Page 43 of Cold and Bitter Snow

Conor turned to look behind him. Siena was there, the Glock in her hands, her mouth opened in surprise. Conor staggered in relief, falling to his knees. His right hand connected with the snow. The cold steadied him but sent shivers down his whole body. He tasted metal in his mouth.

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Siena

She landed hard on her knees beside Conor. He was badly hurt. His neon yellow jacket was bright with blood.

Her hands shook around the zipper. He pushed her hand weakly away. “Let me see, Conor,” she begged. “How bad is it?”

Why didn’t I study medicine?

“Are you okay?” His voice was low and unsteady. Talking seemed to be difficult for him now.

“Shh … stop talking, Conor, save your strength.”

“No,” he said roughly. He grabbed onto her wrist but his touch was weak and clammy. It scared her. “Keep that gun pointed at Raoul. If he moves—”

She swallowed hard. Conor didn’t need to finish the sentence. She turned to look at the bodyguard on the ground.

“What about—”

“He won’t be a problem,” Conor said.

I killed him. I killed a man.

Conor groaned through clenched teeth. He’d gone white as a sheet and was shivering uncontrollably. She wanted to put her arms around him but didn’t know how to hold him without hurting him further.

“How is she?” Conor asked. “Is she okay?”

Siena realized she’d completely forgotten about the princess. The young woman—girl, really—was walking towards them, looking dazed. Siena got to her feet and rushed to her side.

“Are you okay …?” She realized she didn’t know the girl’s name.

“Alma,” she said in thick English. “My name is Alma.”

Siena nodded.

“How are you feeling?”

“You both saved my life,” the princess said. A look of wonder crossed her eyes. “People who help me are usually in my father’s employ.”

Siena couldn’t help but laugh.

“You’re hurt,” Alma said, watching Conor.

Conor fell back hard on his back without even trying to break the fall. Siena tried to reach for him but he was too heavy—she ended up falling with him instead and it was only due to a last-instant wriggle that she didn’t land literally on top of him.

She got up quickly onto her knees next to him.

Tears rolled down Siena’s cheeks.

“What can I do?” The princess asked. She shrugged gently at Siena. “I’m sorry, I don’t even know where we are. One moment I was skiing and the next moment …”

Siena had no idea what to answer. She wasn’t thinking clearly. Suddenly, her mind went back to the lift. She felt the bump on the back of the head.

“Could you run to the hut and sound the alarm, please, Alma? There are five red buttons in the middle of the dashboard. Try the first two.” Even if help was already on its way, an extra alarm could only help.

Alma nodded quickly. As Siena saw her white form disappear she felt a moment of fear. What if the girl got lost, and they never found her again? What if there was a third kidnapper?