Page 12 of Holiday Hostage
“We have one thing going for us.” Maverick tapped my shoulder. “We’re all dressed similarly.”
I grunted, indicating I’d noticed that too.
The men we were stalking had tried to blend into their surroundings with white camo that somewhat matched the trees and shrubbery.
Most had balaclavas over their mouths and noses to stave off the arctic air.
“Any chance they don’t know everyone on their crew?” Reed lowered his binoculars. “We could walk in like we belong.”
“Too risky. Can’t go in guns blazing, either.” Maverick pulled his balaclava down and scratched his cheek. “If they discover we’re not part of the crew, or if we alert them too early, they could kill Payton.”
My stomach clenched so hard I nearly lost my lunch.
I breathed through the sudden pain and put my binoculars away.
The door opened, and two men pushed a third person out between them.
“Listen, I’m not who you think I am.” Payton’s voice rose clear and strong.
She threw her head back, sending her blonde hair flying. Sunlight caught on her face and played across her skin.
“Shut up.” The man who’d threatened his comrade stalked forward. “I’ve had enough of your bleating. Keep your mouth shut or I’ll find something for it to do.”
The threat hung in the air, and I rose into a half crouch, every single cell in my body ready to beat the man to death with his own cock.
Reed yanked me down hard enough to slam the breath out of my lungs. “He’s trying to scare her. He wouldn’t dare damage her like that.”
“You don’t know that.”
Men had done worse for no reason whatsoever.
Payton reared her head back. “Try it and I’ll make sure you never walk again.”
Even from a distance, her beauty and sheer bravery struck me right in the heart.
She had to be terrified, but she never let it show.
“We’re getting her out of there. Right fucking now.” My patience ended. “Figure it out, Maverick.”
“Working on it.” He sounded as angry as I felt, and when I looked over at him, he wore an expression so full of death and mayhem that I patted his shoulder.
“We’re coming, Payton. Hold on a little longer.” Reed scooted backward down the hill, sliding from sight as Maverick and I kept watch on the fort.
It wasn’t every day we rescued a beautiful woman from the clutches of mercenaries.
Hell, it wasn’t every day we dealt with womenormercenaries.
The two together set my blood to pumping, the thrill of the challenge butting against my need to keep Payton safe.
She was bold and fearless despite her situation.
The two men led her to a small outbuilding, opened the door, and pushed her inside.
Whatever they told her was spoken too softly for us to hear.
“I didn’t see anyone in there, did you?” I asked Maverick.
He shook his head. “Too dark in there to be sure. Could be some kind of outhouse. Not all these old forts had indoor bathrooms.”
