Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
I didn’t answer, running my fingers over the wires and memorizing the sequence. Marcus and Julian had stood behind me, ready to follow any instructions.
“Sofia,” I called. “I am going to start cutting wires. Once I’m ready, I need you to be prepared. I’m coming in and taking you out. We have to move quickly.”
“I don’t know if I can walk fast.”
“You won’t have to. I’ll have you. When the light begins to glow on the box, do not panic. I have you. All right?”
“Yes. I trust you.”
“Okay, get ready.”
I heard movement, and she spoke loudly. “I’m ready.”
I turned to Marcus and Julian. “You kick the door as soon as I cut the wires. I’ll get her. Be ready to run. We have three minutes.”
Marcus nodded, looking grim. “We’ll be right behind you.”
“Damien, can you re-angle the camera in the room, make it look as if it shifted? Point it toward the floor?”
“So they don’t know she’s out. Got it.” He was quiet for a moment. “Okay. Redirected.”
“As soon as I have Sofia and we’re down the steps, kill the loop. I want him to think the worst.”
“Say the word, and I’ll kill it.”
I drew in a deep breath, holding the cutters to the wires. “On my mark. Three, two, one.”
I snipped the wires and stepped back. Marcus lifted his foot, kicking in the door. I rushed in, grabbing Sofia, who was already trying to limp toward me. I lifted her into my arms and headed for the stairs. “Go!” I yelled.
I had no time to think. No time to comfort the shaking woman in my arms. We took the steps two at a time, Julian leading with a light and Marcus at my back. At the window, Julian went first, turning to let me hand him Sofia. I followed, pulling Marcus through. I got her back, and we ran as fast as we could, making it to the tree line before the explosion.
As I suspected, the bomb detonated, and the floor collapsed under it, sending the rotting, dry wood and ceilings down in a large mass of sparks and flames. The bomb wasn’t strong enough to bring the warehouse down, but the fire it started would burn hot and fast, destroying it. It would have killed Sofia.
I pressed a kiss to her forehead, and we headed for the van. I climbed in the back, grabbing the blankets and wrapping them around her. She was sobbing, the events and emotion of what had occurred too much for her to handle. She gripped my neck, and I held her close as we began to drive away.
I met Marcus’s eyes and nodded. “Step one accomplished.”
He nodded grimly, knowing what we were still facing.
Sofia lifted her head. “Damien?” she asked, her voice raspy.
“Right here, Sofia,” he assured her from the front. “We’re all here, and you’re safe.”
Julian handed me a bottle of water, and I pressed it to her mouth. “Drink, Sofia.”
She gulped it down, some of it running out of her mouth. I wiped it away. “It’s all right now. I have you.”
“Ivan said there was a bomb at the apartment—”
“No,” I assured her. “He lied. Everything is going to be okay now. I have you,” I repeated.
“Don’t let go,” she pleaded. “Don’t ever let go.”
“Never,” I promised, shocked at the wetness in my eyes. I buried my face in her neck, holding her as tightly as I dared, not caring if my emotion was witnessed by my friends.
They, of all people, understood.
Julian directed us to a safe house, where a doctor was waiting. I refused to leave Sofia’s side, and she clung to me adamantly, so the doctor examined her under my watchful eye. The others stayed outside or in the other room. Julian and Matteo were on the phone constantly, Damien was tracking Alex, and Marcus was busy in the kitchen, making everyone something to eat.
After the doctor finished, he smiled kindly at Sofia. “None of what I will tell you will come as a surprise. Nothing broken, but you have a lot of cuts and bruises. You’re dehydrated, and your body has experienced a great deal of trauma. You need fluids, food, rest, and to warm up. The IV will help, but I would like you to eat as well.” He studied her. “Once you’re feeling better, perhaps talk to someone about your experience. It might help mentally.”
She nodded. “I want a shower and clean clothes.”
“I want you to rest,” he countered.
“After,” she said firmly. “And cap off the IV before you go.”
He shook his head. “Doctors,” he muttered. “Worst patients ever. Just keep up the fluids and rest, okay?”
I stepped forward. “I will help her and get her to bed as soon as possible.”
He nodded, knowing when to give up the fight. “As soon as possible. She may be dizzy or disoriented.”