Tessa frowned. He’d come very close to losing control when she’d ask him not to hurt her and to go slow.
“Did you have to do that?” She stepped closer, her arms doubled across her chest as a barrier between them. “You’re a despicable Neanderthal. I think you wanted some fun at my expense. It had nothing to do with training.”
Captain Hunter pushed out his bottom lip to resist crumbling his defenses. “It had everything to do with training. Do you think I’m going to be around each time you get yourself in quicksand?” At the growl in his voice, she unfolded her arms and glared at him.
“Well then you wouldn’t get to play the big bad hero and save the day.”
“Somebody’s got to do it,” he mused, arching an eyebrow. “I kinda got the feeling you dug all my macho, badass stuff. Living with a man like Robbie can change a woman.” He should stop doing it, but no matter how hard he attempted to conceal it, his dislike for her husband broke through every time.
She pushed her hair away from her face and dared to take a step closer. Chase didn’t retreat. “His name is Robert.” Another step forward and he could no longer resist a smirk, feeling he’d won a victory in some small way with her close proximity. “Why are you grinning like a mule eating briars? You are infuriating.”
Chase towered over her a good six inches. He stared down his nose at her as he searched her face. “I mean it, baby. Train. Study. I don’t want you to get hurt.” His voice became low and sensual. “When I get back, we need to talk about a few things.”
She swallowed hard and reached out to touch his forearm. “Like what?”
“Us. Sooner or later, it’s going to happen.”
“I’m not ready.”
“When I get back.” He leaned over and kissed the top of her head and left.
Why couldn’t he pull her into his arms and take what he wanted? It worked with other women who crossed his path. Second-guessing every move he made with her would be his undoing.
At least she didn’t have to endure this hellhole. He could strategize his next move until he returned home. Maybe she used this time apart to think about him, too. He believed Robert Scott the one man standing in his way of taking what he’d wanted. The moment he laid eyes on her, he contemplated how to erase Robert from the picture.
Chapter 4
D on’t trust anyone. An angry man standing in an office had spoken those words. Tessa wondered about his identity and his importance. Then there was someone else who was much bigger that kept walking into her head, too, with dark skin and piercing brown eyes who’d left her feeling uncomfortable. Although he appeared menacing, she felt no fear.
A horse neighed and Tessa jerked her head around to see men lifting little girls to their horses. This time, the children did not cry out for her. The government woman, Bonnie Finley, walked away and allowed one of the riders to help her onto the back of his horse. In her peripheral vision, she watched Brown Hat Man, as she now named him, storm toward her. In the process, he scooped the littlest girl she’d cradled earlier up into his arms. An excited giggle escaped the child as he handed her to another rider who already carried a young child named Pamir, Shirin’s little sister. Tessa pointed in protest, shaking her head no.
Brown Hat Man walked past her, quick to catch hold of her robe and drag her toward his horse. She slapped at his grip, colorful descriptions of his manners spilling from her mouth. When they reached the horse, he grabbed her by the collar and the seat of her pants. Next, he proceeded to throw her with surprising strength onto the front of the horse. In one fluid movement, he swung up behind her.
Every part of his hard body molded against her as he took the reins and clicked his tongue at the horse. The animal pranced sideways and tossed his head then lurched forward, throwing Tessa back into her captor’s embrace. She felt his chin over her shoulder and the furry flaps of his hat press against her ear. When the horse gave a last buck of resistance, he laughed deep in his throat. With the reins in one hand, he slipped his other beneath Tessa’s robe and pulled her even tighter against him. When she squirmed to twist free, he moved his hand upward, causing her to freeze. Again he laughed then lowered his hand to her waist. The horse galloped forward.
She had been put in her place.
They rode onward as the sun moved across the sky. Her bottom hurt. The wind grew colder against her face, but the leader’s warm body kept her comfortable. He smelled of something sweet and smoky, maybe the yak dung they burned in lieu of wood. There were no trees she could see. A few times, he’d switched the reins to his other hand then slip the free one back under her robes to hold her. He didn’t try exploring again but once rubbed his thumb across her lower abdomen in an absentminded fashion. She flinched when his lips touched her ear. He, too, jerked back as if surprised by her reaction.
“Soft,” he mumbled. She turned around in surprise to discover his broad smile. Afraid to spew an insult or elbow him, Tessa bristled, succeeding in making him spread out his hand against her bare skin. Several times she thought he nuzzled her ear, but she twitched away with no retribution from him.
By the time darkness fell, they had reached some rocky outcroppings surrounded by trees. The men talked to the children as they lifted them to the ground. Escorted toward the jagged rocks, Tessa spied a cave. Several men were already building a fire while others tended to the horses and yaks laden with supplies. A lighted fire soon flickered to life as the sweet smell of yak dung filled the space. Even in fall, temperatures could drop below freezing at night. Rashid and Toiluk, as she now knew them, wrapped blankets around the children in quick order before preparing the food and hot tea. The group spoke very little as they sipped tea and passed around a hard cheese Tessa guessed was kurut. She’d remembered reading about it sometime, which, like a lot of things, remained a mystery.
The children turned it over in their little hands then turned to Tessa as if she’d be able to help them. Perplexed, she took a piece, sniffed it then nibbled only to spit it back out. She stuck a finger in her mouth to rub a tooth. The men continued to munch then spoke to each other in an amused tone.
Brown Hat Man sat down cross-legged beside her. He broke off a small piece of the cheese and plopped it into his mouth. The children watched him with renewed interest as he moved the cheese from cheek to cheek, back and forth. Then he opened his mouth to push the cheese out on his tongue. Next he bit into it, showing the children it was now soft enough to eat. One by one, they followed his example. Tessa noticed how the men watched when the children giggled at their new ability to eat kurut.
Bonnie Finley sniffed at the cheese. “This is disgusting. We’ve got to get some real food. It smells rancid. I will die if I have to chow down on this garbage, Melanie. Can’t you tell them to do something?”
Brown Hat Man handed Tessa more cheese while keeping a certain amount of attention on Bonnie. Tessa attempted to follow his example with some difficulty at first but soon mastered the technique and decided it tasted better than nothing. He showed his approval by serving her another chunk. It was time to try the tea. He handed her a tin cup with the steaming brew she’d so far been able to avoid. She choked on the first sip but noticed how the men had suspended their cups in midair to watch her reaction. Not wanting to appear ungrateful for their hospitality, Tessa lifted her cup to venture another taste. It went down warm and more pleasant than she’d expected. In spite of being an acquired taste, she enjoyed the chance to share this with these men who extended a hand of friendship. Their expressions ranged from amusement to astonishment when she held out her cup for more.
Bonnie took a sip then gagged. “What is this?” She frowned into her cup with an agonized groan.
Tessa held the cup in her hands to let the warmth permeate her fingers. “Tea.”
“Doesn’t taste like tea.” Bonnie sniffed it again.
“I imagine it’s because of the yak milk and salt.” Tessa smothered a chuckle as the other woman gagged a second time. How in the world did I know tha
t? “Bread. Eat bread.” She pointed to Bonnie who wrinkled her nose at the cheese.
Brown Hat Man tilted his chin at the man who sat closest to the cave opening. He mumbled a few words and the man hopped up and disappeared outside. When he returned, he handed Bonnie a round loaf of unleavened bread the size of a small pizza. She tore into it with disregard for etiquette. The thought of sharing the bread, at least with the children, didn’t appear to occur to her.
The children kept their eyes lowered, but Tessa knew they were still hungry. The cheese couldn’t have been enough to satisfy growing children. The man left and returned again to give more bread to Brown Hat Man. He sniffed it with great exaggeration as he watched the little girls. He rubbed his stomach.
“Umm.” The little ones covered their mouths against giggles. He tore off a large hunk of the bread then passed it to Tessa.
She understood the game so she made an effort to follow his example. But when the littlest girl stood up and edged between Brown Hat Man and her, Tessa couldn’t resist any longer. She tore the bread into pieces and gave each girl a share. Brown Hat Man shared his with Arzo who climbed into his lap. Tessa hadn’t bothered to save any for herself, seeing how hungry the children were, but her captor tore part of what he had left to share with her. With a whisper of what she hoped meant thanks in Pashto, she dared make eye contact with him. As he chewed the last bite, a smile spread across his mouth, making it appear too wide and thick for his half-covered face.
Silence fell again as bellies grew full and yawns appeared. Bonnie found a flat surface against one wall to lie down. She’d chosen the spot nearest the fire without much concern over the children’s well-being. They grew quiet then snuggled closer to Tessa who wrapped her arms around the youngest after pulling her out of Brown Hat Man’s lap. The others tilted their sleepy heads on each other’s shoulders. Tessa couldn’t resist planting a kiss on each forehead as it leaned toward her. With each kiss, Tessa spoke their names.
“Sweet girl, Marta.” The seven-year-old could pass for a younger child.
“My favorite artist.” She winked at Shirin and made it a point to speak in English to her then patted her little sister, Pamir, who waited with open arms to hug her neck. “My love,” she breathed in Pashto.
“Son-Kul and Halcha.” Tessa kissed her fingers before touching her heart of the two sisters, age nine and seven. “Such good girls today.”
Three-year-old Arzo snuggled closer as if demanding more. Tessa laid rapid kisses on her face and neck to make her giggle. “My littlest angel who I love so much.” Tessa stretched out her arms to show how much. The child relaxed and fell into a doze.
“Those children have taken a liking to you. I’m terrible with kids. Never wanted any. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I’d had a family.” Bonnie offered a cold frown, observing the children like they were lab rats.
Tessa let Arzo settle into her lap then lean back for an extra snuggle. “I want to take these little angels home with me.” She switched to Pashto again. “My girls were so brave today. I’m very proud of them. They will be great women.”
The men chuckled at her words. She shot them a warning glare and they shifted their attention to the fire. Brown Hat Man continued to stare at her as he sipped his tea. Tessa met his gaze with boldness, knowing the night could prove dangerous for her. Whatever was going to happen after everyone went to sleep would happen whether she remained obstinate or meek. She chose obstinate.
“You better watch yourself around him,” Bonnie warned, diverting her eyes from the leader to her hands. “What do you think is going to happen to us?”
Tessa tore her gaze from Brown Hat Man to pull Arzo closer to her chest. “I imagine someone is searching for us.” Sometime during the day she’d remembered staying at the American Embassy and that Bonnie possessed the title of the Undersecretary of State. “Wouldn’t the ambassador be concerned that you didn’t return?”
“You’d think so. But on the other hand I know a lot about his side business.”
Tessa shifted the little girl to the crook of her arm then glanced over at Brown Hat Man who perked up as he listened to their conversation. “I’m not sure how much he understands, but he does know some English.” She decided on a test as she sent him a quick glance. “I plan to pour honey on you tonight and then stuff fire ants down your pants.” She displayed a brilliant smile through clenched teeth.
Brown Hat Man shifted his gaze between the women as he rubbed his forehead in what resembled confusion then settled on leering at Tessa.
“Anyway, you were saying?” Tessa took a deep breath trying to ignore Brown Hat Man’s obscene observation.
“The ambassador is greedy. He might think coming after me could be bad for business.”
“What kind of business?”
“Not important.” She squeezed her eyes shut. “I’m the Undersecretary of State. At some point someone will miss me.”
Shirin leaned over and whispered to Tessa. “Miss Melanie, we are tired. Can I spread some blankets?”
Tessa agreed as she nudged the children from her shoulders and spoke with calm to the others. Having them so close, plus the littlest one asleep in her lap, paralyzed her ability to stand up. Shirin helped the girls up and moved them a little deeper into the cave. Brown Hat Man stood up and reached for the child in Tessa’s lap. When the child snuggled into his chest, a warm expression crossed his face drawing a thin grin to his mouth for a brief moment, Tessa imagined him as a father.
By the time she wobbled to her feet, Brown Hat Man had returned and flopped down next to her. She snarled down at him as he smiled. His cold demeanor now had been replaced by a kind of curious interest as he watched her dust off her bottom. Tessa took a step away from him but not before he gripped her hand. He jerked it hard enough for her to fall into his lap. At her flailing protest, he tightened his grip with more strength than she could resist.
He still wore the half mask. In the firelight, he reminded Tessa of the cover model on a romance novel she’d seen in the grocery store: mysterious, intriguing, and dangerous.
“Listen, Batman.” Tessa faked a smile as she spoke through gritted teeth. “I’m cold.” She hugged her body and shivered. “I’m tired and I can’t wait to knee you in the balls.” At her laugh, as if she’d said something sweet, his mouth turned up on one side. “Now, you listen to me. I’m going to go over there next to those little girls.” She removed his hand from her hip before taking his other one and twisting until his eyes lost their friendliness and narrowed. She pointed to the line of children. “I’m going to sleep. If you get any ideas about romance, I will make it my mission in life to see you never are able to have children.” He cocked his head as his eyes widened. “Understand, Batman?” Some of her words were in English, the rest in Pashto.
Brown Hat Man nodded his head. As she struggled to stand again, he placed his hand beneath her bottom and pushed her upward.
Tessa diverted her rant toward the rocky ceiling. “Thank you, Jesus.”
Snuggled down with the children, Tessa leaned over to kiss the child called Arzo. “Sweet dreams.” The words came out in Pashto again. How do I know how to speak those words? If the men would talk more, then maybe she could determine where they were being taken.
As Tessa stared at the shadows cast by a dying fire, the weight of the day became too heavy to combat sleep. She felt someone sit down beside her then another heavy covering fall across her. The cold disappeared and she fell into a deep sleep.
~ ~ ~
“Miss Melanie?” Shirin, the teenage girl, stirred her awake. “Miss Melanie?”
The words sounded far away, as if she were dreaming. She wanted to ignore the voice and savor the feeling of being safe. Her hand stretched across wool clothing that carried the smell of smoke. Fur pulled up around her face caused her eyelids to begin a lazy attempt at opening. She realized someone’s moist breath touched the strands of hair tangled around her neck. A hard arm, under her shoulders, held her in pl
ace.
Tessa wiggled to sit up, but Brown Hat Man held her body close to his. Her head rested on his muscled shoulder. In one jerk, Tessa sat up and pushed him away as he, too, stirred awake beneath the pale mask.
Brown Hat Man spoke to her in a civil tone, his penetrating gaze locking onto her fluttering eyelids. He reached out to touch her hair and frowned when she slapped at his hand. Tessa responded the same way when he attempted to touch her again, without success. In a sudden movement, he grabbed a handful of her hair, pulling her within inches of his face.
Any further rebuff might force his hand, but she refused to divert her look of contempt from his angry glare. Had he noticed her eyes changed from blue to violet when provoked? A subtle shift in color had made her the butt of many jokes concerning the inability to hide her emotions. To slow her racing heart she took slow breaths, and managed to reach a place where she felt in control of her future. As he released her hair, he rested one hand, partially gloved but with fingers chapped and bare, against her cheek as if it was something he’d never experienced. With the other hand, he patted his chest.
“Darya.” He pointed to her then back to him. “Darya.”
“Melanie.” She spoke in English because the words in Pashto didn’t come to her tongue. Chances were that wasn’t her name since people referred to her as Tessa in her dream, but for whatever reason it seemed the name she used in that place. A moment of confusion flickered across his face then disappeared. “Mel-an-nee,” she repeated.
“Melanie,” he said as plain as anyone could.
Tessa’s radar went up. The man spoke English better than he let on. How had he learned the language? How much English did he know? And how much Pashto did she know?
“Food. Children.” Tessa glanced over at the girls who stirred and at Shirin who waited with her hands at her side. She pointed to her mouth again to say food. Darya grinned and pressed his mouth against hers. When he jerked back with an amused grin, his focus switched to her eyes as if waiting for them to change.
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