Page 37 of Taken By the Convicts
“I d-don’t like the dark,” she repeated, sounding thoroughly drained.
The guards had thrown her in the hole yesterday morning. She’d been there for nearly a full day before Hawke had pulled her out, and then Ivan had stolen her from him and shoved her in a room alone, without water and light for nearly another full day.
He owed her. Not only to make up for how he’d treated her but because she’d fought to help him and his men. She’d been the only one.
“I don’t know when the lights will be back on. I’ll keep the flashlight on for you. Sleep. I’ll wake you when Jayce arrives with the food.”
Her breath washed over his neck. She’d already fallen asleep. Despite everything he’d put her through, she trusted him enough to fall asleep in his arms.
Chapter Nine
REECE
“I’m not going to apologize to you or anyone else,” Ivan said, blocking Reece’s view of his room. Reece could barely see past the man’s shoulder, but he’d spotted Melina in Ivan’s bed.
Reece grabbed Ivan by his shirt and grunted toward Melina.
“I don’t force women if that’s what you’re asking.”
It was. And it surprised him how Ivan understood him, even without Zev there to interpret. Then again, yesterday Reece had made it clear that he cared about Melina, that he would protect her against anyone who intended to hurt her. After Ivan had locked her in that room, Reece had punched him and tried to force him to open the lock, but Reece had to choose between killing the man and then severing his thumb to open the lock or biding his time. He needed Ivan or rather access to this bunker. Hell. The truth be told, he was stronger with Ivan on his side. Melina was much too vulnerable on Veenith; Reece couldn’t protect her alone. That meant giving in to the man and leaving Melina in the room by herself, locked up like a prisoner.
Reece wished he could ask her—or even Ivan—why he was mad at her. Melina was sweet, caring, and she wouldn’t hurt anyone.
If he had access to all the fancy weapons and security technology he had when he was protecting Manager Crimshaw on Kordon, then maybe he could protect her here by himself. But he had nothing. Just Zev as backup. They needed a unit and skill sets that he didn’t have. He needed Ivan and Jayce.
But that didn’t mean he’d let Ivan or anyone else abuse her.
Reece pushed his way into Ivan’s room. The blanket rested beneath her chin. She appeared frail, worn out.
Reece glared at Ivan.
“Mind your own business, Crusher.”
She was his business. Unfortunately, he couldn’t keep her from sleeping with the others down here in the bunker. But had she gone to his bed willingly?
“Why are you even back so soon? Hunting trips are never half a day.”
Did the man really think Reece would leave Melina here alone for more than a few hours when she was so vulnerable? No fucking way. He’d traded hunting details with another one of the sharpshooters and ended up moving bags of fertilizer in the greenhouse. Good thing too, considering what he’d returned to in the bunker.
“Answer me,” Ivan ordered.
He’d answer him alright. . .
Reece shoved Ivan, hard. Once. Twice. Why wasn’t the man defending himself?
Another shove. Ivan grabbed Reece’s arm, twisted and shoved it up high on his back as he slammed him face-first against the wall.
“I didn’t touch her,” Ivan practically growled, even as he released Reece.
Ivan’s cold blue eyes darted briefly to Melina, then he swallowed hard, showing a rare moment of weakness. “I screwed up.” The soldier ran his fingers through his short dark hair.
Jayce had been missing for a full day and Ivan was worried about him. That’s what made Ivan a leader. He watched over his team, which now included Reece. For Melina’s sake, Reece needed to get used to Ivan giving him orders, including ones he might not like. Melina needed this unit, and he wouldn’t risk being cast out. He wouldn’t abandon her like that.
“She’s scared and I don’t want to leave her alone, but someone has to find Jayce. I sent Zev out, but he hasn’t returned either.”
Scared? He had forced her! Reece slammed Ivan against the wall again.
“What’s your fucking problem?” Ivan shouted as he pulled back a fist, ready to punch Reece.
