What happens now? Where are we?”

“We’re at—”

The door cracks open, and a man puts his head around the jamb. “Hello…sorry to intrude.” He doesn’t look sorry at all. He looks excited. His eyes are shining, and there’s a big smile on his face. He pushes open the door, standing in the opening. He is dressed in a full suit sans the tie. The top three buttons of his dress shirt are open.

“You can come in,” Steel says. “This is my manager, Roscoe. He agreed to put us up for a while.”

“Your…um…manager at The Pit?” I lift my brows. “Where you used to work?”

“Where he still works,” Roscoe corrects as he walks into the room. “It is lovely to meet you, Jennifer.” He leans in, his hand extended; there is a thick gold bracelet on his wrist. We shake hands.

Roscoe’s hair is a thick, glossy black that is more rugged and overgrown than most of the men on this island like to keep it. He has vivid green eyes that glint with intelligence. His smile is easy and broad; it lights up his whole face. This man is a charmer.That much is for sure. He keeps my hand in his, not letting me pull away.

“You are the first human I have ever met, and I have to say, I’m intrigued.” He kisses the back of my hand, holding his lips to my skin for several seconds while holding eye contact.

“What is it with all the hand-kissing lately?” Steel grumbles. When I look at him, he is smiling…well, sort of smiling.

“Better a kiss than a bite.” Roscoe chuckles. “It is good to see you awake. We were worried about you. How are you feeling?”

“Other than a headache, I think I’m fine.” I haven’t fully taken stock yet. I’m still in shock.

“That is good. I will see if I can get my hands on some Tylenol to help with the head.”

“Thanks.”

“Of course, of course. You are both my guests. The apartment should be comfortable enough. I had Dash stock the fridge and the pantry for you to ensure that you feel comfortable here. I supplied you both with some basic clothing and toiletries. Although I must confess, you’re smaller than I thought you would be, my dear. I will need to find a couple of items that are more suitable.”

I smile. “It’s not a problem. I’ll get by. Thanks for helping us,” I tell him.

“Thanks, Roscoe,” Steel says. “I appreciate it.”

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