RunningScaredBN

by Christy Reece

  ***

  Aidan Thorne tugged at his bow tie. Damn thing was choking him to death. He’d much rather be fighting a three-hundred-fifty-pound bruiser with a knife than stand here in a monkey suit with a fake smile plastered on his face.

  “Hi, Aidan, how are you?”

  Recognizing the soft, female voice, Aidan flinched as his entire body tensed up. The one woman he’d been determined to avoid. Hell.

  Polite mask frozen in place, he turned and gave a cool nod. “Anna, you’re looking well.”

  Aidan groaned beneath his breath at his lame-assed words. You’re looking well was what you told someone’s elderly aunt. Not a beautiful, vibrant woman that made your mouth water and your skin feel like it was on fire. He told himself he should just be grateful for his ability to maintain a nonchalant air when his heart was thundering like a stampede of elephants. Anna Bradford looked nothing like the abused young woman LCR had rescued years ago. She had matured from an idealistic young college student who wanted to save the world to a lovely young woman. She was still too idealistic, though. And she was still trying to save the world.

  Skin the color of light honey-gold, shoulder-length hair a mélange of soft brown and dark gold, dark brown eyes that gleamed with purity and hope, a light sprinkling of freckles across her small nose, and the sweetest, lushest mouth he’d ever seen. Anna personified every single quality that he’d sworn to stay away from.

  “It was a beautiful wedding, wasn’t it?”

  He was in a dilemma. If he nodded curtly and walked away, he’d hurt her feelings. If he stayed, he greatly feared he’d give in to temptation, lean down, and see if the frosted-pink lipstick on her mouth was as tasty as it looked.

  “Hey, babe, let’s dance.”

  Even though he was saved from having to make a decision, Aidan glared down at the guy now standing beside Anna. He didn’t recognize the creep, with his chiseled jaw, perfect hair, and I’m-too-cool-for-school demeanor, but he sure as hell didn’t like the familiar way he’d grabbed for Anna’s elbow.

  Before Aidan could make his displeasure known, Anna gracefully twisted away from the guy, and with a diplomacy that would make the State Department proud, she laughed softly and said, “Stuart, there’s no way I’m depriving all the girls lined up to dance with you.” She tilted her head to the left. Sure enough, there were about five young women standing a few feet away who apparently had eyes only for this guy.

  “They’ll wait. I want to dance with you.”

  Though her smile lost a little of its shine, she didn’t do what Aidan hoped she’d do and tell the jerk to go jump off a cliff. He was about to intervene and give a vulgar suggestion of his own when Riley appeared beside them.

  “Anna, can I talk to you a minute?”

  “Sure thing.” She gave the Stuart guy a nod. “Go make those women happy.”

  “Yeah, whatever.” Stuart headed toward his small adoring crowd.

  “Who the hell was that guy?” Aidan asked.

  “One of the top male models in New York.”

  Wasn’t any of his business, but he had to know. “Why didn’t you dance with him?”

  Her burst of laughter was like a breath of fresh air, free and uninhibited. “Dance with someone prettier than me? Not a chance.”

  He liked her, dammit. Liked her self-deprecation. Her sunny disposition. Liked that even though she had once gone through hell, she still believed in goodness. She was everything he wasn’t. Represented everything he couldn’t have.

  Aidan backed away. “Good to see you, Anna.” He nodded. “See you later, Ingram.”

  Turning, he made a beeline for the door. If he didn’t get out of here now, he would break every promise he’d made to himself to stay away from her. People like Anna Bradford did not belong in his darkness.

  Riley watched Aidan stalk out of the room like he had a demon chasing him. Being familiar with running from her own demons, she recognized the act for what it was. She turned back to Anna and eyed her speculatively.

  “He doesn’t like me.”

  Anna’s rueful statement caught Riley by surprise. Her friend was usually more perceptive than that. Knowing it would do no good to explain that Aidan’s swift exit had more to do with liking her too much, Riley said instead, “I think having all these people around makes all LCR operatives a little antsy.”

  “But not you?”

  Antsy? Yes, she was definitely that, but not because of too many people. Her disguise was a good one. No one from her past would suspect that the damaged and ravaged young woman they’d known would be at the star-studded wedding of a famous model and a former NFL quarterback. Those people most likely believed she was dead.

  “I don’t figure anyone would ever look for me here.”

  “Especially looking like that.”

  “What’s the saying? Blondes have more fun?”

  “Is it true?” Anna asked.

  “Not yet.”

  Anna’s gaze went to the door where Aidan had made his exit. “Not for me either.” She scrunched her nose. “Maybe I should’ve gone all the way blond instead of just highlights.”

  It wasn’t the first time her friend had indicated she had a thing for Aidan Thorne. There was a large group of LCR women who had a small crush on the Golden Adonis of LCR, as someone had called him. It was, however, the first time Riley realized her friend’s feelings might be more than a simple crush.

  “You think we could go somewhere and talk for a while?”

  Pulling her gaze from the door, Anna brightened. “Let’s go to my room, get these shoes off, and order room service. I’m in the mood for a triple burger, fries, and a chocolate shake.”

  As they headed out the door, the thought of food roiling her stomach, she was reminded of another difference between her and Anna. Riley enjoyed food, but decades of a strict, regimented diet wasn’t something she had been able to overcome.

  Anna believed in living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment. Riley’s moments of joy were few and far between, but at least they now existed.

  Would anything change once she confronted her past, or was she condemned to stay the same, running from her own shadow?

  The uncharacteristic moment of self-pity almost stopped her in her tracks. Where had that come from? Hell, she had conquered more phobias than most psychology books even covered. She had defeated every obstacle that had been thrust upon her. She’d damn well not start feeling sorry for herself now.

  Okay, yes. She had a big hurdle to get over. A damn big one. But just like all the other hurdles, she could and would put it behind her.

  Chin set determinedly, she followed Anna out of the ballroom. Tonight she would allow herself a rare moment of happiness with one of the dearest people she knew. Tomorrow she would call Noah and tell him her plans. She had a feeling he wouldn’t be the least bit surprised.

  Justin sat at the table, the untouched beer in front of him now warm. The crowd had thinned out, but there were at least a couple of hundred people still here, apparently determined to dance until dawn or drink the bar dry. He had no desire for either. What he wanted and what he was going to do were in direct conflict. His heart told him to find Riley and get the truth from her instead of the vague excuses she’d given him earlier.

  What he was going to do was sit here until he got bored enough to leave and go up to his hotel room. A crowd wasn’t his thing, but it was a damn sight better than going to his room and staring at four walls.

  “I can’t decide who’s the most miserable of us. You won’t go after what you want, and I can’t have what I want.”

  Aidan Thorne was slouched in a seat across from him. The usual good humor spark gone from his eyes. Thorne was one of the few people who knew what Justin felt for Riley. And as far as he knew, Justin was the only one who knew what Aidan wanted but wouldn’t allow himself to have.

  “I vote you,” Justin said. “At least I have an excuse.”

  “You work with the woman every day. Spen
d hours alone with her, and she has no idea how you feel about her. How is that an excuse?”

  “She’s not interested in me. At least not in that way. You think I’m going to jeopardize our partnership by telling her?”

  “You’re sure about that?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I just think Ingram might not be as immune to you as you think.”

  Whether it was because of his training or an innate gift, Aidan Thorne saw things others missed. He was a perceptive man with a strong tendency to see beyond bullshit, one of the reasons he was such a good interrogator.

  So, was what he’d said the truth? Had Justin been so caught up in his own doubt that he hadn’t seen that she felt something, too? He rubbed his chin and debated with himself, all the while aware of Thorne’s amusement across from him. He ignored that, accustomed to the man’s twisted sense of humor. So maybe things weren’t as hopeless as he’d thought. Could he get her to admit feeling something for him? And if he could, would that strengthen their partnership or damage it for good?

  His peripheral vision caught sight of McCall headed their way. The man’s too-serious expression in the midst of happy wedding guests was a warning that something major was up. Positioning himself between their two chairs, he took in both men’s gazes. “We got a location on Taylor Vaughn.”

  “Where is she?” Justin asked.

  “Italy.”

  “Where in Italy?” Aidan asked.

  McCall’s mouth twisted in a grimace. “Good question. I’ll brief you on the plane. Grab your gear. We take off in thirty.”

  Chapter Six

  Mother Nature was putting on quite a show for them as they rose higher in the sky. If time hadn’t been of the essence, they probably would have waited till the storm quieted before taking off. Unfortunately, Taylor Vaughn was living on borrowed time. The longer it took to get to her, the less chance of her surviving.

  “Let’s get started,” Noah called out loudly to be heard over the loud rumble of thunder and the drone of the plane.

  Unbuckling her seat belt, Riley followed the other operatives to the large conference table in the middle of the plane. As she settled into her seat, she thought this had to be the most overdressed LCR meeting she’d ever attended. No one had taken the time to change. Though they might be dressed in fancy duds, all of them shared the same determined expressions.

  “Here’s what we’ve got. We know Russo has houses and hideouts all over the world. A dozen or more. Our intel has narrowed down the three most likely places he’s got her stashed. All in Italy.

  “We’re fairly certain she’s still alive. He’s going to want to find out how much she knows, who she’s told what.” His voice went darker “He’s going to want to talk to her.”

  They all knew exactly what this meant. Russo was known for his cruelty to his enemies. On occasion, he’d have someone killed, but more often, especially if he felt he’d been betrayed, he liked to mete out punishment personally. His methods were a clear indication that the man was a sadist. Riley shivered at the image in her mind, only it wasn’t Mateo Russo she pictured but another man.

  “Who’d we get the intel from?” Aidan asked.

  “FBI and Italian government have been working together for years to capture Russo. They have someone inside his organization. I don’t know if it’s a snitch or one of their own people. However, they do believe this is credible intel.”

  “Do they think Russo will be there?” Justin asked.

  “Doubtful. Word is he was in the middle of some kind of medical procedure when Vaughn was taken. The FBI believes he’ll go to her in a few days, maybe a week.”

  “Making our window of opportunity very small,” Justin said.

  “Exactly.” Standing, Noah went to a screen displaying a map of Italy. “We’re going to make this as low-key and low tech as we can get. Our only priority is rescuing Taylor Vaughn. We’ll let the feds worry about going after Russo.”

  He turned toward the screen. “Here are the three locations, all in separate parts of the country. We’ll land in Rome. Each team will go from there.”

  He returned to the conference table and withdrew six folders. Sliding a folder toward each person, he said, “You’ll find as much as we could dig up about the locations on short notice. Once we touch down, we’ll have transportation, plus the supplies and weapons you’ll need.”

  He leaned forward, taking in everyone’s gazes. “Questions?”

  “Yeah. When’s this asshole going to get what’s coming to him?” Aidan asked. “Sounds like he’s been running everyone in circles for a long time.”

  Noah glanced over at Sabrina, who gave a small nod and said, “Declan’s got him in his sights. Won’t be long now.”

  Last year they’d learned that Sabrina’s husband, Declan Steele, worked for Eagle Defense Justice Enforcers, a secret government agency.

  “I thought EDJE only went after terrorists,” Riley said.

  “And those who help them. Russo is providing weapons and funds to at least a half-dozen small terror cells. They want him as badly as the FBI does.”

  “Be interesting to see who gets him first.”

  A small smile lifted Sabrina’s lips. “I may be slightly biased, but my money’s on my husband.”

  Noah gave a quick nod. “Hope it’s soon. Bastard needs to be dealt with.” He looked around the table. “Get some shut-eye if you can. We’ve got another five hours of flight time.”

  Riley waited for the other operatives to gather their folders and head back to their seats. As soon as she and Noah were relatively alone, she said in a low voice, “Noah, can I talk to you?”

  “What’s up?”

  “I just…” She took a breath and let the words gush out. “I think it’s time to try again.”

  Concern turned his eyes darker, his mouth straight-lined to grim. “You’ve remembered something?”

  If only it were that easy. Her mind had never given her what she needed the most. Many details of her horror were etched into her brain, never to be erased. But the things she’d needed to know—such as names, places—were missing. One of her greatest fears was that they weren’t even there.

  “No, not really. I just think I’m ready to try again.”

  “Very well. We can set up more hypnosis sessions.”

  Years ago, she had tried hypnosis therapy, hoping to uncover what she had suppressed. It had done little good and only brought to the forefront the most awful things. The next step had been one she hadn’t been ready to attempt. Until now.

  “I think I’d like to go further this time. Maybe try the drugs.”

  The harsh frown on his face might have given others pause, but never Riley. She trusted Noah McCall implicitly. He had saved her life and her sanity.

  “You’re sure about that?”

  Sure? Of course she wasn’t. Being certain about something meant you were ready to deal with the consequences of a decision. What if the memory drugs brought out even more of the horror and nothing helpful?

  She gave a little shrug. “I’m sure I need to try.”

  “Then you know I’ll support your decision. After this op, come in and let’s talk. I’ll ask Samara to do some research on the most current treatments.” He squeezed her hand, a rare gesture of affection. “You know we’ll help you any way we can.”

  Riley whispered her thanks and went to her seat. Justin was sitting across from her, and even though he was sprawled in his chair and looked like he was sleeping, she knew he wasn’t. Without opening his eyes, he murmured quietly, “We are going to talk, Ingram.”

  She knew he didn’t mean here and now. This discussion would have to be when they were alone, when things could be said, secrets shared. She hoped they could survive the conversation.

  ***

  Northern Italy

  Riley adjusted her backpack to a more comfortable position. As trails went, this was one of the easier she had hiked. Someone had cleared a path long ago and used it
often. Problem was, they had no assurance that it would lead to their target. They had the general location of the hideout but no pinpoint. And when they arrived, who knew what they’d find? They’d been walking for several hours without seeing any sign of a hideaway.

  She cut her eyes over to her partner, who seemed just as preoccupied as she had been. Other than making a remark about the low humidity and pointing out a soaring hawk, he had been mysteriously silent.

  Myriad issues occupied her own mind. She thought about Russo and what it took to make men such as him. About Taylor Vaughn and what horrors she had already no doubt endured. Was the journalist as tough as she seemed? And she thought about herself. About what would come after the rescue. Now that she had made a decision, a part of her was anxious to get started. Of course, there was another part of her that was just as eager to forget the idea and go on as she had been. Didn’t she have a good life? Hadn’t she accomplished more than she’d ever believed possible? Why stir things up now?

  The too-silent man beside her was one of the biggest reasons to not do anything. She cared what he thought about her. She cared about him. Once he found out, things would never be the same. What if he lost all confidence in her? They had a winning combination right now. Did she really want to mess with that?

  He had said they needed to talk. She was surprised he hadn’t asked any questions yet. They were alone, with no one around to hear their discussion. Was he waiting for her to start talking? Could she just spill her figurative guts on a shady hillside in Italy?

  Her foot slipped on wet grass, and she stumbled forward.

  “Careful.” A hand caught her arm before she could land on her face. “You need to take a break?”

  She shook her head. “I’m fine.”

  When he said nothing more, she glanced up at him. The contrast in the tuxedo-wearing best man and the one beside her now was startling. How could someone who looked so sophisticated and handsome in formal wear also look just as good in an army green T-shirt and camo pants? The shirt stretched across his broad chest, not tightly, but snug enough to reveal the hard muscles underneath.