Page 29 of Captive

No. No. No! Damn it.

“Is this where we’re staying?” I asked, loathing the meek sound in my voice.

Nikolai snorted. “Hardly. This is a few hours of sleep and nothing more. Where there’s one of them, there is always a second. We’ll lay low for a little while.” He pulled into the parking lot, shifting to where there was little light and I cringed. Even the flashing half lit neon sign reminded of something out of a horror movie, the seedy look of the single-story building causing a lump to form in my throat.

I wiggled in my seat, suddenly entirely too claustrophobic.

After pulling the car to a spot near the other side of the lobby, slamming the gear into park, he turned to face me. “Chloe. I’m only going to say this once. Stay in this seat. I will be able tosee you from inside. If you so much as make a move or try and cry out, trust me, the punishment you’re going to receive will be much harsher than before. Do you understand me?”

“Why, yes, sir. Whatever you say, sir.” I could see the flash of anger in his eyes and felt oddly vindicated for a few seconds. At least I’d managed to get under his skin.

Cursing quietly in Russian, he exited the vehicle. I watched as he walked into the cramped space before looking out of every window. There was no sign of activity, no people. There had to be a way to get to someone. At least there were a few cars in the place. Maybe I could get lucky.

I studied Nikolai’s activities, watching his frustration grow when no one appeared at his beck and call immediately. I shifted closer to his seat, hissing from the fact there was a console between the two seats. When he dared to turn his head away, I managed to slide halfway over. Sucking in air, I shifted my body at an awkward angle in order to make it appear like I hadn’t moved.

Finally, it was obvious he grew frustrated, moving out of sight likely in some attempt to rouse whoever was supposed to be at the front desk. There would never be another opportunity to try to get away. I kicked hard with my feet, making it all the way into his seat. I had to struggle to get my legs under the steering wheel. I was already gasping for air, another suffocating moment as my throat closed, prickling sensations like sharp claws.

From this angle, I was unable to see him. I knew I had just a few seconds. Fuck. Fuck! I couldn’t reach the latch. Oh, hell, no, I wasn’t going to be stuck here. Straining and twisting my body, I managed to flick my fingers across the door handle. No luck.Oh, please. Oh, dear God, please.

I tried a second time.

Then a third.

Success.

The soft click gave me a smile. I took a deep breath and kicked hard against the console, tumbling out of the car. The second I tried to scoot back I felt his presence. Whimpering, I peered up at him. He was even more gloriously handsome in the horrific light, his blond hair shimmering and the glow around him making him look like a god.

Why did he have to be so damn muscular and sexy? Why was I so attracted to such a monster?

He hunkered down, glancing around him before speaking. “You shouldn’t have done that, little brat. However, I’ll give you credit for your accomplishment. Now you’re going to learn what disobeying the rules truly means.”

There was no anger in his voice, just a matter-of-fact statement.

Almost in a loving manner, he helped me up, taking the time to remove the rope from around my wrists, yet his grip on my arm remained tight. He was so muscular and strong that there was no way I was going anywhere.

He shoved me into the car once again, scanning the area before climbing in. Then he parked the vehicle around the building in the darkness. I was petrified.

“You can get out now,” he instructed, waiting until I opened the door.

I didn’t try to run. I wasn’t even certain I could move much at all. Exhaling, I shifted toward him, glancing every few seconds toward the street.

Remaining quiet, he moved to the back of the car, opening the trunk. I hadn’t seen the number of bags he’d already placed inside. What I could tell was at least one of them held weapons. Just like the one he was wearing underneath his shirt. Swallowing, I took mental note of everything when he grabbed three bags, tossing them over his shoulder then slamming the lid.

He never let go of me as we headed for the very end of the building, the last unit up against a group of trees. The motel was so old that there were still old-fashioned keys. After he unlocked the door, he pushed me inside, taking his time before turning on the light. I backed away, fearful of what he would do.

Nikolai immediately closed the drapes and locked the door, scanning the interior of the room as if he half expected the bastards following us to be inside. Then he dumped the bags, tossing the keys on the dresser. I did my best not to stare at them, but I could swear he was able to tell what I was thinking, his gaze following mine.

“If you make another attempt to escape, I will hunt you down.” His words were simple, dark, and to the point. “I can’t afford to have any additional bullshit, Chloe. I think you know what we’re up against.”

“They want you dead.”

“And you, but I’m not going to allow that to happen. That much I promise you.”

Promise. As if his promises meant anything to me.

I would never be able to get away from him.

Him. The dangerous Bratva leader.