Page 77 of Call Sign: King
“Ryder… this changes nothing. As horrifying as those photos are, if you look closer, you’ll see they prove two very important things. Khloe is still alive and she’s fighting… waiting for you to come and get her out of there.”
He forced several deep breaths, working hard to get past the blinding rage and fear seeing the pictures of Khloe’s torture had buried him in.
Torch squatted down in front of him, holding out a hand as if to help Ryder back up. “Doc is right. Your girl is alive. What do you say we go get her?”
Finally accepting the help to his feet, Ryder took his phone back from Doc and sliding it back into his back pocket as he fought down his emotions until the only emotion he was left with was red hot rage.
There was nothing left to do. Turning around to address the small army of his BSO soldiers, he gave the order.
“It’s go time.”
Chapter Twenty-four
KHLOE
The smell of greasy bacon made Khloe fight back the urge to puke.
It was irrational but the fact that Yana and Vladimir Volkov had had a huge breakfast spread brought in, filling the long dining table with a celebration feast, upset her almost as much as the way Vladimir had manhandled her upon his arrival.
While the Volkovs and their loyal guards feasted on the food just feet away, Irena and Khloe had been forced to thank the bastard for the privilege of being brought a bucket to use as a toilet. The servant who’d brought in the opulent food had also slid a bowl of plain oatmeal in front of the two hostages. It was the first food she’d been offered since lunch on set the day she’d left Toronto. How many days ago had that been? Sadly, she didn’t even know as it felt like forever since she’d been stolen away from her life.
Had she not gotten her period, Khloe would be gratefully eating the oatmeal, but knowing she wasn’t pregnant changed everything. Why bother eating?
Vladimir’s voice broke through her internal thoughts. She forced herself to pay attention.
“Did you hear what I said, my trophy?”
Khloe was tempted to ignore his taunt, hating the nickname he’d given her.
Finally looking in Vlad’s direction, she glared at him. “My name is Khloe.”
“Not anymore. Khloe Monroe is dead. From now on you’re simply the trophy of my war with Nicholai.”
She was so tired, and everything hurt.
But she thought about all of the people who had been hurt protecting her. And those who she knew were fighting right now to rescue her. She had no idea how long it would take them to find her, but she needed to stay strong until then.
Raising her chin, Khloe glared at Vlad as she answered. “His name is Ryder, and your war with him is far from over. As long as he is breathing, he will fight for me.”
“You sound pretty sure,” he countered, not looking worried at all.
“I’m more than sure. I’m positive,” she asserted, sounding more confident than she felt.
It was true. She may be sure that Ryder would come for her, but what worried her was knowing just how hard it would be for him to get her out alive once he arrived. There was a good chance they would both die in this fucking room, but if she could at least see him again and be with him at the end, she guessed that might be okay. At least better than being here alone to be tortured by this lunatic.
She was glad to lose Vladimir’s attention when one of his men came into the room and made some announcement in Russian. The two guards who had been gorging on the breakfast quickly pushed to their feet and launched into a hurried rant in Russian. The Volkovs and the guards shot fast banter back and forth.
Not understanding, Khloe glanced over at Irena, looking for clues about what was happening. Was that excitement in her eyes?
Khloe got her answer when the door opened. Alexi Volkov pushed into the room before letting the door slam closed behind him.
The cousins glared at each other for long seconds. Khloe held her breath, hoping Alexi might be there to help her. If he’d fallen in love with Irena, that had to mean something, right? Or was the man power-hungry enough that he would throw Irena to the wolves just to hold on to his position as head of the family? The fact that he was ignoring the chained woman wasn’t a good sign.
“Alexi,” Vlad said, still on his feet. “My cousin, you are late for breakfast.”
Khloe was surprised but grateful he’d spoken in English.
“I didn’t receive my invitation,” Alexi responded.
