Page 9 of Inevitable
The cement building I was being held in looked like every other prison I’d seen for captives during the days of the Lanian rebellion.
It was dark except for one small, barred window. The place was also filthy, as if it hadn’t been opened or used in years.
I couldn’t move far from the metal post I was chained to right now.
I was thirsty as hell and lightheaded.
The only small amount of water I’d gotten was when they’d shoved another dose of drugs down my throat.
I knew I was getting seriously dehydrated, and I was feeling the effects of that dehydration.
And I had no idea how this ordeal was going to end.
Don’t panic, Emma.
Having a meltdown wasn’t going to help my situation.
I knew that Nick was turning Lania upside down to search for me. He’d been alive and screaming my name when he’d been shoved into that helicopter.
Nick had become a friend over the last few years and not just my client. I knew he’d keep searching for me until he found me.
I also knew that Brock, Nate, Gage, and Seth were eventually going to come looking for me, too.
I’d missed checking in with Brock both yesterday and today.
My friends had always been overprotective and watchful, even though I was older than all of them.
They were probably already looking for me.
My friendswouldfind me.
I was really scared, but I had to stay hopeful.
I let out a tremulous sigh and tried to ignore the musty, rank smell of the prison and the fact that the building had probably been used for countless hostages in the past.
Hostages that had probably never left the building alive.
I had to keep reminding myself that I was apparently a political prisoner and not a rebel hostage, a woman Nick’s enemies were probably using for leverage of some kind.
I’d been questioned excessively about my relationship with Nick and punched in the face over and over when I’d refused to answer their questions. I’d been punished for my lack of cooperation, but they weren’t cutting off my fingers or body parts…yet.
Honestly, I didn’t knowwhatto tell them.
I was basically screwed.
If they thought I was a love interest to Nick, that could backfire.
If they knew we were nothing but friends and business associates that could get me killed because I wasn’t that useful to them.
The kidnappers had insisted on knowing if I was Nick’s secret girlfriend, but I’d remained stoic and quiet.
I’d decided it was better to stay silent.
Honestly, the idea of me being romantically attached to Nick was utterly ridiculous.
He was younger than me, and probably one of the most sought-after bachelors in the world.
We’d developed a really solid friendship over the years, but I’d definitely never been infatuated with the handsome prince.
