Page 82 of Defending What's Mine

Please tell me you know we’re gone. Please tell me you’re looking.

“I would have been taken either way,” I whisper. “You didn’t cause this. They used you, Melanie. They used both of us.”

She lets out a soft sob, burying her face against my shoulder. I hold her as tightly as I can manage, my own strength dwindling with every passing hour.

I wish I could be strong for her. I wish I could be strong for myself.

But the truth gnaws at me.I’m scared.Terrified.

I can’t stop thinking about what Castillo said. How he said we’ve already been sold. That this isn’t a ransom play anymore. My father’s money won’t help us. The people hunting for us won’t even know where to look.

And if we cross into international waters…

I shiver violently, pressing my cheek against Melanie’s hair. The boat rocks gently beneath us, the hum of the engine now a constant threat instead of comfort.

I want to believe Asher is coming.

But even if he is…will he make it in time?

“Do you think he knows?” Melanie asks suddenly, voice muffled.

I hesitate. Then, say, “Yes.”

It’s the only thing keeping me from falling apart completely. If I stop believing Asher knows, if I stop believing he’s looking, I’ll lose whatever fragile hold I have left.

Melanie sniffles. “I hope you’re right.”

I glance toward the tiny porthole. It’s locked tight, covered with grime. No view of the outside world. No stars. No land. Just endless dark.

The door opens suddenly. We both freeze, sitting upright.

Felix Castillo steps inside—composed, unhurried, a faint smile curving his lips. His guards linger just outside the door, silent and watchful.

I steel my spine. My voice is steady, but every word takes effort.

“Where are you taking us?”

Felix’s smile deepens. “Far from anyone who can find you.”

My heart pounds. “You can ransom us. My family will pay anything. You don’t have to do this.”

He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Your family’s money is of no interest to me anymore, Miss Lane. The transaction is already complete. You both have been purchased by a very wealthy client—one who prefers not to be inconvenienced by family negotiations.”

The blood drains from my face. My grip tightens on Melanie’s hand.

“Please,” I whisper. “You don’t have to do this. You can still stop it.”

Felix tilts his head, regarding me almost with curiosity. “You’re brave. I admire that. But it won’t change what’s coming.”

He steps back toward the door. “Get some rest. You’ll need your strength.”

The door closes with a soft click.

I collapse back onto the bunk, chest heaving. Melanie lets out a broken sob, and I pull her into my arms again.

I want to be brave. I want to fight.

But the cold truth presses in…we’re running out of time.

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