In hindsight, that request had bad idea written all over it. With each step, she experienced a new level of agony. The lack of food and water had zapped her energy. Her injuries added another layer to her fatigue and ability to move at the quick pace.
She’d seen Xander, the team’s pilot and Charlie Five. If he was here, then they had no helo extraction. Though no one said it out loud, Jade knew they weren’t getting out of the jungle tonight. And that terrified her even more. How would she cope with spending the night under the stars? It might sound amazing to most people, but to her, it spelled unimaginable fear. A gripping terror that stole her sanity.
Jade lagged behind Liam as the group paused in a small clearing. The overhead canopy broke just enough to show a strip of the darkening sky. Her chest tightened. The openness of the space wrapped around her like a noose. No walls to protect her. No feeling of security behind her screens. Just jungle. Tremors invaded her body. Not noticeable—yet. But there all the same.
Eyes focused on a spot in front of her, she took deep breaths, remembering Breana’s advice. The problem—it wasn’t working.
Liam turned to check on her, his expression unreadable in the low light. “We’ll make camp here.”
Camp? He had to be kidding. She’d walk hours if it meant getting out of here and back to her hotel room behind four walls and a locked door.
Boone and Dax dropped their gear and started clearing debris.
“I’ve got the perimeter.” Rafe adjusted his weapon and ducked out of sight.
“Why don’t you sit while we set things up?” Liam’s voice pulled her from the panic rising inside her.
She rubbed her arms and stared at the fallen log resting against a tree that he gestured toward. A lump the size of awatermelon clogged her throat. She nodded and lowered herself onto the makeshift seat.
Liam crouched next to her and placed a hand on her knee. He no doubt could feel her body shake. “Raven, how long were you in that hut?”
“What day is it?”
“Tuesday.”
“Three days.” Three miserable days.
“Tell me what happened.” Liam’s eyes never left hers.
“After arriving at the resort and taking a nap, I decided to go for a walk. Two men came out of nowhere, beat me, drugged me, and abducted me. I woke up in that hut. They thought I was a contractor’s daughter and asked me questions I couldn’t answer.” She waved a hand, circling her face. Her cheek and eye throbbed, and her fat lip…well, it just hurt. “They thought if they encouraged me to talk, I’d tell them what they wanted to know. It didn’t make sense.”
“I’m going to assume you aren’t a contractor’s daughter.”
She snorted. “No.” She’d never had the privilege of having parents to call her own. Well, not since her mother died early in her childhood.
“That’s what I thought. Next question. Did they…” His brow furrowed. He opened his mouth and closed it, as if the words refused to come.
Her brain clicked, understanding what he struggled with. Jade shook her head. “They only used their fists and boots.”
Relief and anger warred in Liam’s expression. “I’d like Xander to take a look at those injuries.”
Her head swam. From terror or dehydration, she wasn’t sure. Maybe both. The idea of hands on her sent a shudder through her. But she couldn’t ignore her injuries. “Okay.”
Liam motioned for Xander to join them.
She forced a smile and focused on keeping herself from crawling out of her skin.
Liam stood and intercepted Xander. The two men exchanged a quick conversation. Then Liam stationed himself ten feet away—alert—ready for trouble, but his eyes never wavered from her.
Xander strode toward her. His medic pack slung across his shoulder. “It’s nice to finally meet the lady behind the voice.” He crouched beside her. “Liam said you’ve been in that hut three days.”
“They wanted information. Kept asking who I worked for. I didn’t give them anything, but they didn’t like that answer.” She touched her side. “I think I’ve got cracked ribs.”
Xander rummaged through his pack. “Mind if I take a look at your injuries?”
She shook her head.
“I’ll try to be gentle.” He checked her pupils and vitals, then probed her ribs.
