Chapter 39
Charlotte
I don’t know how long it’s been since we left the dock. Time moves strangely on the water — no streets to mark our path, no familiar skyline to orient me. Only the steady thrum of the yacht’s engines beneath my feet and the deep, endless roll of the sea.
At first, I thought they might turn back. That maybe this was just a scare tactic. But hour after hour, the land has vanished. There’s no turning back now.
We’re out on open water.
And every mile farther we go, the harder it will be for Asher to find us.
The thought claws at my chest. I wrap my arms tighter around my legs where I sit huddled on a small bunk, pressed into the corner of this narrow cabin. The wood-paneled walls close in around me. The air smells faintly of diesel, varnish, and stale sweat.
Beside me, Melanie curls under a thin blanket, her face pale, her eyes haunted. We haven’t spoken much. There’s nothing left to say.
Every time I start to speak, my throat closes. What words can comfort her now? What words can comfort me?
I stare at the bolted door. It’s not locked anymore. They don’t need to lock it. We have nowhere to go. Even if we escaped the room, the deck is surrounded by water in every direction. The men aboard watch us constantly when the door is open.
No zip ties. No bindings. Freedom in name only.
Melanie shifts restlessly, drawing in a sharp breath. I reach out instinctively, my fingers brushing her trembling arm.
“I can’t stop shaking,” she whispers hoarsely.
I squeeze her gently. “I know. Me too.”
Her wide, tear-rimmed eyes meet mine. “Charlotte, I... I can’t believe I led us into this. I trusted him. God, I’m so stupid.”
“Don’t say that,” I murmur. I’ve said it before, but I’ll keep saying it. Because she needs to hear it.
“But it’s true.” Her voice breaks. “If I hadn’t... none of this would have happened. You’d be safe. You’d be with Asher right now.”
The mention of his name sends a painful jolt through me. I close my eyes briefly, drawing in a shaky breath. I can picture him so clearly. I close my eyes, picturing him. Strong, determined, probably pacing in front of a bank of monitors somewhere, eyes sharp with fury and desperation.
Please tell me you know we’re gone. Please tell me you’re looking.
“I would have been taken either way,” I whisper. “You didn’t cause this. They used you, Melanie. They used both of us.”
She lets out a soft sob, burying her face against my shoulder. I hold her as tightly as I can manage, my own strength dwindling with every passing hour.
I wish I could be strong for her. I wish I could be strong for myself.
But the truth gnaws at me. I’m scared. Terrified.
I can’t stop thinking about what Castillo said. How he said we’ve already been sold. That this isn’t a ransom play anymore. My father’s money won’t help us. The people hunting for us won’t even know where to look.
And if we cross into international waters…
I shiver violently, pressing my cheek against Melanie’s hair. The boat rocks gently beneath us, the hum of the engine now a constant threat instead of comfort.
I want to believe Asher is coming.
But even if he is… will he make it in time?
“Do you think he knows?” Melanie asks suddenly, voice muffled.
I hesitate. Then, say, “Yes.”
It’s the only thing keeping me from falling apart completely. If I stop believing Asher knows, if I stop believing he’s looking, I’ll lose whatever fragile hold I have left.
Melanie sniffles. “I hope you’re right.”
I glance toward the tiny porthole. It’s locked tight, covered with grime. No view of the outside world. No stars. No land. Just endless dark.
The door opens suddenly. We both freeze, sitting upright.
Felix Castillo steps inside—composed, unhurried, a faint smile curving his lips. His guards linger just outside the door, silent and watchful.
I steel my spine. My voice is steady, but every word takes effort.
“Where are you taking us?”
Felix’s smile deepens. “Far from anyone who can find you.”
My heart pounds. “You can ransom us. My family will pay anything. You don’t have to do this.”
He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Your family’s money is of no interest to me anymore, Miss Lane. The transaction is already complete. You both have been purchased by a very wealthy client—one who prefers not to be inconvenienced by family negotiations.”
The blood drains from my face. My grip tightens on Melanie’s hand.
“Please,” I whisper. “You don’t have to do this. You can still stop it.”
Felix tilts his head, regarding me almost with curiosity. “You’re brave. I admire that. But it won’t change what’s coming.”
He steps back toward the door. “Get some rest. You’ll need your strength.”
The door closes with a soft click.
I collapse back onto the bunk, chest heaving. Melanie lets out a broken sob, and I pull her into my arms again.
I want to be brave. I want to fight.
But the cold truth presses in… we’re running out of time.
And for the first time since this nightmare began, the fear starts to win.