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My life had been turned upside down far too many times. I wanted a quiet life, a family and children. A dog. God, I wanted a dog to sleep in my bed, to throw a ball with. To laugh as the children squealed with delight. And I wanted a husband I could curl up with by a roaring fire, enjoying a glass of wine as we basked in our passion.
I wanted Cobra.
There was no doubt in my mind. I’d already fallen hard for him, and it had nothing to do with the fact he’d saved my life, protecting me with his own.
Dying in the line of duty.
A single sob pulsed from my lips and I was heartbroken, nearly destroyed inside. If I hadn’t been so damn defiant, so stupid to leave my apartment then maybe everything would be different. I had to get it together. I had to make him proud.
I had to survive.
I turned on the faucet, splashing water in my face, determined not to fall apart. Then I took several deep breaths, feeling stronger than I had before. After another few minutes, I returned to the wall, peering out.
Two of the assassins were back and they were searching the men’s bathroom across the hall. No. No. Oh, God, no. What was I supposed to do? There had to be another bathroom closer to the gate.Get out. Walk quickly.
This time, I listened to my inner voice. I headed out, taking quick but careful steps, keeping against the wall. My heart thudded in my chest with every move, my mind full of ugly, vicious thoughts. What if one of the men caught me? I couldn’t allow that to happen. I pressed my hand against the front pocket of my jeans, able to feel the drive nestled in the bottom.
As my heartbeat echoed in my ears, I could feel a noose tightening around my neck, pulling, suffocating me.
You’re going to die.
No, I can’t. I won’t.
You’re never going to make it.
Yes, I will.
He’s dead. He’s dead!
That kept me going. The crowd had thickened, providing some cover. I wasn’t short by any means but there was no way the assholes could get a clear look at my face unless I did something stupid. I could see the restrooms just up ahead. Only fifty yards. Forty. It would provide some safety. Fifteen minutes. No, fourteen. I could do this.
I made it inside, immediately moving into the interior portion of the bathroom. It was much larger than the one before, dozens of stalls lining four different corridors. I huddled against the wall, watching as women came and went, never paying any attention to the terrified woman. I had no idea how much time had passed, which forced me to dare take another look.
The two men were moving into the men’s bathroom on the other side. I could see them clearly. I bit my lip to keep from issuing any sound, remaining where I was, darting constant looks at the monitors. The plane was on time. Thank God for that. Where was Cobra? He had to be here.
Sounds were escalating, people laughing, talking. There were children crying, a loud voice from the other side of the corridor. Eight minutes to go. I chewed on my lip again, the taste of blood a reminder that I was very much alive. Seven minutes.
No sign of Cobra.
My heart couldn’t take anymore, my mind fractured as I tried to remember the instructions he’d given me. Another minute passed and the two men surfaced. No. No. No! When they broke off, one heading toward the women’s bathroom, I stifled a scream, racing deeper into the space, heading to the last row of stalls, praying to God they weren’t all filled. I found one close to the end, moving inside, my fingers fumbling as I locked the door. I was shaking so badly my teeth were chattering.
After catching my breath, I yanked the hairpin into my hand, wrapping my fingers around the end, the prongs between my fingers.
Then I waited.
Within ten seconds, I heard a woman’s loud voice.
“You can’t be in here.”
There was no reply.
“I said, you can’t be in here.”
“I’m looking for someone,” the gruff voice said. I could hear a snarl in his tone. Then there was no doubt he was pushing open stall doors, the sound of metal slapping against metal jarring. I jumped every time, trying to concentrate on where the asshole was located. He was going row by row.
Additional women were yelling at him, someone saying they were getting security. I could swear I heard a scuffle. Then more doors being tossed open. He was getting closer. And closer. I was sick, unable to breathe, the throbbing in my head getting worse. I couldn’t do this. I was going to die.Please, God. Help me.
More sounds.
