Now, to free myself.
Suddenly the vehicle slammed to a halt with a loud crunch of gravel. Then it began reversing rapidly back toward me.
Crap!
I rolled into a sitting position, my heart slamming into my ribs. There was never a moment I wanted my paralyzed leg to work more than I did in that moment.
“Work, you stupid leg!” But, of course, it didn’t budge.
The vehicle reached me, gravel flying everywhere as it rocked to a halt. The man jumped out, striding angrily toward me. I cringed away as he bent down, snagging my upper arm.
“You stupid pig!” he growled. “Maybe I’ll just slaughter you now and be done with it.”
His cold black gaze bore into mine.
I lifted my chin, trying to be brave. I had no idea what his game plan was, but he’d admitted he needed me alive for a little longer. If he killed me, then he would have no hold over my family or Adrik. And that gave me hope.
His gaze narrowed, and I was glad I couldn’t see his face behind the mask. I didn’twantto know what he looked like. Then his face couldn’t haunt my dreams.
“But I need you alive, at least for a little longer.” With a rough yank, he hauled me off the ground and tossed me into the back of the car, slamming the door behind me.
With a muffled whimper from behind the tape over my mouth, I closed my eyes.
Moments later, we were heading down the dark road, and I was forced to accept my fate.
It would take a miracle to escape this man.
But I didn’t believe in miracles.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Adrik
I woke to a heavy weight on my chest and something tickling my cheek.
I blinked. What the–?
The weight shifted, and I jolted as my gaze took in Harley who lay half-on, half-off me, licking my face.Slurp, slurp, slurp.
“Stop that.” I pushed him away and bolted upright, immediately feeling the loss of his body heat.
Instantly, my head spun, dizziness swirling in. A fierce pounding throbbed at my right temple. Wetness trickled down the side of my face. Blood?
With a moan, I clutched my head, breathing in and out slowly.
Harley whined, nudging me with his nose.
Then everything came crashing back.
The intruder getting inside the property…
The Escalade blowing up…
Fleeing with Annika…
Stumbling over Tim’s body in the yard…
I swallowed hard, squeezing my eyes shut.Tim.