“Turn the fuck around.”
He stops in his tracks.
“Slowly, put your hands in the air.”
A deep chuckle floats through the room as he responds, “Son, if you think for one damn minute you’re getting me to turn around with my hands in the air, you’re either crazy or stupid.”
Heat flushes through my veins as I listen to each of his words. I’m gonna kill this motherfucker. If he laid one finger on my Goddess, I’m gonna tear him limb from limb. Reaching forward, he grabs something before spinning around. Fuck, this guy is stupid. With steady hands, the man aims his Glock 22 at my head.
Images of taking this guy out flash before my eyes. Just one bullet to the brain and I could end it quick. No. I need answers, and he has to be breathing for those. Maybe just a quick shot to disarm him followed by another taking out a kneecap to immobilize him . . . just to be sure. A smug smile spreads across my face as I think of ways to take this asshole out. Different modes of torturing him for answers. His answering smirk has me tensing and gripping my gun tighter.
The rough timbre of his voice grates on my nerves as he asks, “What exactly is it that you find so funny, son?”
A feral grin stretches across my face as I reply, “Oh, nothing, gramps. Just thinking of the different ways of taking your ass down and then torturing you for answers.”
His eyes narrow in my direction briefly before he lets out a loud, bellowing laugh.
“Is that so?”
“Yep.” Taking a step closer, some of the distance is erased as I poise my Glock, aiming it directly at his head.
“Well, you’re one cocky son of a bitch, I’ll give you that. Although, you’re gonna have a hell of a time getting off a shot when you’re dead.”
Snorting, my laugh is deep and dark. Who the fuck is this guy? If he thinks for one damn minute I won’t take his ass out for my Goddess, he’s got another thing coming. Stepping closer to him yet again, my eyes search for any signs of weakness. He doesn’t even flinch; his smile just grows wider, his grip never wavering on his weapon.
“Who the hell are you?” The man doesn’t even flinch at the threat in my voice.
“I should be asking you that question seeing as you’re in my daughter’s apartment.” Daughter? Holy shit. Colonel Parker. Fuck. What have I done? A puff of air escapes me as I jerk my arm down, lowering my weapon. Shifting from foot to foot, my thoughts drift to leaving as quickly as possible. This is not how I wanted to meet my girlfriend’s dad. Rubbing a hand down the back of my neck, my eyes dart to the gun still pointed at my head. Shit. I need to explain myself and quickly.
“Um. I’m sorry about all this, sir.”
He laughs, his gun never wavering. “So now it’s sir?”
“Shit. Yes. I’m sorry, Colonel Parker. I had no idea who you were. I just reacted when someone entered Kylee’s apartment.”
His intelligent eyes scrutinize me. “Son, it seems you have me at a disadvantage. You know who I am, but I have no idea who you are.”
“Captain Alexander James Grant, United States Army, sir.” Coming to attention, I salute the Colonel.
Holstering his weapon, he replies, “At ease, son.”
Relaxing slightly and following suit, I holster my weapon as the Colonel begins tossing questions out at me.
“Captain Grant? You’re the one leading the Delta Force team?”
“Yes, sir.”
He lets out a low whistle. “I’ve seen your work. You’ve got a great team under your command. Pulled off some pretty damn heroic stuff, too.”
“Yes, sir, I do. We’ve been in some pretty tight spots but always make it out as a unit.”
“Well, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Now tell me, what are you doing in my daughter’s apartment?”
Swallowing around the lump in my throat, my voice wavers as I respond. “Ah, well, sir. I was, um . . .” My voice fails me as the Colonel’s eyes analyze each and every detail of my face.
Furrowing his brow, his eyes narrow in my direction. “Is there something you need to tell me, son?” The Colonel steps closer, eating up some of the space between us.
My throat constricts thinking about having to reveal my relationship with Kylee to her dad. When I imagined meeting her family, I pictured the three of us having this conversation together. A knot forms in my stomach as I think about my Goddess and what she may be going through. Shoving my hands into my pockets, I look into the Colonel’s eyes before finally responding. “Sir, this isn’t how I wanted to have this conversation.”
“Exactly what conversation are you talking about, Captain?”
“Well, you see . . .” Pausing, I take several deep breaths before continuing. “I’ve been seeing your daughter for several weeks, sir.”
“Is that so?” The Colonel’s clipped response has me fighting the urge to wince.
“Yes, sir.”
My heart is thumping erratically, making it difficult to concentrate. His intense stare makes me feel like I’m the size of a damn ant and not good enough to be in his presence, let alone that of his daughter.
“Well, that doesn’t explain what in the hell you’re doing in her apartment now, does it?”
Blowing out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding, I meet his furious gaze. “I came to search her apartment, sir. I’m looking for anything to help me find her.” There’s a brief flash of emotion in his eyes before he pulls a blank mask over his face once again.
“And did you find anything?”
“Honestly, sir, I’d only been here a few moments when you showed up. I was just about to see if I could log into her laptop to find any clues.”
“Captain, you said you’d been seeing my daughter. Why do I get the feeling that’s not an entirely adequate response?”
He’s a damn perceptive one, that’s for sure. Ah, fuck, who am I kidding? He was able to read me like a goddamn book. And here I thought I’d been masking my emotions pretty damn well. Apparently, I was wrong. The fissure in my chest pulses, threatening to crack even wider. Clearing my throat, I begin relaying the depth of my feelings for Kylee.
“Sir, I’m in love with your daughter. This is not how I wanted to have this conversation. I imagined the three of us sitting down and talking it over, but I can assure you that I want nothing but the best for her. I will find her and whoever took her will pay for what they’ve done.” The last words are quietly spoken, the threat and vehemence in my voice ringing clearly throughout the apartment.
Nodding his head, the Colonel gazes into my eyes for several long moments before replying, “Let me be clear, son. Your intentions may be sincere . . . however, you’ve yet to prove yourself. My daughter is the most important thing in my life, and I will protect her from anyone and anything, that includes you. I have no doubt that you and your team will help me find who took her and bring her back safely. As to what happens between the two of you . . . well, you’re both consenting adults.”
He pauses, taking a breath for a moment before continuing. “But if you hurt her . . . they won’t find your body.”
A smile extends across my face at his gruff response. He truly loves his daughter and wants what’s best for her. Nodding my head, I reply, “Understood, message received loud and clear, sir. I’ll prove my worth to you. You have my word.” He nods his head once before turning and moving into the apartment.
Thoughts begin to race through my mind as to how exactly I’m going to prove my worth to the Colonel. One thing is for certain: I will find my Goddess, and whoever took her will pay a hefty price.
MY LUNGS CONSTRICT, TIGHTENING IN my chest as my breaths are deprived from my body. Strong hands hold a musty rag over my mouth and nose, pouring a steady stream of water. Struggling against my bonds, I fight against the restraints shackling me to the table, but it’s no use. Shaking my head, I try to dispel the water from my lungs only to have my head locked in an iron grip, rendering me motionless. The feeling of water slowly flooding my lungs, drowning my ability to
draw in a breath, causes my limbs to shake uncontrollably.
Blackness begins seeping into the edges of my vision as the room starts spinning. Muscles in my body convulse as the once furious beat of my heart becomes slow and sluggish. An overwhelming feeling of finality comes over me as my body starts to shut down. Visions of my life flash before me, dancing their way through my mind. My father kneeling on the front porch, handing me a stuffed brown bear. The park we used to hike together when I was younger.
My visions morph, changing as violet eyes stare at me from my subconscious. Alex wrapping me in his embrace, comforting me as I divulge my deepest secrets. The love on his face as he held me the last night we were together. On instinct, I draw in a breath, sucking water deeper into my lungs. My back arches as I begin shaking and convulsing, unable to breathe. Tears flow freely from my eyes as I say a silent prayer, asking God to please help my family to move on, help them to heal when I’m gone, to end this unbearable pain.
As if by some miracle, the flow of water is cut off. On instinct, I begin sputtering, spewing the water from my lungs. Large hands grasp my head, turning it to the side as I vomit and purge the pungent water from my system. Several long moments pass where the contents of my stomach are expelled all over myself and the table. Gasping, I begin drawing in lungfuls of air, greedily sucking it in, unsure if it will be my last. Tension rolls throughout my body, each muscle constricting and tightening. It’s as if heavy weights have been strategically placed all over my body.
Out of the corner of my eye, a shadow presses closer, moving along the wall, making its way to the table. Time suspends as the shadow edges closer. My eyes register the shape that is coming into focus before my very eyes, yet I have no desire to even acknowledge its presence. Retreating into my mind, I fall into my memories once more. Lavender and sandalwood envelop me, promising safety and love. He licks his lips and smiles before lowering his head and brushing his lips gently across mine.
Running his tongue across my lower lip, he encourages me to open for him. My lips part on a sigh as his taste explodes across my tongue. Threading his fingers through my hair, he gives a slight tug, deepening our kiss. Dueling for dominance, our tongues glide against one another’s as my hands slowly begin wandering down his chest.
A sharp, stinging pain rips across my face, bringing me back to the present. Blinking several times, the shadow slowly begins to come into focus. Slender fingers clasp my jaw in an iron grip as I bite down on my bottom lip to keep from whimpering. The smell of her jasmine perfume fills my nostrils, choking me mere moments before her lips brush against my ear.
“Ttal, be a good girl. Make this easy on yourself. Submit to me.” Shifting, she pulls back, peering into my eyes for a moment. Tsking, her voice is tight as she says, “Very well, if that is how you wish it to be then that is how it shall be.”
Motioning to the man in the corner, he grabs the rag and the water once more, heading toward me. The desire to escape rises within me yet again. My situation seems quite helpless, strapped to a table, being held down and tortured by the one person who gave me life. However, I find that I’m not ready to give up just yet. With my renewed energy, I begin thrashing, fighting against my restraints. My ankles and wrists start to burn where the rope is digging into my skin, cutting off my circulation.
“Ttal! Stop this at once!”
“Leave me alone!” Even though I try to shout, it comes out as a hoarse whisper, my voice cracking.
Smiling, my mother croons, “You can make this stop at any time, Ttal. You know what you have to do.” Running her finger down the side of my face, she whispers into my ear, “What are you fighting me for, anyway? Your father? That man you were with?”
My breath hitches in my throat. No. God, please no. Alex. How does she know about Alex? Involuntarily, my head tries to move from side to side. However, her staggering grip keeps me held in place. A whirlwind of questions blows through my mind as I stare blankly at the ceiling. What am I going to do?
I have to protect Alex from her. She can’t know what he means to me . . . can she? Inhaling deeply, I take in a calming breath, trying to clear my frantic thoughts. She has to be baiting me. There is no possible way she could know about Alex.
As if reading my thoughts, she tilts her head to the side, studying me for a moment, a smug grin spreading across her face. “You think I didn’t know about your little escapade?”
Ignoring her question, I turn my head as far as my limited range will allow, letting my gaze fall to the cinderblock wall. Flexing her fingers, she thrusts her sharp nails into the flesh of my cheek, turning my head back to her furious gaze. Warmth trickles down my face, pooling in the crevice of my neck. The coppery tang of my blood saturates the air, causing my stomach to clench. Her voice is hard, devoid of any emotion as she begins to speak once again.
“You think you’re so different from me, but you’re not. We are much alike, you and I. You think that man really wants you, Ttal? Hmmm? He wants one thing and one thing only.” Her eyes tighten around the corners as she stares at me.
“He wants what you have already given him, and you were stupid enough not to get anything in return. Now he is done with you.”
Heat flushes through my body, anger igniting with each of her words. My pulse races out of control with each wild beat of my heart.
Gnashing my teeth, I peer directly into my mother’s eyes as I say, “You know nothing about us.”
Tossing her head back, she lets loose a menacing laugh that sends chills racing through my body.
“Ah, Ttal. You are amusing. That was quite funny,” she says, removing her hands from my face as she waves them in my direction.
“I’m glad I’m here for your amusement,” I reply dryly.
Her eyes grow cold. Pressing her lips into a thin line, she takes a menacing step forward. “You dare to smart off to me?”
My body goes rigid on the table, tensing, and waiting for her to strike. Closing my eyes, I hold my breath, anticipating the blow to come. When it doesn’t, I peel my eyes open one at a time to see her staring at me with open curiosity. With a gentle touch, she runs a soothing hand down my cheek as if she were caring for something she treasured. Wariness begins to set in as I stare back at the woman who gave me life. It’s as if a switch was flipped all of the sudden and someone else is standing in front of me now.
“W-What are you doing?” I stammer.
As my voice registers with her, the fog clears from her eyes and coldness settles back over her features. “You will do well to remember your place. We all have one. Forget that man. He means nothing.”
“He isn’t nothing!”
“Enough! You will join me or pay the consequences. We are bound by blood. You have no choice.”
“You aren’t making any sense! What do you mean bound by blood?”
“It is your duty. No time to explain now. Make your decision. Will you join me?”
“No. I would rather die.”
Anger flashes brightly in her eyes as she grabs the rag and water from her henchmen standing in the corner. Covering my mouth and nose with the cloth, she begins slowly pouring water as she annunciates each word, “That. Can. Always. Be. Arranged.”
Violently shaking my head, I try and dislodge her while holding my breath. I’m only able to move for a few moments before her henchmen is there, holding me down so I’m completely immobile. Tears begin streaming down my face in earnest as I wonder what malevolent deed I’ve done in a past life to deserve this. What in the hell did I do that was so heinous to deserve a barbaric mother?
My lungs begin to burn from lack of oxygen. Black spots dance at the edges of my vision as my limbs tremble from exertion. Unable to hold my breath any longer, I close my eyes, unwilling to look into her dark gaze for another moment. Right away, sharp stinging pains shoot through my left arm, causing me to suck in a breath full of water. Snapping my eyes open, I see the smug grin decorating my mother’s face. A painful tightness begins in my chest, constri
cting my lungs, tightening my throat.
Unable to breathe, my body begins convulsing, my vision fading as my soul, my life begins slipping away. The voices that were once clear become a low hum as the room shifts, fading to black.
Chocolate . . . dark chocolate, strawberries, and sunshine. My nose twitches. Warmth begins spreading along my skin as if I’m lying on the beach, soaking up the sun.
His velvety voice thrums in my ear. “Open your eyes for me, baby.”
Slowly, my lashes begin to unfuse to take in his ruggedly handsome face. Heat beats down on us from the unwavering sun, warming me to my core. How is he here? Wasn’t I just with her? Muscles in my body grow rigid, tensing beneath him. Reading the uncertainty in my eyes, he smiles.
“Relax, you’re safe for now.”
Dipping his head closer, he places a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose. “You’re so incredibly beautiful, Goddess.” Wrapping his arms tightly around me, he pulls me into his chest. Humming, he begins feathering light touches along my spine as I melt further into him.
“Alex?”
“Hmmm?”
“Where are we?”
He doesn’t answer me right away, just continues stroking along my spine. The hair along my neck begins to tingle, standing on end. Something isn’t right. Am I dead? Well, that can’t be right. Alex is still alive.
Isn’t he? Uncontrollable tremors take over my body. Alex pulls back, catching my chin in his grasp. Peering up at him from beneath my lashes, I find his penetrating gaze. The intensity of his violet eyes nearly takes all of the breath from my lungs. His brow dips, creasing slightly as he looks down at me. Releasing a breath, he sits back and says, “We’re in here.” Lifting his finger, he gently taps on my forehead.
Bound By Blood: (The Betrayed Series Book 2) Page 3