Page 12 of Trapped

“You know I did. Yes. I wanted you.”

He huffed out a breath, then climbed off the bed. When he stepped toward her, she moved farther along the wall.

With a shaky finger, she pressed the button on her watch, lighting the dial so she could look at the time.

“It’s three eighteen. The guard could be coming back, and I have to get out of here before he does.”

“Or what?”

“Let’s just say it’s a lot better for both of us if I don’t get caught.”

“You admit you’re here illegally.”

“You could put it that way.”

“How would you put it?”

“I’ve already said what I can. I must leave, but I’ll be back. Just don’t . . .talk about Afghanistan.”

“Am I in prison?”

“No!”

“Then what?”

She felt her throat tighten. “Just play your cards close to your chest, okay?”

His voice turned gritty. “If I’m in so much trouble here, take me with you now.”

Her throat constricted even more, so that she was barely able to speak. “You can’t. Not yet.”

He exploded with a string of curses that tore at her resolve.

“Cash, please!”

She couldn’t see his face, but she felt him glaring at her.

“You come here like . . . like a sneak thief. And you expect me to go for this crap? You have to give me more information if you want me to go along with you!”

Her insides clenched. “Cash, I’m sorry.”

“Just give me a straight answer. Why can’t I leave now?”

She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them again. “Your leg.”

“What about it?”

“The route out of here isn’t easy. You have to be in better shape.”

He cursed again.

She pushed the light on her watch once more, not just because she needed to see the time. She wanted to make the point that she couldn’t stand here arguing with him any longer.

“I have to go.”

“Yeah, go on.”

The bruised tone of his voice made her stomach knot so painfully that she almost doubled over and grabbed her middle. But somehow, she managed to stay upright.

---