He was right; there was no reason to reveal Ashley’s secret yet. “Thanks.”
“Anytime. Anything else?” He stood.
I shook my head and stood. “Actually, there is.” I held out my hand. “Thanks for not kicking my ass to the curb when I deserved it.”
He shook my hand and laughed. “You’re welcome. Can I assume your willingness to work with the team is long term?”
“Yes, sir. The lone wolf thing sucked.”
“Good. Let’s go get your girl.”
We were setting up comms when my phone buzzed.
Kroup’s text was one word: Here.
After letting him and Havoc in, I introduced him to anyone he hadn’t met.
“Do you have something of Ashley’s with her scent?” Kroup asked once the introductions were over.
“In my truck. Jay, bring him up to speed while I go get it.”
Chapter 42
Ashley
“Imade a special throne, just for you,” Al said as he walked in without knocking. “Want to see it?”
“I’ll pass.”
“Not an option.” He waved, and a second asshole entered the room. “Cuff her before unchaining her. Then bring her out.”
His asshole friend was none too gentle when he yanked my arms behind my back and closed the handcuffs too tight.
“Ouch.”
“Shut up or I’ll gag you again.”
The cuffs dug into my wrists, but at least my left arm felt ten pounds lighter when the steel cuff fell off. Dude pushed me out of the room so I could see my throne.
Al stood proudly behind a big, boxy, wooden chair with a metal plate on the seat.
“It’s brilliant, if I say so myself.”
“What’s that?” I asked, using my eyes to point at the plate.
“This?” He reached down and lifted it up. “This is a pressure plate. When Nathan and his friends get close, I’ll make you sit on it. If you move.” He dropped the plate with a clang. “Boom!”
I jumped at the sound, my entire body trembling as I realized what the black box under the chair contained. “It’s…” I couldn’t bring myself to say the word, but Al had no such issues.
“A bomb? Yes. So even if Nathan gets by me and my guys, he’ll blow you both up when he tries to save you.”
My knees gave out, and I landed with a thud as I sank to the floor. “No.”
“Yes.”God, I hate him.“If Nathan surrenders, and his friends don’t do anything stupid, things will be easier for you. I might even keep you around for a little while. The guys think you’ll be fun to play with.”
I dropped my head forward and cried.How foolish of me to think this could end well.
Even if Nathan killed Al and all his men, he couldn’t save me. He couldn’t save us. Al had made sure he’d get his revenge no matter what.
