Page 20 of Guarding Salvation

Aoife sagged to the bed behind her, relief taking her legs from her and making tears prick at her eyes. “Thank God.”

“He’s a tough old bastard.”

Aoife tried for a smile knowing it came off as more of a grimace. “What’s your name?”

“They call me Hurricane.”

Aoife looked closer at the man who was still standing just inside the door as if aware she might be afraid of him, and it was that which eased her anxiety a little. He had skin like polished ebony over muscles which she was sure could bench press a small car. His high cheekbones would make models weep and full lips that her friends had paid a fortune in silicone for. “Well, Hurricane, what’s the plan?”

“I came to see if you wanted some food. I can’t take you out of this room until the boss approves the job, but we can make sure you’re fed and safe.”

She would’ve objected but right now she was as safe as she’d felt in forever, and as exhausted and hungry as she was from the emotional trauma of this morning, she’d take it. There’d be time for demanding answers when she felt stronger, and food and rest would give her time to formulate an escape. Aoife was a lot of things, but a fool wasn’t one of them. She couldn’t fight her way past this man if she wanted to on a good day. Her best bet was to rest, eat, and see what they had to say and pray they’d help her.

“Food would be good, thank you.”

“Any special dietary requirements like allergies or whatever?”

“No, nothing. I’m not really a fussy eater either.”

Hurricane grinned, showing straight white teeth and crinkles at the corner of his eyes. “Be back shortly. There’s a bathroom through that door and fresh clothes if you want to change.”

Hurricane pointed to a door she hadn’t noticed and then closed her door before leaving. She didn’t miss the way it locked though and wondered if he was keeping her in or others out.

Deciding to explore the small bedroom and bathroom, Aoife found a shower and fully equipped bathroom suite with towels, toiletries, and clean clothes with the tags still on in a cupboard.

Taking the quickest of showers, she washed her hair, enjoying the warm water for a second before rinsing the shampoo out. Brushing it through with a brush, she used one of the hair elastics to hoist the heavy mane into a ponytail. Putting on the brand-new white cotton underwear and bra set, she pulled on clean, skinny black jeans and a dark navy jumper.

Walking back out to the bedroom, she stopped short when she saw a petite platinum blonde woman placing a tray down near the bed. She glanced up and bright blue eyes peered back at her from dark lashes.

“Oh, hi. I brought you some shepherd’s pie with a side of broccoli and green beans. There’s also some chocolate cake if you want it afterwards.”

Aoife glanced at the tray, her stomach rumbling loudly and making the young woman laugh.

“Sorry, I forgot breakfast.”

“No problem. I’m Snow. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Aoife. So, are you all named after a weather event?”

Snow laughed, her body in constant motion as she bounced from one foot to the next as if she couldn’t keep still. “No, mine is because of my hair and pale skin. They tease me I could blend into the snow.”

“Ah.”

“Anyway, eat it while it’s hot and I’ll be back to take you up to meet the boss in a couple of hours. There’s a book in the corner if you want to read.”

Aoife noticed the book that hadn’t been there before on the bed and smiled as she recognised the well-known romance author, Freya Barker. “Thank you.”

As the door closed, the click of the lock engaged, and Aoife took the tray before sitting on the bed and tucking into the food. It was delicious, full of flavour and comfort, just like her mum made and she didn’t feel the tiniest amount of guilt as she wolfed down the chocolate cake either. She needed every ounce of energy she could get. It was divine, and homemade if she wasn’t mistaken.

Laying back on the bed, her wet hair dangling off the side, she thought about that morning and the last week. She should’ve run after the warning from Peyton, but she’d been a fool, wanting to stay where she felt safe for a just a bit longer. Sleeping with Bram had made her even more careless. She foolishly wanted more even though she’d been the one to say it was impossible. But the chemistry between them was unlike anything she’d felt before and it wasn’t just the mind-blowing sex. Talking to him was like talking with a friend. It was easy, comfortable, he was funny and made her laugh but with a little fizzle in her belly from the sexual tension.

She must have dozed because she woke when the door opened, and Snow stepped into the room.

“You ready to meet the boss?”

Aoife rubbed her eyes, wishing she had the armour of make-up to hide behind, but she only had her grit and her backbone, and she hoped it was enough to convince these people to help her. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Aoife followed Snow out the door and into a large corridor that was as clinical and nondescript as the rest, past closed doors, the low light on the walls giving nothing away.