Page 100 of Thaddeus

Shit. I was out of time. My gaze sliced to the group of women and all of them looked panicked. Doubt was creeping in, I hadn’t had enough time to convince them to follow my plan.

Patty’s stare followed mine and in a harsh whisper she snapped, “Do it. It’s our only chance.”

She let go of my hand and slowly rose to her feet. For the first time I saw a look of determination. I stood and waited for the others to join us.

The door creaked again, someone was definitely unlocking it.

Please God, let me get back to Thaddeus. Please, please, please, don’t let me die.

The door slowly opened and Patty took off like a shot. I was on her heels and when the time was right, we launched ourselves at the man. Our combined body weight hit and there was a loud clatter, before a very strong arm wrapped around my waist. The man stumbled back but did not go down.

It didn’t work.

He’d easily caught us. This was it, fight or die.

I balled my fist and wildly punched, hoping to connect. I didn’t care where just as long as the man dropped me. My knuckles cracked when they landed on something hard and metal. Not flesh, that was for certain.

“What the fuck?”

I froze.

I knew that voice.

That was Declan.

“Stop, Patty,” I whispered.

She didn’t—the little spitfire was wailing away. Declan dropped me to my feet and wrapped both arms around Patty, trying to capture her arms to prevent another blow.

“He’s a good guy, Patty. You can stop.” I grabbed her arm and shook her. “Patty. Look at me. We’re safe. You did it. You can stop now.”

Patty’s body relaxed in Declan’s arms and a sob escaped.

“You good?” Declan asked. “Can I set you down?”

“Yes,” Patty cried.

Then everything happened in a fury of commotion. I was swept off my feet and I didn’t need to see who had me in his arms. I could feel it. Declan had jumped into the box—I sensed more movement around me and assumed it was Max, Kyle, and Brooks helping the girls out.

But none of that mattered.

Thaddeus found me.

Thad’s already-tense body went solid and I pulled my face out of his neck to see what was happening.

Autumn.

She was there, helping a woman out of the container.

Declan jumped out, then announced, “That’s everyone. Let’s roll.”

I wiggled until Thad put me on my feet and I went to my sister. I didn’t care what she’d told me the last time I’d seen her. When I stopped in front of her, I yanked her into a hug.

“Please come with us,” I begged.

She slowly and loosely returned the embrace.

“Not yet.”