Dex smiles at us, having no idea what we just got up to. “Who’s ready for dinner?”
CHAPTER SEVEN
ELIAS
After tossing and turning on the couch for hours, sleep still evades me. Sitting up, I push my hands through my hair and rest my elbows on my knees.
It’s been three days since we arrived, but I’m still thinking about my reunion with Wren. I stupidly thought she’d be so happy to see me that she would hug me and tell me how much she’s missed me. That she’d want to spend every waking second with me.
Reaching into my sweatpants pocket, I pull out the small box and open it up. I let out a sigh as I look at the sparkling ring.
I’m such a fool.
Of course, she didn’t see me like that. We’d been best friends, but I’d never crossed that line with her. But it was only because Robert had threatened me not to touch her when we were twelve, saying she was too young. I thought he was just being protective. I was never left alone with herafter that to tell her how I really felt that I saw her as more than a friend.Much more.
Somehow, I forgot to factor in two very important things: that she thought I abandoned her seven years ago and the four men she’s unexpectedly become attached to. I don’t know why I was so blind to it; I saw her practically swooning over their letters. I should have guessed she’d grown emotionally attached to them; she always did have such a big heart.
But four convicted murderers? They might be innocent of their convictions, but they weren’t innocent. I’ve never had to kill someone, but if the FBI hadn’t found me, there’s a chance I would have ended up in a similar situation to theirs.
Before they recruited me, I had been working on a plan to get Wren out of there, and I would have been okay killing anyone who got in my way. But my skills weren’t what they are now, thanks to my training at the bureau. Now, I’m much better equipped to help her, both with my fighting abilities and my computer skills.
I just wish it were only her and me doing this together, that it was me she was cuddling up to at night or in the car, instead ofthem. I’m not sure what I expected, that they’d be happy to pass her over to me and go on their merry way? I stupidly convinced myself they saw her as a little sister. I should have known they’d become obsessed with her. She is kind, caring, beautiful… perfect.
It’s taken me three days, but I’ve finally cracked the code on getting us into a safe house undetected. The others were already asleep when I realized I’d done it tonight. But now I have to figure out how to get to Robert. With him alive, Wren is always going to be in danger.
I’ve been watching him for years, and when I saw hisreaction on the cameras to her going missing, I knew he wouldn’t let her get away. Even if she was no longer the woman he’d groomed her to become, he wasn’t about to just let his favorite asset walk out the door unscathed.
He’d rather see her imprisoned in his home than let her roam free.
When I checked Robert’s location a few hours ago, he was heading North. I know he has connections in Montana, so I’m assuming that’s where he’s heading. We’re going to have to follow him. Making our move when he’s away from his home in Arizona is our best chance at getting to him.
Going on such a long road trip and being stuck in the SUV with those four idiots and being able to do nothing but watch as Wren showers them with affection is going to fucking suck. But I’d do anything for her, even if that meant when this was all over, she walked away with them, and not me. At least she’d be free and safe from her brother. She’d be safe with them.
Hearing small footsteps, I snap the box shut, shoving it in my pocket as I turn to look over the back of the couch.
“Wren?” I see her rubbing sleep from her eyes as she stops in the middle of the room.
“Elias? Did I wake you?”
I shake my head and beckon her over to sit with me. “No, I couldn’t sleep. What are you doing up?”
“I’m thirsty.” I quickly move to the mini-fridge and pull out a bottle of water, eager to do something for her.
I pass it over, and her fingers brush mine, making my heartbeat quicken like some love-struck teenager. But that’s what it was always like with her. “Thank you,” she whispers before taking a sip. She eyes the rumpled blanket and pillow on the couch and frowns.
“I’m sorry you have to sleep on the couch, and not in a real bed.”
“I don’t mind,” I say with a shrug. “Besides, we won’t be here much longer, Robert’s moving North.”
She looks at me in surprise before she visibly shudders. I grip her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze as I give her a strained smile. “It’ll be okay, Wren. I promise, I’ll do whatever it takes to get rid of him.”
Her brows pinch. “That’s what I’m worried about. I don’t want you, any of you, to get hurt. What if the cost of my freedom is one of you? I couldn’t live with myself if that happened.”
I see her eyes start to fill with tears and swear.Fuck. Instead of consoling her, I’m making her more upset.
“I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you and your four…boyfriends… don’t get hurt.”
Her eyes search mine as she blinks rapidly, clearly trying to get control over her tears. She was always so strong. She had to be, growing up with her brother the way he was.
