Page 43 of Kyle

Anaya’s text messages gave us a starting point to look for her, but with the time lapse she could’ve been anywhere and we would’ve been searching by land, not the Timor Sea.

Once again, Tex’s skills, even from the other side of the world, were impressive. The former SEAL ruled the internet from his living room. And I’d never been more grateful he was on our side.

“We have your craft at three o’clock,” Lee came over the radio. “We’re going to circle around. Prepare for insertion.”

Dec and I unstrapped and carefully made our way to the gunner’s window. Wind rushed in, salty air blasted my face, doing nothing to cool my overheated body. He patted my shoulder and I glanced in his direction.

“We got this, Kyle. We’re bringing your woman home.”

My jaw ticked and my heart thundered in my chest. She had to be on that boat. Fucking had to be, or we were screwed. This was our one chance at rescue. It would be hours before we’d be back to shore and by then Anaya’s window would be slammed closed.

“I told her I’d find her,” I croaked.

“And you did. She’s right down there.” Dec motioned down to the water. “Easy day, friend. We’ve done this a thousand times. Strong hand over weak, hook your foot, turn and go.”

I didn’t need the goddamned reminder how to fast-rope out of a helo—that I’d done enough times I could perform the task in my sleep. But Dec was wrong, I’d never done this, because the woman I’d felt some odd and overwhelming connection to had never been fucking kidnapped.

“Throw the rope,” Taylor instructed. “We called in the coordinates for your evac. ETA on that is sixty minutes. Be safe, gentlemen.”

“Jump when ready. Holding fast.” Lee’s voice crackled over the radio and he was much harder to hear now that we were sitting with our legs dangling over the open door.

Dec nodded and we removed our headsets and latched them in the aircraft and both donned heavy gloves.

With one last check of my gear, I made sure everything was secure and reached for the thick rope dangling in front of me. Without delay I pushed myself off the perch, hooked my foot, and slid down. Seconds later I hit the water feet first and looked up to see Dec had not followed protocol and he was halfway down the rope. He hit the water with a splash and a second later his head popped up and he shook the water from his face.

“Let’s get this done,” I growled.

Hold on, sweetheart, I’m coming for you.

Chapter 13

“Who are they?”

I shook my head and braced for impact. A hard smack hit my cheek, the crack reverberated in the small room, and I didn’t bother to try to lift my head. “This will be much easier on you if you tell me who the men are.” The man’s nasty breath fanned across my face—but then we’d been at this a long time so I was used to the putrid smell.

Every part of me hurt. But the man would have to kill me, because I wasn’t giving up Kyle and Declan. I’d made peace with my decision. No matter what he did, I wasn’t telling.

“I already know who they are, but I want to hear you say it!” the man shouted.

He was an American, that much I knew. He sounded like he was from the east coast, maybe Philly or Jersey. Jet-black hair, olive skin, I’d say he was of Italian descent. Not that it mattered, but just in case I got out of this alive I was committing everything to memory.

“Where did they go?” He tried a new line of questioning.

Before I could give my denial, the man stepped back and cocked his head to the side.

“I’m done fucking around. When I get back, if you don’t talk, I’m killing you.”

The man left, slamming the door behind him, leaving me hanging in the middle of the room. My hands were chained to a pipe above my head and I was on my tiptoes. I’d settled into the position a long time ago. I couldn’t feel my hands and numbness had travelled from my arms down to my shoulders.

I licked some of the blood off my lips. With no other option, I waited for the man to return. At least I would die safe in the knowledge I didn’t break. A tear rolled down my cheek, stinging a path down my abraded skin.

All the ways there were for a person to die, I’d never imagined this was how my life would end. I had so many regrets and I’d never get a chance to rectify any of them. I’d never fallen in love, never allowed anyone close enough to love me. I’d never walked hand in hand on a beach at sunset. I’d lived my life afraid of everything. Then there was Kyle. And I regretted leaving him the most. I could’ve fallen in love with him. I should’ve been stronger. I should’ve been honest and told him I wanted to go with him. I shouldn’t have let him push me away.

But I was a coward.

What a damn waste.

I’d been given a second chance when I’d been rescued from sex traffickers and I’d squandered it. Now I was out of chances and out of time.