Page 78 of Viper
She sucked in long, greedy breaths. The air was cool on her damp, sweaty skin, chasing away some of the nausea. She opened her eyes to study the ground. The gravel transitioned to a sandy beach.
Where was he taking her?
The salty air, a scent as familiar as home, offered a false sense of security. She’d never felt completely safe in the ocean, but she’d gladly face any sea predator over the men who’d kidnapped her.
Her captor leaped onto a rickety dock and carried her down its long length. Surely he’d blow her brains out and toss her in the ocean. She’d be the next beachside victim.
Tears stung her eyes.
She didn’t want to die like this. Without a fighting chance or final words. Without looking her killer in the eye and promising she’d be avenged. Even if she could muster up enough strength to speak, finding the words to strike fear into Craig would be impossible with death staring at her.
Her parents would be devastated. Atlas would blame himself and be unable to face their family with his head held high. He and Troy would surely do everything in their power to find her, but unless they were waiting at the end of the dock, they’d be too late.
Worst of all, she’d never see Troy again. Never feel his warm embrace or see his playful smile. She’d never laugh with him again, or be held or cherished. There were so many things she wanted to do with him. To learn about him.
She wanted to grow with him. Start a family.
She’d never get to tell him how much he meant to her. That she wished they’d said to hell with Atlas years ago and found happiness together. Sadness welled up from her chest and tears fell from her face and splattered on the dock.
She’d never get to tell Troy that he brought out the best in her, and that he made her truly happy . . . and that she loved him.
Her heart split in two. She prayed he’d know. That he’d feel her love for as long as he lived. Maybe Atlas would tell him—
The man stopped walking and pitched forward. She flew backward, a scream catching in her throat.
New arms caught her. Mean, harsh, and familiar. More than that, she was aware of the shift in energy. It was as if the air had grown spikes. She stiffened, leaning as far as she could from the sticky body. He dropped her on a wooden seat—or narrow bench. Without the use of her hands, she almost fell to the deck of what had to be a small boat, based on the rocking.
“Good job, brother. I appreciate your help.” Craig’s creepy voice oozed fake gratitude.
“You need to go now. Take the bitch and get the hell out of Florida. If you come back, I swear to god I’ll—”
“You’ll what?” Craig’s nasty tone rang with challenge.
Silence. Then a low breath. “You’ll always be my brother. But I’ve got a life. I can’t go to jail, man. Just leave the area until things blow over. Please.”
Craig let out a low sigh. “You’ve always been the man of reason. Of course I’ll take your advice. I’ll call you in a few days.”
“Thanks, Craig.” Footsteps retreated on the dock.
Crack!
The sharp burst of gunfire blasted the air. Paige screamed over her gag. A loud splash almost drowned out the screeching sea gulls.
The boat rocked. She clamped her knees together and stiffened her back so she didn’t accidentally flip it.
Craig yanked the sack from her head. Her hair fanned out in front of her face, almost blocking the sight of her captor. He pushed it from her eyes, his sick, twisted smile beaming.
“Can you believe that fucking guy?” He tsked. “It’s a shame. Did you know he was my stepbrother?”
Paige sat frozen. Didn’t breathe. Craig sat across from her on the motorboat’s bench, the gun hanging loosely in his fingers and pointed at the deck.
She jerked her gaze away from him to search for the man who’d taken her. He floated facedown. Waves gently tossed his body beneath the dock.
Hot, metallic terror replaced all the moisture in her mouth.
Craig lifted his gun and rubbed the warm metal over her cheek. The acrid scent of gunpowder flooded her nostrils. “Don’t worry, starfish. I’ve got plans for you and me.”
She shuddered.
