Standby (Open Skies Book 4)

by Becca Jameson

  She shoved at his hand, trying to get him to let go.

  He squeezed harder, pinching her nipple painfully through her sweater and bra.

  “Stop it, Hawke. That hurts.”

  “Good. Sluts like you enjoy a little pain when they fuck.”

  Not like this. And not nonconsensual.

  He switched to her other breast next and gripped so hard she nearly passed out. So much pain. It felt like he was ripping her boobs off her body.

  She fought against him, trying like hell to get away. All she managed was to get her hair yanked over and over. It felt like he’d scalped her by now.

  When his hand moved down to cup her pussy, gripping her sensitive flesh hard, she gasped. Damn him. She bucked back and forth. If she could just turn around. She had no leverage here. She wished she could knee him in the balls, but not in this position. It was impossible.

  Suddenly, he shifted to one side, still gripping her hair, but shoving her so that she fell so far over the back of the couch her feet nearly left the floor. He switched his grip so that his other hand was holding her hair, and then he swatted her ass so hard she lost her breath.

  “Bet you like that, don’t you, Shayla? All this time you were probably dissatisfied, needing a firm hand. Right, baby?”

  She said nothing. All she could do was grit her teeth and pray for a miracle. She was beginning to realize she couldn’t stop him from raping her, but she had to pray that at some point after that, he would pass out or let his guard down enough for her to run from the cabin.

  She would take her chances in the dark and cold. Anything would be better than staying here.

  His hand slammed down on her thighs next, making her scream. Stars danced in front of her eyes. Everything hurt. The pain radiating from her head was unbearable, but his palm hitting her was making things that much worse.

  Another strike hit her higher. “Admit you’re a fucking cock tease, Shayla. Admit it and apologize.”

  She was trembling with fear. “Okay. Okay, Hawke. I’m sorry.”

  He slapped her two more times in succession. So hard he had to be leaving bruises. “That’s not good enough, baby. Tell me you understand you’re a cock tease.”

  She swallowed. “I’m a cock tease, Hawke. I’m sorry. It wasn’t nice. I won’t do it again.”

  “Damn right you won’t.” More maniacal laughter brought goosebumps to her skin. “You’re going to show me how sorry you are and then you’re going to beg my forgiveness.”

  “Yes. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.” She was panting. It was hard to speak.

  He struck her again, lower on her thighs, and then again and again. She lost count. So much pain, her knees buckled, but it didn’t matter. Only her toes were touching the floor. Her legs weren’t holding her up.

  He straddled her legs next, grinding his dick against her butt. “If you weren’t painted into these jeans, I’d already be inside your cunt, baby. Right where you like me.”

  She braced her hands on the couch cushion, praying she could find a way to get out of this mess. Fearing she would not live through the night. After he fucked her, he would have no reason to let her go. His desperate move tonight proved he had gone over the edge. He’d quit his job. His wife had left him. And now he’d added kidnapping and probably rape to the list.

  No one was coming for her. She was going to have to save herself.

  Another sharp yank on her hair and she was flying backward, upright. He spun her around and shoved her ass against the back of the couch. This time he ground his cock into the front of her jeans. “Are you wet, baby? I bet you get soaked when someone adds a bit of pain to your fucking, yeah?”

  She trembled, scared out of her mind. And then she had her chance. She didn’t waste it. The moment he eased back, she lifted her knee into the air as hard and fast as she could, slamming it into his balls.

  He roared in pain, his eyes going wide before he staggered backward, completely releasing her to cup his balls. “You fucking cunt!” he screamed.

  She had just seconds to escape, but the moment she turned to run for the door, the window next to it shattered as something came crashing into the cabin.

  She watched the object in slow motion, panicking as her brain told her it was a grenade. But then it hissed, and the air started filling with smoke. She turned back toward the door and ran, finding the handle and yanking it open as fast as she could.

  “Get back here, you bitch,” Hawke shouted.

  She didn’t look back. She took off running as hard as she could, unable to see anything between the darkness and the burning in her eyes from the smoke. She had no idea where it had come from, but she was so crazed she could only think about getting as far away from Hawke as possible. The more distance she put between him and her, the better. She could hide in the woods. If she got far enough away and was really quiet, he would never find her.

  Suddenly someone grabbed her, huge arms coming around her waist and pulling her against him.

  She screamed, but a hand came over her mouth. “Shayla, sweetheart. It’s me. Jake.”

  Her eyes went wide as her adrenaline continued to pump hard. She couldn’t see Jake’s face in the pitch dark, but she could hear his voice. And she inhaled his scent. It was him.

  He eased his hand off her mouth. “It’s me. You’re okay.”

  “Jake?” She was shaking badly, and she started crying hysterically with relief. Or maybe she was dead and dreaming that he’d come for her.

  “Yes. Sweetheart. It’s me. You’re safe.” He pulled her close and then kissed her forehead before holding her back a few inches with his hands on her shoulders. “I need you to wait for me right here. Don’t move.”

  “Why? Let’s get out of here. He’s crazy, Jake.”

  “I know, but he can’t get away with this. We have to stop him.”

  She shook her head, frantic. “No. Please. Let’s just go.”

  Someone shouted, and then a gun went off.

  Shayla screamed.

  Jake pulled her into the trees, yanked her down low, and gripped her face. “Stay right here. Do not move unless your life depends on it. Got it?”

  “Yes.”

  He released her and took off running toward the cabin. She realized she could see better now that her eyes had adjusted to the darkness. The cabin was lit slightly from the fireplace. Smoke was coming out of the door and the broken window. There was a commotion inside. More than one person. Not just Hawke.

  Jake was running toward the cabin, so he wasn’t the other one inside. Finally, she realized he hadn’t come here alone.

  She dropped to her knees on the cold ground and watched in horror as Jake entered the cabin. Another shot rang out, startling her so badly she fell backward. She scrambled to her feet, thinking she needed to help Jake. What if he was shot?

  She took two steps and then stopped herself. He’d told her not to move. There were still people flashing in front of the window. She could see them. Maybe no one had been shot.

  Flashing lights coming from behind her made her jerk around to look over her shoulder. Police. Two cars. No sirens. She’d never been more relieved to see a cop car.

  They came to a stop a few yards from her, four people exiting with their guns drawn.

  “I’m over here,” she shouted, hoping they would hear her and not accidentally shoot her.

  Two men turned toward her. “Shayla Cosman?”

  “Yes,” she yelled back as she stepped into their line of sight. She pointed at the cabin. “My boyfriend and another man went inside. There were shots. Two of them.” She was rambling, frantic.

  “Okay. Get in the squad car, ma’am.” They rushed by her, and she took a step closer to the vehicle but didn’t enter it. There was no way she could climb in and sit still while Jake was in the cabin fighting with Hawke.

  “Hands in the air,” one of the cops shouted as he reached the door. “Put your fucking hands in the air,” he screamed louder.

  There we
re several seconds of silence, and then another shot was fired.

  Shayla jumped, panic climbing up her spine. “No,” she screamed as she ran toward the cabin. She would never be able to live with herself if Jake was shot. All she could picture was Hawke, surrounded and trapped, shooting Jake.

  “Stay back, ma’am,” one of the cops yelled.

  But she kept running. She needed to see Jake. Make sure he was okay. “Jake,” she screamed as she approached the cabin.

  One of the cops reached out and grabbed her, holding her as she fought to get free. “No,” she yelled.

  Two cops rushed into the smoky cabin. The third one remained at the entrance, gun drawn.

  “Stay the fuck down,” she heard someone yell. “Down! Hands behind your back where I can see them.”

  Her heart raced as she prayed Hawke hadn’t shot anyone.

  Suddenly, Jake stepped outside, scanned the area, and then jogged the last few feet toward her until he finally had her in his arms.

  She started crying hysterically, jerking against his grip. “You’re okay?”

  “Yes. I’m fine.” He didn’t release her.

  “But there were shots. I was scared out of my mind.”

  “I’m not hit.” He gave her a shake. “Shayla. I’m okay. Look at me.”

  She leaned back, tears making it hard for her to see.

  “I need you to stay outside, sweetheart. Please. Let me go see to Hatch.”

  “Jason? Is that who’s with you?”

  “Yes.”

  Her eyes went wide. “Did he get shot?”

  “Just a graze on his arms. He’ll be fine. Didn’t even slow down.”

  “And Hawke?”

  “The police have him in cuffs. He can’t hurt you now. I don’t want you anywhere near him though. I want you to stay here.”

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  “I’ll be right back. There’s an officer two feet away. Nothing is going to happen to you. It’s over.”

  “Okay. Okay.” Her voice was a whisper, but she stiffened her spine so he would know she was fine.

  He went back inside.

  She stood there shivering, the cold finally getting to her now that she wasn’t in a panic to escape.

  “Ma’am?” the officer closest to her said. “Why don’t you get in the cruiser? It’s still running. It’s warm.”

  “I should wait for Jake.”

  “He’ll be out in a moment. You’re freezing.”

  She nodded and glanced at the cabin. Her knees were about to give out. The officer was right. There was nothing she could do anyway, and going inside the cabin was out of the question.

  She backed up and then turned and headed for the first police car. The only other car around had to be Hawke’s. How did Jake and Jason get here? She winced as she climbed into the back seat of the cruiser. Her backside hurt.

  It seemed like forever before anyone came out of the cabin, and she was relieved to see Jake with Jason next to him. Jake glanced around. The cop next to the door pointed toward Shayla, and Jake nodded and made his way toward her. When he reached her door, he opened it and climbed in as she scooted across the back seat, wincing again.

  He pulled her against his chest. “Scared me to death, sweetheart.”

  “Me too.”

  He chuckled. “I bet.”

  She glanced out the window in time to see two of the cops dragging a reluctant Hawke toward the other squad car.

  Hawke looked in her direction as he passed, his face one of rage and revenge. She could swear he would kill her right now if he had the chance.

  She shuddered as he moved out of sight. “I can’t believe it’s over. How did you find me? And how did you get here so fast?”

  “Heather called me within minutes of your abduction. I raced to the airport. Raeann tracked down Marilyn who told her about this cabin. It was the most logical place to take you, so we hurried here as fast as we could.”

  “I can’t believe you came all the way across the country to find me.”

  He frowned. “What was I going to do? Pop a movie in and put my feet up while waiting for the cops to decide your abduction was a priority?”

  She sniffled.

  “One of these days I’m going to convince you that you mean something to me and you will stop questioning my feelings.”

  She nodded, overwhelmed with emotion. Obviously, he cared. He was here. He’d saved her life. His friend had gotten shot helping.

  Shit. She leaned out the open car door. “Jason? Are you okay?” She felt incredibly selfish forgetting he’d been shot.

  “I’m fine.” He leaned closer and held out his arm. White gauze was wrapped around his biceps. “Nothing more than a scratch. Won’t even need a stitch.”

  “Libby must be freaking out.” A new wave of panic filled her.

  “Relax. Hatch will call her as soon as we get into cell range.”

  “I still can’t believe you came so fast.” She swiped at tears running down her cheeks and leaned her head against Jake’s shoulder, gripping his shirt with her fist. She never wanted to let go of this man who crossed the country to save her.

  Chapter 24

  Two days later…

  Jake knocked on the bathroom door as Shayla was drying off from her shower. “Sweetheart?”

  She glanced at the door to make sure it was indeed locked and then wrapped the towel around her. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “Okay. Your mom just called again. I told her you would call her back in a few minutes.”

  “Thank you.” She glanced at herself in the full-length mirror on the back of the bathroom door, spinning around slowly to make sure she was fully covered. She’d already spoken to both her parents twice today and about ten times in the last two days. At first, they’d insisted on coming to Dallas, but she’d talked them out of it, promising she was fine and would come visit them soon.

  Realizing a bit late that she hadn’t brought any clothes into the bathroom, she headed for the door and opened it. Startled to find Jake leaning in the jamb inches away from her, she flattened a palm over her chest and gasped. “You scared me.”

  “You’re hiding from me.” He narrowed his gaze. “It’s been two days, Shayla.”

  She swallowed and forced herself to meet his gaze. “I’m just still trying to find my bearings. I promise I’ll be okay soon.”

  “I think you’re lying.”

  She tipped her head toward the floor. “Why would I be lying?”

  “If I thought you were pulling away from me because you weren’t ready to have sex, I’d buy that. But that’s not it. You snuggle against me as if you’re magnetically attached to me the moment you have clothes on. And then you avoid me when you’re naked.”

  “It’s just a coincidence.” She shrugged.

  “Is it?”

  “Of course.”

  He shook his head. “Prove it. Let me see your body, sweetheart.” His voice was soft.

  She pulled the towel tighter around her chest. “You’ve seen me naked before.”

  “Yep. So why can’t I see you naked now?”

  “You can. Just… Let’s wait a bit longer.” She wasn’t sure how long she could put him off. It had only been two days. She’d never be able to convince him she needed space for another week or two.

  Jake was blocking the door, and he sighed, swiping a hand down his face. “You said he didn’t rape you. Was that true?”

  “Yes.” She didn’t hesitate. “I swear. He did not. He was too drunk to get the button on my jeans undone.”

  “Okay. I believe you. Now show me what he did do.”

  She flinched. He was sharp. She thought maybe she was getting away with not telling him, but apparently not.

  “I assume it’s bad, but I’d rather know, Shayla. I’m not patient enough to wait for the bruising to go away. That could take a long time.”

  She drew in a breath. “I didn’t want you to see. I don’t want you to freak out. I’m fine. He r
oughed me up a bit, but he didn’t rape me and he didn’t kill me. I’m going to be okay.”

  “Great. I believe you. Lose the towel.” He reached a hand out toward her. “Give me your hand, sweetheart.”

  She tentatively set her palm in his and let him lead her into the bedroom. When they reached the bed, he lifted her by the hips and lowered her onto the mattress. A moment later, he hovered over her and then leaned down and kissed her.

  The kiss deepened, as his kisses always did, making her moan while her body came to life and demanded more. All they’d ever done was kiss. She wanted more. But she didn’t want him to see her body all covered with bruises. And she didn’t want him to make love to her for the first time while staring at the purple and black discoloration another man inflicted on her.

  When he pulled back from the kiss, she was panting. Damn him. He knew he could soften her with his lips.

  His hand came to the front of her towel, covering hers where she gripped it together. “Move your fingers, sweetheart. Enough hiding. I promise I’ll be able to handle this. What I don’t want is for you to hide from me until it fades.”

  “It’s worse today than it was yesterday, Jake.”

  “I know. I can take it. Don’t suffer alone. It’s not necessary.”

  She drew in a deep breath and nodded, moving her hand out of his way.

  He kissed her one more time and then rose up, straddling her waist, and pulled the towel away from her chest.

  She didn’t have to look down to know what he was seeing. She watched his expression instead.

  He stiffened, but he controlled his reaction to the black bruising all over her breasts. Even with her olive skin, it was pretty bad.

  His fingers came to her tender skin and grazed over the swell of her breasts. He scooted down her body until he was near her knees, parting the towel completely. The bruises between her thighs from Hawke gripping her hard between her legs weren’t as bad, but they were still visible.

  Jake slid down farther and parted her knees several inches as his gaze roamed over her pussy. Finally, he leaned over and kissed her mound before climbing up her body and kissing all over her breasts.