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His patience is wearing thin as he clearly wants to talk to the Russians about whoever we’re about to intercept. “If you do what I say”—he takes a deep breath, clearly not pleased with what he’s about to propose—“I’ll tell you everything you want to know.”
Is this yet another test? Either way, there is no way I’m going to pass up this opportunity. “Deal.”
Saint’s rigid stance is a warning—I’m to behave; otherwise, this will be the last choice I ever get.
He nods once before quickly marching toward the Russians. They are definitely rattled, which makes me think they’ve not dealt with these people before. Could they be the key?
Needing to occupy myself before I give myself away, I reach for Saint’s tattered sudoku book and open it to a random page. I’m surprised to see that most of these puzzles are completed. I’m no sudoku expert, but what I see is pretty impressive. It appears beneath that ski mask lies quite an intelligent man.
The mystery just continues. A kidnapper who does sudoku…just who is this man?
But I can ponder that later because I see it, a white boat in the distance, the first sign of humanity in days. My heart races as the possibilities flood me. I don’t exactly know what this favor is, but in a warped way, I trust Saint. I know what that says about me, but I can question my sanity later.
“On that boat,” he says, walking toward me, one of the Russians in tow, “are the Coast Guards. Seeing as we’re off course, this was not part of the plan. I need you to pretend that you and Kazimir are just out here holidaying. That’s it.”
“That might be a hard story to believe seeing as Kazimir here”—my eyes swing his way —“thinks the essential boating attire this season is a ski mask.”
Saint exhales, annoyed by my stubbornness. But what he does next displays just how desperate he is. Before Kazimir can protest, Saint rips the ski mask from his head, unveiling just who my attacker is. Kazimir’s hands fly up to cover his face, but it’s too late. I’ve seen his dull brown eyes, his portly nose, and his bald, shiny head. I’ve also seen the birthmark. It appears Mark now has a name.
Kazimir, my admirer, is in his late 40s at a guess. He’s also the vilest looking man I’ve ever seen. Not in the looks department, but rather, he appears as though he’s seen and also done some evil in his lifetime. I instantly shudder.
Kazimir begins arguing with Saint, furious at him for revealing his identity. But Saint’s response, whatever that may be as it’s in Russian, shuts him right up.
“I will be downstairs. If they ask questions, let Kazimir talk. I just need you to nod and agree with whatever story he comes up with. If you don’t…” Saint leans forward while I slouch back, but it’s futile as the rail behind me prohibits me from moving any farther.
I’m barely breathing when he places his hands either side of my arms, gripping the rail and confining me in my own personal prison. His heated breath bathes my cheeks as we’re so close. My pulse begins to spike, and my mouth goes dry. How is it he leaves me breathless without me even seeing his face?
“This means trouble for all of us,” he continues, probing every inch of me. “Don’t get any ideas. Got it?”
Peering over his shoulder, I see the speedboat getting closer, which means my time is running out.
“A????,do you understand?”
Kazimir’s rubbery lips part as he turns slowly to look at Saint. Whatever name Saint just used is clearly not one Kazimir was expecting to hear. But I have other pressing issues to deal with, like Saint gripping my arm and rubbing his thumb over the crease of my elbow.
The touch is so unexpected, and my skin instantly breaks out into goose bumps. I don’t understand, nor do I like my response to him, so I yank my arm away. His lips twitch in response.
“Yes, I understand.” When he continues staring at me, uncaring he has mere moments to get away undetected, I know what he wants. And…I surrender. “Yes, ??????.”
Kazimir steps back, interlacing his hands atop his bald head.
“Good.” Saint leaves me speechless and frozen to the spot as he reaches forward and brushes a lock of hair from my cheek. I am suddenly drowning in chartreuse. Before I can question anything, he turns and sprints down the stairs like nothing happened. The other Russian follows, slamming the hatch shut.
The touch, just like the one seconds ago on my arm, was weighed down with… warmth, but that’s ridiculous. I sound like a crazy person. But I can still feel the warmth his finger left behind. Shaking my head, I violently scrub at my cheek, horrified at myself for feeling…whatever this is.
Kazimir taking off his shirt is the reality check I need to snap the fuck out of this insanity. I recoil at the beads of sweat collecting in the thick hair on his chest. His rounded belly just adds to the monstrosity, but I gather my bearings and lean back, feigning leisure as I open the sudoku book, refusing to think about Saint’s hands.
The motor of the boat gets louder and louder until eventually, it switches off, announcing its arrival. I risk a glance at Kazimir who is behind the wheel, but he almost looks friendly as he waves at the older man who walks around the side of his boat so he can address him.
“What are you doing out here?” the man asks in a thick accent.
“Just out with my lady,” replies Kazimir, while I continue perusing the sudoku puzzles.
The silence reveals the man isn’t convinced, which has me wondering just how far off course we are.
“I’m coming on board.”
My heart begins to pound as this is my chance. This man speaks English. He’s also the Coast Guard, which means he’s probably a good guy. I know I promised Saint, but this is my out. However, when I focus on the hatch, my stomach drops. By saving myself, I am condemning Saint.
