Time For Love Box Set

by Karen Deen

  Kane

  As soon as I see the SUV in the parking lot, I know it’s the one that was trying to get into the apartment parking the other night. The same stolen plates that gave me no clue then, but now it’s all falling into place. I’m screaming to forensics to get over there straight away to try to get prints.

  Quickly setting up a command post and organizing the search groups, I see another unmarked car enter the area. Rocco, the FBI agent I’ve been looking after, appears out of the darkness.

  “Rocco, thanks for getting here so quick. What do you think, might be your guy?” I inquire as he has his business face on. He’s into the zone of his case and piecing it all together in his mind. “I told dispatch to contact you straight away because it just sounds too similar to what you described to me.”

  “Same MO as my stalker. Watches them for a while and then kidnaps them. He is a bit of a sexual predator but the girl doesn’t always feature in the cases that we have witnesses for. Tell me what you know.” He has his notepad and pen ready as I repeat everything in summary that Ally told us.

  “I have sent a picture of Dana to your phone that we have from the Facebook profile. Does that match any of the descriptions from the witnesses? Oh, and the guy, Dana called him Bear, that help?”

  His head snaps up from his phone. “Fuck. That’s him. Bear. That’s the name our other witnesses know. I’ve got to tell you, though, not all the victims survive. We need to move and find your friend before this turns worse than it already is. My team is already on their way. This is my operation now.” My chest goes tight. I know how quickly these cases can turn to shit.

  “Where’s the girlfriend?” he asks.

  “Hospital. I need to get moving. Thanks for the heads up.” I turn leaving him standing there.

  “You will wait for your orders,” he yells to me.

  “Like fuck I will,” I yell back as I head to the boys who have all been getting sorted to head out.

  With a new sense of urgency, I gather my team of Mitch, Luke, Zach, Grant and Jordan. None of us are exactly dressed for the mountains but luckily all have boots we keep in our trucks. The rescue squad had a few pairs for the ones who didn’t, like Jordan. Imagine the surprise the squad guys got when they realized Jordan Bandon, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, was here and searching like a regular guy. I’ve got no time for any shit, so I just grab him, and we head up the trail with torches in hand.

  Mitch and I already talked while we got organized as to where we would search. We know he won’t be on the trail. We need to get to the peak and then start searching the surrounding trails up the top. Apparently, there are a few abandoned cabins up there. Over the years, they have been left to just sit and no one uses them. It sounds like a likely option because it would be hard to get Xavier very far if he were unconscious. He would be heavy to carry, and the top of the mountain is fairly inaccessible. They could move him on the top trails with whatever vehicle left the tire tracks that Alesha saw, but getting him down the steep trails unconscious would be too difficult. I hope, anyway.

  No one talks much on the hike up. We all know we need to conserve our energy to get to the top as fast as we can. We also don’t know what we are going to find up there, so we need to be ready to tackle whatever shit show we come across.

  I’m glad at least the FBI agree it is better to go in quietly at this stage and leave the helicopters until we have checked these cabins. We need time to sneak in undetected. Pretty sure I am going to get my ass hauled over for ignoring Rocco’s orders and for bringing civilians up with me. Happy to fight that another day. Right now, we can’t waste a minute of time.

  For night time, I think we make it to the peak in record time. It’s like we are all powered by anger and nothing is slowing us down.

  I will let Mitch take the lead when it comes time to guide the rescue troops through the bush, but for now, everyone is looking to me. We’re in the clearing where Xavier was taken. I make sure is that the crime scene isn’t disturbed for my forensics team that are following us up then step up in front of the small crowd.

  “Right, listen up,” I shout to get everyone’s attention. “There are three cabins on the back side of this peak in the direction that Ally saw the tire marks lead. My guess is that they will be in the furthest one, but we will check each one on the way. Stay quiet and watch where you walk. We don’t want to let them know we are coming. I’ve just heard in my earpiece they have backup coming up the trails on the back side of the mountain that is less accessible, just to block off any routes of escape for them if they get spooked and run. As we get close, I will signal you all to let you know, and Mitch and I will check the cabin out before we get you guys involved. Got it?”

  Grant goes to say something, but his father gives him the look that I know would stop me in my tracks too. “Grant, don’t bother. I’m the one who will take the risk. If I let one of you boys get hurt up here your mother will cut off a body part that I’m very attached to. Plus, I have a daughter lying in the hospital expecting me to bring home her man who plans on being her future husband. So, forget it. I will take lead with Kane. I’m not too old yet to hold my own, plus he has a gun and so do I. I figure he must be an okay shot, if they’ve let him keep it.” He looks at me and gives a wink. Even in a time where the stress is at its highest, the dad in the group tries to settle us with a touch of humor. He knows we need to pull back our rage a little to be able to think straight.

  “I’ve been known to hit my target once or twice. So maybe we can make this third time lucky. We need to move fast. I just heard over the two-way radio in my earpiece that swat and rescue are not far behind us. They never know how to be quiet and be fucked if I’m taking orders from anyone else to stand back and watch. Plus, you guys will be sent on your way to the bottom of the mountain. So, for fuck’s sake, do not get in the way or hurt on my watch, okay? I’m already going to have my balls ripped off for having you up here.” I lead off with Mitch and smile at the guys, hoping to give them the confidence in me they need.

  “We’ve got this, guys. Those two stupid fuckers don’t stand a chance against family. Xavier is family to Jordan and me, as much as he is going to be family to all of you. So that makes us a family. Nothing is stronger than family.” There are grunts of agreement all round as we head into the unknown.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Xavier

  I can’t wait until tomorrow to try get out of here.

  Once they drug me then I’ve got less chance of escaping from wherever they take me to. I know my environment here. I can make it to safety once I get out of this cabin. I need to get them to trust me and untie the bindings. The only thing I can think of makes my stomach churn. But I’ll do it just to get out of here.

  It’s been a while, I’ve been lying here and listening to them talk. I know I’m in a cabin west of the peak lookout. Which is all I need. I can outrun them, or I can hide until the morning if I need. My clothes don’t worry me, but I need to see if I can spot my shoes. I’ll go without them, but I’d be faster with them.

  I murmur as if I’m waking up. Bringing my head back to the center, my neck muscles are screaming at me. With my head facing one way for a while it has seized up. I then slowly stretch my neck, turning my head towards them. They are still sitting at the little table.

  “Hey, sorry about before. The hit on the head made me a little crazy.” My voice is calm and quiet. On the inside, I am yelling and screaming at them and wanting to do far worse to inflict pain.

  “That’s okay, my lover. We realize it is a shock and I’m sorry we had to hit you. You were under her spell and you never would have come with us voluntarily.” Dana walks over to me now and kisses me on the lips. I’m not sure what tastes worse, her or the vomit from earlier. I have to play along with her, so she starts to trust me, so I pretend to enjoy it.

  “Can I have some water, please?” At least I can try to wash away her taste. I will also need to sit up to drink it. They are going t
o need to take off the rope across my chest.

  “Of course. Let me get you some. Bear, undo his tie so he can sit up.”

  “Not a chance,” he grumbles.

  “Do as I say. He can’t drink lying down. We need him strong for tomorrow to get him out of here. He can’t go, anywhere his hands and feet are tied.” I am surprised he gives in so easily. I thought in the beginning he would be running the show, but Dana is pushing him. “We can trust him. He has already calmed down. The more he thinks about her, the more he will realize she was just using him. Good riddance to trash, hey, Xavier?” I can feel the hairs on my neck rising.

  “Yeah, I suppose. She was good value, but it would never have lasted. I’ll forget her soon enough.” I can see her smiling like she has won the lottery at my words. Her brother is not so easily convinced. I need to work on him.

  He stands above me, leaning down over me to reach the rope. He slowly runs his hand over my chest, and I can tell it is affecting him. I fake a shiver for him to think it is doing something to me other than make me want to punch him. I see a little glimmer of a smile on his face. He thinks he has stirred an emotion out of me.

  He has.

  One of repulsion.

  I swear, before this is all over, I will make this guy hurt for what he is doing.

  As he helps me sit up, my head is spinning, and I feel dizzy. I need to get my balance. Sucking in my breath, I ask for help.

  “I need you to hold me up for a minute. I’m still a little dizzy from the hit.” Bear puts his arm around my back while Dana holds the water bottle to my lips for me to drink. I take small sips at a time, giving me more time sitting up so my head will settle. His hands seem to be moving up and down as if he is trying to contain himself. I discover the power I need.

  They both have one weakness.

  That weakness is me.

  I am my own power.

  That I can work with.

  Dana takes the drink away and offers me food. I don’t feel like eating but know it is another thing that will get them thinking I am settling down and happy to be here with them. I also will need some strength when the time comes. They both feel a sense of connection with me because they are looking after me. They don’t understand that they are playing into my hands. I suffer through this mating ritual for some time. Eventually Dana has fed me everything on the plate and I’m trying not to throw it back up.

  “Thank you for looking after me. It means a lot that you made that meal for me. It was very touching that you used my recipe.” She giggles at my comments. Fucking giggles. She is insane.

  “Do you think it’s okay if I keep sitting up? It makes my head feel better. I could lean against the wall if you don’t want to sit with me, Edward.” I feel him shudder at my use of his name.

  “Umm, that’ll be okay. Whatever you prefer. I don’t mind holding you up.” His confidence and gruffness from before is waning.

  “You can rest. I’ll lean against the wall. You must be tired, too.” He drops his eyes when I look directly at him. He returns to his chair and just sits there trying to collect his thoughts. Dana is doing things in the kitchen and I can hear a kettle boiling on the gas stove. I push on with wearing down his walls.

  Keeping my voice low, I pretend I’m confiding with him because I think Dana can’t hear me and it’s just me and him, and I ask the question that will start my plans in motion.

  “I’ve always been a little curious… what is it like to be with a man?” His breath hitches at my words and he looks straight into my eyes. I see a deep burning fire within him as he starts to imagine what it will be like to fuck me. Again, I play to his weakness.

  “Does it feel as good as touching a woman?”

  “Better.” His voice is a deep growl. Oh yes, I’m affecting him, and I haven’t had to touch him yet.

  “Why?” I ask trying to get him talking.

  “More power in a man. The muscles and strength. Just like you.” Yes, muscles and strength I plan on using against you.

  “I wouldn’t know, I’ve only ever been with a woman.” Giving him the come-touch-me look. His face starts to flush. He has no idea what is happening.

  “You are a virgin then.” This man’s sense of reality is warped.

  “Kind of, I suppose.” I am wondering what I need to say to get him cracking. “Are you going to be the one to take my virginity?” And there it is. Rational thought is going out the window and his sex drive is taking over. I glance sideways at Dana who is just leaning back against the kitchen cupboards. She is getting joy from watching. That is what gets these two off. Watching others or watching their sibling with someone else. From the sounds of it, they like to join in together which is wrong on so many levels.

  I start my breathing to sound all breathy. He stands and walks back over to me, running his hand up and down my chest.

  “See how it feels better?” he whispers in my ear.

  “Let me try,” I say on a slow moan, pulling at my hands and feet to make it look like I’m turned on and need to touch him.

  “You want to touch me?”

  “Yes. Please.” I am pulling out every role-playing act I can think of. I lock away all thoughts of Ally to keep her safe from any of this event. I would never defile her that way.

  “Do you promise to behave? I don’t want to have to hurt you again. That made me sad.” He is totally in the moment now. Vulnerable and thinking he is getting me to go further with him than he imagined for today.

  “I’ll do anything if you untie me and let me touch you. I want you to show me what it’s like to be with another man. Let your sister watch. She likes to watch you, doesn’t she?” Not losing eye contact with him, I hear her moaning. I don’t know what she is doing but I can imagine.

  “Okay. Stay still so I can untie you.” I need to let him do that and continue the façade a little longer. They both need to be weak and in the moment to give me time to overpower them. He unties my feet first. I stretch them out and roll my ankles getting proper circulation back in them. I am tingling at the apprehension of being able to try to escape. He takes the rapid breathing, the fine sheen of sweat on my body, as being sexually aroused by him. He couldn’t be any further from the truth if he tried. As he frees one hand, I place it on his chest. His breath hitches and his muscles tense up underneath my hand. He is close to losing it and it feels so vile to me.

  Dana is getting closer to us. Her hand runs over her body as she touches herself and starts moaning while she is getting off watching. Part of me wonders what they experienced in their childhoods to grow up this twisted. This is weird enough for me, so I know I don’t want to hear anything sicker than what I am experiencing right now.

  My hands now free, I feel an immense relief. I’m not out of the woods yet. I pull Bear down on to the bed next to me to sit while I continue to touch his chest and back. He goes to touch me, but I stop him. Making it appear I just want him to enjoy this. Dana can’t help herself and she sits next to her brother, too. Her hand slipping into her pants. If they have been watching me having sex for weeks, then they will be that sexually frustrated that it won’t take much to totally disarm them.

  I quickly stand up in front of both of them. Continuing to touch him and put one hand on his cheek in a fake gesture of affection. I take my hand from his chest and place it on Dana’s opposite cheek. They are both leaning into my palms and panting as I stroke them. Bear is now rubbing himself rapidly through his pants. I muster every piece of strength I have in my weak body. It’s now or never.

  I grip their heads as hard as I can and then smash them against each other to stun them and then slam the heads back against the wall behind them to knock them out. I can hear the bones cracking against the rock walls of the cabin. I’ve never liked violence, but I had no choice. Knowing I can’t hang around, I start to move, quickly scanning for my shoes. Seeing them thrown into a corner near the door, I reach down for them and beside them is my clothes. Not wasting any time, I’m dressed and out t
he door heading for the trail.

  Parked outside the door is the buggy they used but I can’t risk taking that because I don’t know these parts of the trails well enough, especially at night. I could easily drive off the side of a cliff. I am quicker on my feet and have more chance of hiding if I need to. I’m not sure how long they will stay knocked out, so I just run and don’t turn back. My feet pound down on the grass and sticks. I can hear the noises of the night and my breath as I start to pant. My body is struggling after what it’s been through today. Must keep going. I need to find Ally. I need to know she is okay. If they have seriously hurt her, or done anything that takes her away from me, I’ll go back there and kill them with my bare hands.

  That I can guarantee.

  Kane

  We have searched the first two cabins with no sign of life.

  I know we’re thinking they’re in the third one, but my anxiety is getting higher the closer we get to it. I don’t know what I’ll do if he’s not here, or worse still, if we find a body. I’m used to shutting down at scenes like that but not one of these guys would cope with that. It would kill me to have to tell Alesha I couldn’t save him.

  I need to block that thought out. He’s going to be there. That is all there is to it.

  Mitch quietly lets me know that we’re not far now. I tell him to let me take lead. Last thing I need is him getting hurt, too. My hand slides over my gun holster to get ready to take it out as we get closer. I don’t know what we’re walking into weapons-wise, so I need to be prepared. From what Alesha said, they used a tree branch to hit Xavier so I don’t think they are carrying guns, but you can never be sure. They are unstable which means unpredictability. I’ve learnt in my job to always expect the unexpected. That way you are never taken by surprise.

  I stop, hearing footsteps pounding towards me. I try to alert the others but there is no time to move before a body slams straight into me and flattens me to the ground, taking themselves with me. It all happens so fast I’m struggling to get my hand to my gun. Then I freeze when I hear the voice.