“And I want to feel your strong arms around me, comforting me, making me forget about our situation. I want to dream with you, Brad. Please, help me dream...” she ended with a sob.
“Don’t cry, my Tyger.” He rubbed his cheek against hers. “It’s tearing me apart.”
“Brad,” she groaned another sob as she placed her mouth over his. He answered back almost desperately. Her heart tightened. The kiss was good, but not great. How could it be when they couldn’t hold each other? “I want your arms around me.”
“Me, too,” he muttered against her lips.
“Did you get your cell phone?”
“No. I came here first. But there’s a phone on Howard’s desk.”
“No.” She took a deep breath. “The guy ripped out the cord. We won’t be able to use the phone.”
Breanna dropped her gaze to her bound hands. She was tired of being helpless since she’d been that way most of her life, and especially these past five years with Tom. She lifted her wrists to her mouth and using her teeth, tried tugging the knots of the rope loose. After a few minutes of trying, but only succeeded in getting rope burns on her mouth and wrists, she slumped over and cried with frustration.
“I can’t, Brad. I just can’t.”
Perhaps this was how her life was meant to be. Helpless. And she would die this way. Just the thought of not being able to help the man she loved crushed her heart more than anything.
SEVENTEEN
Brad’s mind scurriedin several different directions. There must be a way to break free. Tyger had the right idea. They needed to get these bindings off their wrists first, and then they could plan their escape.
He breathed heavily for several seconds, trying to calm himself in order to think properly. Suddenly, and idea sprang to his mind and he sat up straight. “Tyger, you might be able to untie my hands.” He turned his back to her.
“Okay, I’ll try.”
When her fingers touched his, he held them for a few moments, enjoying the feeling of her skin against his. Slowly, she pulled her touch from his. Her fingers awkwardly fumbled with the ropes.
Holding his breath, he hoped she’d be able to do this, but her quiet sobs of failure were growing louder.
“I don’t think I can,” she said with irritation in her voice.
“Don’t give up. I know you can do this.”
“I’m not sure—”
