Captivity

by Brenda Trim

  “Yeah, it has seventy-five rooms, including a handful of suites, and the kitchen is ridiculously big. I’ll have to give you a tour in a bit but first, tell me what happened tonight. You mentioned other shifters, so I’m surprised to see only two men with you,” Bart acknowledged before he took a sip of beer.

  “For the love of Gaia, this beer is the best thing my mouth has tasted in months. Part of me wants to suck it down in one swig and the other wants to savor it in small sips. My taste buds are on a high right now. Cheers to you, Bart, my new friend,” Knox interjected, earning a laugh from the group.

  “There’s plenty more, so drink away,” Bart offered and lifted his longneck bottle in toasting fashion.

  “It’s not the best thing I’ve tasted in months,” Lawson whispered low and soft, sending a shiver down Liv’s spine.

  They had shared a couple of heated moments and the memory blazed through her mind. Heat rushed to her cheeks and Lawson’s lip curled with amusement. Dammit, how did he send her libido spiraling out of control so quickly?

  Turning away from his heated gaze, she began telling Bart the events of the night. She complimented Cassie’s geekology prowess, and told Bart about the lab door remaining locked, their run-in with the security guard, and Knox’s information about Lawson’s dad and brother. She was thankful the guard thought she was a shifter because she had an idea of how to get back into the lab.

  “So, you see, I need to get back to work and ask Jim to assign me to another shifter,” she revealed.

  Lawson and Bart started yelling at the same time.

  “Have you lost your mind, TKO? The deal was you were quitting after tonight. You aren’t thinking rationally because you’re exhausted,” Bart shouted but was cut off by Lawson’s deeper, louder voice.

  “Fuck, no! You’re not going back. End of discussion, Liv. This is not up for debate,” Lawson barked.

  She glared at the two men who thought they made decisions for her. Nope. Not today.

  “Excuse me. I wasn’t asking permission. I am going back and I’m going back tonight. In fact, I need to be there,” she said, looking at the clock on her cell phone, “in exactly five hours, so I need to get going now,” Liv announced.

  “No!” Lawson growled.

  “Yes, Lawson. We need to get your family out and the best way to do that is with me there. You know I’m right.”

  Lawson pinned her, anger flashing in his gaze. He wasn’t happy with her, but he had to agree with her reasoning.

  “If you insist on going back, I’ll drive you in your Jeep. I need to get back to Chattanooga by tomorrow anyway. That way, you can get a few hours sleep,” Bart insisted.

  “I don’t like this one bit. I should go with you,” Lawson countered.

  “No, it’s too risky. You’re staying here. I’ll go into the office and see how they’re dealing with your escape and get a feel for things. I’ll try and leave around lunch to come back and update you on the situation,” Liv proposed and Lawson seemed to relax a bit.

  “Ashley will show you to your rooms. Anything you need, she’ll assist you. I’m going to go check on a few things, and then I’ll be ready to hit the road,” Bart said then stood up and left the room.

  “Sleeping in a real bed. I don’t even know what to say. Ashley, my love, lead the way, by way of the refrigerator, please. I need another beer,” Knox crowed as he turned up the bottle in his hand, emptying it in one gulp.

  “I’ll be right there,” Lawson let out, turning to grab Liv’s hands.

  His warmth spread like wildfire, and she stepped to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. He placed a hand on either side of her face and looked down, pools of silver burning bright.

  “I don’t like this idea of yours. I’m not going to be able to rest until I know you’re safe. I’ll be expecting you tomorrow afternoon,” Lawson murmured right before his lips came crashing against hers.

  Opening her mouth, she welcomed his hot breath. Tongues swirled together in a dance all their own. He pulled her against the solid line of his body and her nipples hardened in response. Moisture pooled between her legs when his hands roamed to her ass and squeezed.

  She wanted to stay with him tonight. Wanted to explore the passion that threatened to burn them alive.

  Pulling away, Lawson breathed in and out as he panted, “I hear Ashley coming back,” he explained, wiping the moisture from his mouth with a smirk, then smacked Liv on the ass.

  Squealing, she looked down at her clothing and straightened her top. “That super-hearing comes in handy, Outlaw,” Liv retorted, smacking him on his ass.

  “Ooh, this just got interesting. To be continued,” Lawson husked as Ashley walked into the room, followed by Bart.

  “Mr. Scott, your room is ready when you are,” the woman announced.

  Ashley was an attractive Hispanic woman who looked to be in her early forties, and Liv liked her accent. She spoke English well, but you could tell Spanish was her native language.

  “Yes, thank you,” Lawson replied, following Ashley’s lead. He looked over his shoulder before leaving the room and said, “Remember, TBC…sweet dreams, Liv,” he said with a wink before disappearing from her line of vision.

  “What was that about?” Bart asked with narrowed eyes. Liv could tell he didn’t care for the way Lawson had flirted with her. “What’s TBC?”

  “I honestly don’t know. Lawson likes to joke around,” she responded, telling the truth.

  Her mind raced at Lawson’s comment and, for the life of her, she couldn’t figure it out. “You ready to go?” she quipped to Bart.

  “Yep, let’s do it,” he remarked, slinging an arm around her shoulder.

  He pulled her to his side and kissed the corner of her mouth, lingering a little too long. She had a sneaky suspicion Bart was jealous of Lawson, but he was going to have to get over it. She was nuts about the guy.

  And, she couldn’t stop grinning when it suddenly dawned on her. TBC…to be continued.

  15

  Walking into PRL, Liv’s heart raced and sweat beaded her brow. She was going to vomit or pass out, or both. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary as she scanned the building but she knew what had gone down the night before. As she climbed out of her car, her legs shook and threatened to send her tumbling to her ass.

  After a second of silent chastisement, she headed into the building and immediately saw a group of employees huddled together. What the hell were they talking about? Expecting to be waylaid by one of them, she was shocked when she passed without incident. Admittedly, she was extremely paranoid right now.

  Hastening her pace, she headed for her lab. The best thing to do was to act normal, she reminded herself. It would raise all kinds of red flags if she deviated from her routine. A jaw-cracking yawn was typical, given her workload. Of course, today she was exhausted for very different reasons.

  Bart had dropped her off at home to shower and change clothes, and Cassie offered to drive him home so Liv could get to work on time. She even had time to make a lunch, although she hoped to be on the road back to Hollow Rock instead of eating in the breakroom. Setting down her purse and lunchbox, Liv walked to her desk to check on her group’s caseload and any updated files.

  There was a large stack waiting for her to read. Staci, one of the other scientists, had been busy, taking up some of her slack due to time spent with Lawson.

  As she thumbed through paperwork, she felt her phone buzz. Reaching into her lab coat pocket, she glanced at the screen. It was Jim, texting to see if she had arrived at work yet. Oh, shit. Did he know she was there last night? Had the security guard remembered a detail that would incriminate her? She responded, saying she was in the lab. He instantly replied that he was on his way.

  Panicked, she paced back and forth, chewing on her nail to prevent further damage to her mouth. If her anxiety didn’t subside, she wasn’t going to have a bottom lip much longer. Stay calm, she repeated over and over. She could not blow this by acting guilty.r />
  Taking several deep breaths, she sat at her desk and continued reading the latest data on recent tests conducted in her lab. Staci had made serious headway on the study with ALS and a genetic marker. Excitement bubbled over the prospect and she jotted a few notes for Staci to research.

  Moments later, Jim walked through the door. “Olivia, we need to talk,” he muttered and closed the door behind him.

  Liv noticed he seemed off and not in the mood she’d expected. In her head, she’d been preparing to deal with an irate explosion, but he didn’t have his usual predatory expression. He was all business, which relieved and unnerved her at the same time. He wouldn’t be making any advances which was great, but the reason for that had her gut knotting with anticipation.

  “Okay, what’s up?” she replied, standing from her chair as he approached.

  “We had a situation last night. Your patient in the private room escaped,” he disclosed, rubbing his jaw.

  As she peered closer, she could see dark circles under his blue eyes. His clothes were wrinkled and disheveled, and Liv guessed he had been at work all night.

  “You’re kidding!” she exclaimed, widening her eyes as if shocked by the news. “How did that happen? When?”

  “I’m not sure. The system malfunctioned, and security was down for a short time. Lawson and one other shifter escaped, harming the night guard in the process,” he explained.

  It was obvious Jim was upset, but she knew it had nothing to do with the guard. His anger was about his prized possessions getting away and his fear of Lawson’s possible retaliation.

  “Oh, wow. I didn’t realize there were other shifters here. I thought Lawson was a single case study,” she hedged, wanting to see his reaction. Of course, he remained calm and cool, the lying piece of shit.

  “Yes, well, I took your advice. We have several more that are family members, and we’re exploring different variables. I’m still committed to the cause, Olivia. I hope I can still count on you,” he added, skeptically.

  No doubt he wanted to know if she would remain on board even though Lawson was out of the picture now. She wanted him to think she was on his side regardless of Lawson’s escape.

  “Of course, you know I want a cure as badly as you do. I hate that Lawson escaped but my dedication remains here at PRL. I’m happy to work with another shifter if you’d like,” she offered.

  Jim’s demeanor relaxed a bit at her response and his harsh expression softened.

  “Very good. So relieved you’re a team player. I’ve placed the new guy in the same room as before so you can go down and introduce yourself as soon as we’re done here,” he relayed then stepped forward, close enough to where their bodies were touching.

  “And since we’re here alone, maybe you’d like to offer me another treat,” he said suggestively, reaching his hand to pop the first button of her blouse. Snakes slithered across her skin at his touch and she immediately stepped back.

  Quickly grabbing the material to button the closure, she shied away as if embarrassed, “Jim, not here and not right now. Anyone could walk in on us. Let’s save that for later,” she stated, turning around to walk towards the door. “I’m anxious to meet my new patient.”

  She heard Jim’s sigh then footsteps followed. “You’re probably right. Too risky,” he said, reaching to still her hand before she opened the door.

  A heavy weight pressed into her back and shoved her flush against the wall. Revulsion pulsed through her veins when she felt Jim’s breath at her ear.

  “But know this, Olivia. I will fuck you. And soon. My dick is itching to feel that hot pussy,” he whispered, pressing his erection against her backside before his large frame released her from the wall.

  Turning the handle, he calmly left her lab as if nothing had happened. Liv immediately closed the door behind him, leaning over the nearby wastebasket to vomit. She couldn’t take much more. The man made her physically ill from his unwanted advances.

  She had to free Lawson’s family, and soon. She was itching to cut off Jim’s dick and shove it down his fucking mouth. Liv was willing to go only so far in her endeavors, and she’d reached her limit with Jim. There was no way in hell she was ever having sex with the man. If it came to that, she would find another way to save Lawson’s family.

  Liv went to the ladies’ room and rinsed her mouth and face, trying to wash away the memory of the past ten minutes in her office. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she was disgusted by her behavior, albeit for a good cause. Unfortunately, she didn’t see another option right now. Hopefully, her new assignment would have some information on Lawson’s dad and brother.

  Exiting the bathroom, she walked to the private sector of the building, using her entry card to access the door. When the green light signaled, an idea sparked, but she would need to talk with Cassie and Bart to see if it would work. She walked down the hallway and opened the door to Lawson’s old room. Stepping inside, she saw a man with blond hair. He was chained to the wall but doing pushups on the floor near the mattress. Dark brown eyes looked her way and his movement stilled.

  “Hi, I’m Olivia Kimbro, and I’ve been assigned to you. I’m a research scientist, and I’d like to help you if I can. What is your name?” she asked and remained standing.

  The man didn’t answer but rolled over to sit on the mattress. He put his arms back to support his weight and stretched his legs in front of him, crossing his feet at the ankle. He was the picture-perfect pose of a man without a care in the world.

  “That’s funny, lady. You want to help me. It seems if that were the case, you’d be taking off these cuffs,” he scoffed and his deep bravado along with a death-stare told her cooperation wasn’t his forte.

  She narrowed eyes his way. She didn’t have time to play nicey-nice. “Let’s cut the crap. I am on your side. There was a shifter in this room twenty-four hours ago and guess where he is now?” she retorted, hands fisted on her hips. He didn’t answer, but she saw the curiosity flash as he tilted his jaw upward.

  “He’s out of this place, for good. And I’m proud to say that I helped. Now, I’m looking for information about Ryan or Jacob Scott. Do you know them?” His mouth dropped when he heard the names.

  “How do you know my name?”

  “Ryan?” she asked. He looked to be the same age as Lawson, so she assumed he was the brother. He nodded slowly.

  “I know Lawson. He’s safe. And, worried to death about you and your dad,” she conveyed, walking over and sitting beside him.

  “What? Are you for real? I can’t believe this,” he blurted, eyes about to pop from their sockets. “We haven’t seen him in over three years. I honestly thought he was dead. Dad insisted he could feel his life force and that he was still alive. Where is he? Is he okay?” Ryan rambled, and she could see the enthusiasm bubbling over. Liv couldn’t wait to reunite this family. They had been apart for way too long.

  “He’s in Hollow Rock. I got him and one other shifter out last night. He has been a prisoner here the whole time, and I can tell you from what I witnessed he’s lucky to be alive after what they did to him,” she confessed, eyes tearing from the thought of the horrendous abuse he’d suffered for so long.

  It was so hard to look his family member in the eye and talk about Lawson’s imprisonment. Would his brother hold her accountable?

  Ryan reached over and placed his hand over hers, offering comfort. The heavy chain rattled with his movement and she remembered that Lawson had worn those same cuffs.

  “I don’t know how it is that you became involved but thank you for getting him out. My mom and sisters need to know,” Ryan indicated.

  “They know. I drove to Dunlap to tell your family Lawson was alive. I met your twin sisters. And Lawson called the other day and spoke to them. It wasn’t until we left last night that the other man, Knox Pierce, told us that you and your dad were here. Lawson wanted to come back but it was too risky at that point. So, that’s why I’m here. We will get you out. Where is you
r dad?” Liv asked, and his smile quickly faded, becoming a grim scowl.

  “I wish I knew. Your boss had us in a room together, trying to bully us into shifting, but we refused. I was tossed in here several hours ago, but I’m worried about my dad. He’s a real hothead and if dad can’t control his anger he might shift whether he wants to or not,” he offered, running a hand through his shaggy blond hair.

  Liv could tell he hadn’t been here too long because of his beard. He was in desperate need of a shave, but it wasn’t nearly as long and full as Lawson’s had been the first time she saw him.

  “I need you to keep fighting and hang in there. I’m going back to Hollow Rock when I leave here to discuss what I’ve learned today. I had a thought earlier, and I’m hoping we can make it happen soon,” she relayed, offering a comforting smile. “I can’t wait to share my news. Lawson is going to be so happy that I saw you.”

  “Olivia, not half as happy as I am to find out my brother is alive. You tell him the Scotts will be together again,” Ryan insisted, his brown eyes dancing with joyfulness.

  “You have my word I’m going to make that happen. I’ll see you soon,” Liv said, standing up and making her way to the door. She turned before leaving, and he smiled. She saw the family resemblance when his lower lip curled, reminding her why she was doing all of this.

  She practically ran to her Jeep. She couldn’t get to Lawson fast enough.

  Lawson walked in the back door of the hotel that led into the industrial-sized kitchen. He had spent the day familiarizing himself with the property and everything on it. He had to admit that Bart had his hands on a gem. The hotel itself was in serious need of repairs and updates, but it was solid and well built. If this were his, he’d renovate and reopen the place. It could make a fortune if managed correctly.

  Ashley was in the kitchen making lunch. She was extremely helpful and was working herself crazy trying to make sure everything was perfect for him and Knox. “Hola, Mr. Scott, lunch should be ready soon. Would you like anything to drink?” she asked, her Spanish accent thick. He liked the female. Not as much as Knox did, but he liked her.