Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
T urning the lock with shaking hands, my heart thrums in my ribcage. I rest my forehead on the door, listening to them move away, hoping with everything that I am that they remain safe.
I only back away from the door once everything goes silent, and even then, my heart is with them. I’ve fallen for them way too quickly. I know that. Yet, I also know that this isn’t a rebound from whatever me and Jason had.
Some would say I’m moving on too fast, but when love takes control, there’s no stopping the hands of time. Powerless to stop it, it simply runs away with you in its grasp.
Taking a deep breath and shaking my limbs out to try and calm myself, I glance around, watching the shadows dance on the back wall from where the fire lights up the room. Instead of offering peace and comfort, their mesmerizing display only serves to unnerve me and has me on high alert. Or is that the adrenaline rush?
“Gah! Get a grip, Grace.” I smack my cheeks. “You’re no good to them as a blubbering mess.”
Sighing, I move over to the window and look out into the darkness of the night. Wrapping my arms around my chest, a shiver races down my spine as a mixture of coldness and anxiety works its way through me.
Logically, I know they’re trained and can handle themselves, but I still worry. Jason on the other hand-
“ Son of a nutcracker ,” I start pacing. The panic starts all over again at the realization that he’s somewhere in the house–defenseless–while the well-trained hostage is free and on a rampage. His behavior may have been less than savory towards me, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t mean something to me once. I know I shouldn’t, but I still worry about him.
The problem is, I can’t do anything from here. I likely can’t do anything out there either, but I’d at least be able to let the guys know so they could look out for him. I did promise Atlas I would stay, though...
Feeling confined and restricted, I untie my robe and throw it on the bed in a fit of frustration as a growl slips free. “I don’t know what to do!” I hiss under my breath. “Think, Grace. Think!”
Running all options over in my head, my mind won’t rest unless I’ve done all I can to save the man I once loved. My conscience simply won’t allow it.
“Oh , for the love of fruitcake . You’re far too kind for your own good,” I grumble, resolved to go find the guys.
Storming towards the door, I only make it a few steps past the bathroom when gunfire sounds off downstairs.
“No!” Running the rest of the way, I just about reach the door when someone grabs me from behind.
Dragging me backwards into the darkness of the bathroom, I scream and lash out at my attacker. Only the sound of gunfire is so loud, that it masks every sound I make, ridding me of any hope that the guys have heard me and are coming to my rescue.
Kicking out behind me, my heart races, and my breath comes in heavy pants as I do everything I can to try and dislodge their grip. Hitting out wildly, I somehow manage to land a lucky elbow to the side of their head, drawing a masculine grunt from them.
Dropping me, I yelp out in pain as I land funny on my ankle and crumple to the floor. Bone-deep fear begins to take over my body as my panic threatens to swallow me. My limbs tremble as I struggle for breath.
I don’t know what he’ll do to me if I can’t get out of here and reach the guys. But what if they’re already dead? Who’s going to save me then?
Hearing his groans behind me, I know I don’t have long before he regains his faculties, so I shoot up to my feet. I curse myself at the stupid move, whimpering as sharp, red-hot agony races up my calf and my ankle threatens to give way.
Tears spill over onto my cheeks as I stumble against the cabinet. I bite my lip and suck in a deep breath before deciding to make a break for it.
Ignoring the pain lancing through my leg, I use the wall as a crutch. Hobbling over to the door, I reach for the lock, my fingers brushing over the cool metal.
But it’s all for nothing.
Snatched up from behind again, I cry out, sobs tearing from my chest as my attacker bear hugs me, securing me in a way where I can barely move.
“No! Please , let me go!” I shout and plead as loud as I can, my voice cracking in desperation.
Ignoring my pleas, he drags me into the depths of the pitch-black bathroom, and I cry out, whimpering with a mixture of fear and pain as he kicks the door shut. Wiggling as much as I can to try and get free, I give up after only a few seconds.
We both know I’m not going anywhere this time.
Maniacal laughter explodes close to my ear and makes me jump as hot, alcohol-laced breath fans over my cheek.
“They can’t save you now.”