by Lauren Bach
She had jet-black hair dyed the exact shade of her leather jacket and sported an equally dark bruise on her cheek. If that was a souvenir of life with Snake, Tess felt sorry for the woman.
Dallas led her to a secluded spot at the far side of the campfire keeping one arm slung casually around her neck. He ran a hand down her side, squeezed her bottom.
"Easy," he hissed when her eyes widened. "They're watching." He squeezed again, then patted possessively.
"Sit there." He pointed to one of the logs circling the fire, then leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "I'll be right back."
Whether he meant to reassure or warn, she wasn't certain.
But with everyone watching she'd be a fool to attempt to leave.
The blaze generated welcome heat. She nervously scanned the crowd, recognizing several of the men from the night she'd been abducted. There were also a few new faces.
She noticed Snake was conspicuously absent. She looked away when she spotted Bogen huddled in a dark comer, hoping to avoid his attention.
A small group of men gathered on the far side of the fire, one of them pointing at her, another making an obscene gesture. She covered her neck with her hand, which only made them laugh. Growing increasingly uncomfortable with their attention, she tried to watch Dallas' broad shoulders as he circled the picnic table filling a plate, willing him to return.
Liz came up behind Dallas and wrapped her arms around his waist. The sudden flash of irritation Tess felt puzzled her. And pricked her temper. She didn't care what Dallas did or with whom. Or did she?
Unable to look away, Tess watched as Liz suggestively rubbed herself against Dallas' butt, crooning loudly. "How about sharing a tent with me tonight? Let Eddie and the boys have a go at her."
Several catcalls of encouragement arose from the crowd. Dallas set his plate down long enough to unhook Liz's arms. "I don't think Snake would appreciate your offer."
Liz plainly took Dallas' refusal as an insult and turned to cast a malignant look at Tess. A look that spoke a thousand words-all of them bad.
To Tess the problem was instantly apparent. Did Dallas realize Liz had a thing for him? Did Snake? Tess stood as Dallas approached; taking the beers from his outstretched hand.
"I can't do this," she whispered. "Please get me out of here."
With one hand free, Dallas grasped her head and caught her lips in a lusty kiss. For show. Someone hooted in approval. "You're fine. And the worst is over."
Moving behind her, Dallas sat on the log. Grasping her hand, he pulled her down between his legs, giving her no choice but to sit on the ground, subservient, at his feet. Yet another part of the show.
"This way," he said, indicating she should sit facing him. "Then you don't have to watch them." He winked.
Dallas handed her a fork, indicating they'd share the plate.
"Stew and beans." He took a bite of the stew, then lowered the plate to her. "This stuff will make you appreciate my cooking."
Tess started to decline, when she caught Dallas's gaze. Eat or be fed.
"Trust me, you don't want to piss off the cooks around here," he murmured.
She took a small forkful, quickly followed by a swallow of beer. The spiciness burned her tongue.
Dallas nodded. "There's plenty more beer."
By the time she'd finished her second beer, she'd eaten enough to satisfy Dallas. She sat forward once again, watching the flames. The fire burned brightly, tucking everyone in the shadows. Tess drew her knees up and huddled closer between Dallas's legs.
"Cold?" Without waiting for her response he began rubbing her upper arms.
She nodded, suppressing a yawn. Beer made her sleepy.
And worse, made a trip to the bathroom a necessity.
Which perhaps presented an opportunity for escape. She had watched several of the men disappear into the woods, no doubt relieving themselves. If she could just get enough head start and find a good hiding place until morning ... Tonight's full moon would serve her well, but it would also help her captors.
"Dallas, urm, I need to use the ladies' room."
"Come on, we'll head back." Pulling her to her feet, he led the way toward the picnic tables.
She tugged his arm to get his attention. "I don't think I can wait."
Dallas frowned. 'That only leaves the woods. And I'll have to go with you."
Liz appeared out of nowhere, resting a hand on Dallas' shoulder. "I can take her. Besides, Bogen wants to see you."
Dallas shook his head and was about to say something, when Tess interrupted. "Actually, I'd be more comfortable with a woman."
And her chances of escaping Liz in the woods were probably better then getting away from Dallas. It could gain her several precious minutes.
For a moment she thought Dallas would refuse. Then he nodded, turning to Liz. "I'll meet you back here in five minutes. Don't let her out of your sight."
CHAPTER SEVEN
Hurrying after Liz, Tess stepped into the dark woods, silently cursing Dallas for reminding Liz to watch her. The path narrowed, wending up a steep incline. Liz carried a flashlight but it cast little light in Tess’ direction, making it difficult to distinguish the terrain.
“The women use the top of the hill,” Liz said when they finally stopped in a small clearing. Tess squinted, trying to get her bearings. She needed to make her break quickly. Each second counted.
When she looked back at Liz to ask for privacy, she was alarmed to see the dull glint of metal. Liz sliced the air between them with a knife. A vision of Matt Michaels, pooled in blood, flashed through Tess’ mind. She eased backward.
“I could easily slit your throat,” Liz hissed. “And throw you over that cliff into the lake.”
Only then did Tess realize Liz had backed her in a corner. She peered warily over her shoulder. Just a few paces behind her was a drop-off overhanging the lake.
The lake.
Tess’ fear of water weakened her knees. Dizziness rang in her ears as bursts of bright colors swam before her eyes. She felt herself grow faint and despised her own cowardice. “Don’t do this,” Tess whispered.
A hand clamped over her mouth as someone grabbed her around the waist, from behind.
“Hello, darlin’. Told you we weren’t through.”
Tess recognized Snake’s voice and immediately began to struggle.
Snake shifted his grip, placing a hand over her breast and squeezing. “Hold still, damn it. I don’t want anything you ain’t already given Haynes. And who knows?” He smacked his lips noisily in her ear. “You might like me better than pretty boy. I guarantee it’ll be different.”
Tess knew she was going to be sick. Snake’s hand continued to grope coarsely across her chest, even as Liz watched.
Bitter, regretful tears stung Tess’ cheeks. She never should have left Dallas’ side. Belatedly she realized that only with him was she safe.
“Let’s go.” Snake tugged her backward, toward the trees. Toward rape. Toward death.
Frantic to break free, Tess renewed her struggle. Forcing her mouth open, she bit Snake’s hand, simultaneously stomping on his foot. He howled, loosening his grip. She dashed forward, but didn’t get away.
“Damn you!” he snarled. Catching a handful of her hair he yanked her to the ground, slapping her viciously. “You’ll pay for that.”
Dallas stepped out of the shadows. “Let her go, Snake!”
Snake’s grip unexpectedly relaxed as he shoved her aside and charged Dallas.
Rolling to her feet, Tess shot away. She cast a glance backwards and saw that Dallas had Snake’s head vised in the crook of his arm. Blood poured from Snake’s nose.
At that moment Liz stepped forward, blocking the path, knife flashing. She grabbed Tess’ forearm, catching her off-guard and spun her backwards, in a semicircle. Toward the cliff.
The knife rested dangerously close to Tess’ throat, but it was the sight below that made her heart beat erratically.
The lake.
Liz had her perched on the very edge of the precipice. Moonlight reflected on the water below. The soft dirt crumbled, giving way beneath her foot.
Tess shrieked.
Dallas looked up and immediately released Snake. “Drop the knife, Liz. Now!”
At first it seemed Liz wouldn’t comply. She stared at where Snake lay sprawled in the dirt, then shrugged. “Guess you win this round.”
Throwing the blade at Dallas’ feet, Liz stepped away. But not before shoving Tess harshly between the shoulders, sending her over the side of the cliff.
It seemed to take an eternity for Tess to hit the water. An eternity suspended in hell. She sank immediately. The water’s numbing coldness shocked her, breaking her stupor.
Arms and legs flailing wildly, she broke the water’s surface, desperate for air, but unable to keep herself afloat.
Her cries were cut off as water filled her mouth, choking her. “Dallas!”
The water felt heavy, tugging on her, pulling her down. Every bad dream Tess ever had about drowning crowded into her brain, horrifying her. She sank deeper.
Thoughts of her family flashed through her mind. The last words she’d had with her mother. So many regrets, so many things she had yet to experience. She thought of Dallas. Damn it, she didn’t want it to end like this. She didn’t want to die.
She wanted to live.
She felt a hand close over her shoulder and began struggling. Frequently, in nightmares, there had been hands holding her under, not letting her up. Death. She had to battle it.
To her amazement, she broke the surface once more. Gasping for breath she renewed her attack.
“Tess! I’ve got you. Don’t fight me.”
She surged forward, pushing uselessly, trying to find Dallas in the eerie darkness. “Can’t swim.” The dream closed in. She coughed, taking in more water. “Drowning.”
His voice came from behind her. “I won’t let you. Just relax.”
Relax? She choked. Water burned her nose. An agonizing cry of fear broke free as she fought her fears. He didn’t understand. Nobody understood the abject terror that water represented.
“Tess, I have you. Reach up and feel my arm around your shoulders.”
With jerky motions, she did as he asked. “I feel you, but I can’t see you. Where--”
Dallas heard the rising panic in her voice and sought to calm her. “Trust me. We’re almost there. Focus on my voice. Picture me in your mind.”
Closing her eyes, Tess tried to call his image to mind. His long dark hair. Broad shoulders. Silver eyes. The eyes that didn’t lie. Dallas. It took every bit of courage she had to take that blind leap of faith and force her legs to stop flailing.
Immediately she sensed movement. Dallas was swimming, towing her. Saving her.
Exhausted, she quit struggling. Trusting...
As soon as Dallas felt mud scrape his foot, he stood, sweeping Tess into his arms. She huddled close, clawing, weeping, clutching frantically at his shirt. Several of the men lined the shore, having heard the commotion. Dallas yelled for a blanket, fearful of hypothermia.
When Frankie tossed him a blanket, Dallas bundled Tess in it. He would have preferred to strip the wet clothes from her first, but he wasn’t going to subject her to that, not with everyone standing around. He needed to get her back to the cabin. Picking her up, he headed for his motorcycle. “Just a few more minutes, Tess.”
When they reached the cabin Dallas carried her straight to the bathroom. Sitting her on the commode, he turned on the shower, full force. He looked at her.
She hadn’t said a word since he had dragged her out of the lake. Her eyes were closed, and she trembled violently. He yanked off her wet sneakers, then pulled her to her feet. Clearly in shock, she offered no resistance as he stripped off her sodden jacket and clothes.
Damn both Snake and Liz! If Dallas hadn’t been there, she would have drowned. The thought made the blood harden in his veins.
Steam started rising above the shower curtain. “This will warm you up.” He pulled her to her feet. “Keep it as hot as you can stand it and shut it off as soon as it starts turning cool.”
She nodded, then swayed. He caught her shoulders, shaking her slightly. “Stay with me, Tess.”
This wouldn’t work. She had nearly fainted. Quickly stripping off his own wet clothes, Dallas picked her up once more and stepped into the shower with her.
She cried out as needles of hot water stung her frozen skin. He grimaced, sorry to cause her further discomfort. “Give it a minute, and it’ll feel better.”
The water stung his own skin, making Dallas aware for the first time of how cold he was. He and Tess had only been in the lake a few minutes, but it was enough for the icy water to leach the core warmth from their bodies.
Pulling her close, he held her beneath the spray, rocking her gently. She buried her face against his chest, tears falling freely. Dallas let her cry as he fought his own demons.
Damn it, he should have been more careful. It had been pure dumb luck that while he was talking with Bogen, he saw Snake slip along the path after Liz and Tess. If anything had happened to her...
He tightened his grip, drawing her infinitesimally closer. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his waist, hugging him, her head tucked beneath his chin. He was acutely aware of her bare skin pressed against him.
Gradually she quieted, her trembling subsiding somewhat. When the water cooled, Dallas shut it off. With quick efficient movements he wrapped her hair turban-style. Grabbing another towel, he swiped her dry, then wrapped yet another dry towel around her, swaddling her in terry cloth before wrapping a towel around his own waist.
She looked dazed, her cheek red where Snake had struck her. He promised himself that at the right moment, Snake would pay.
She whimpered. Dallas pressed a finger to her lips. “We’ll talk in a minute. Stay here while I build a fire.”
Leaving her in the steamy warmth of the bathroom, Dallas started a fire, then piled all the blankets and pillows he could find in front of the hearth. He stoked the growing blaze, adding as many logs as the grate would hold, before carrying her to the soft nest he’d thrown together in front of the fire.
Setting her down, he grasped her hands between his. She felt cold as ice, but it was her demeanor that concerned him most. She still hadn’t spoken.
He started rubbing his hands briskly down her arms. “I’m sorry, Tess.”
Those were the wrong words.
Snapping out of her trance, she screamed like a wounded animal, then launched herself at him, knocking him backwards. She sprawled across him, pounding her fists on his chest.
“You’re sorry? You think that makes it all better? You promised to keep me safe, yet look what happened,” she cried. “You never should have stopped that night. Damn you! I would have been better off if you had left me on the side of the road.”
Careful only that she didn’t hurt herself, Dallas let her expend her energy, not saying anything until she lowered her head to his chest, sobbing once more.
“If I hadn’t stopped, Snake and the others would have found you.” They were honest words, but that didn’t make it any easier to explain. He stroked a hand down her bare back. Her towels had scattered when she attacked. “I thought I did you a favor keeping you here with me.”
His words undid her. Though Tess didn’t want to admit it, she had thought of that before. But tonight the message really hit home. He was right: there were a lot worse things then being held captive by Dallas Haynes. And more: When the world had turned against her, he had fought back. For her. In a life gone chaotic he suddenly seemed the only tangible force, the only person she could count on.
The hand stroking beneath her hair was oddly hypnotic. Slowly she relaxed, letting go of her anger, drawing comfort from his touch. She shivered, suddenly realizing she was lying on top of him, naked and cold.
Embarrassed, she moved to grab a towel.
“Easy. I got it.”
Dallas moved, wrapping her in a sheet instead, drawing her fully into his lap as he sat up.
It was just as well they’d changed positions. He didn’t know how much longer he could have held her like that, nude. Lush.
For a long time they sat quietly, Tess cradled in his arms, watching the fire, savoring its warmth.
She was the first to speak. “Did I thank you for saving my life?”
Dallas pressed a kiss to the top of her head, battling dark emotions, unwilling to accept gratitude for something that shouldn’t have happened in the first place.
“Tell me how it is that you don’t know how to swim,” he asked.
At first he thought she wouldn’t respond. Then she started talking, her voice a dull monotone.
“When I was four we were boating with friends. I climbed up on a rail and fell overboard. The life preserver I wore was too large, and I slipped out of it.”
She shuddered, remembering the dark, the cold. The dying. “They revived me on the boat, and I spent a few days in the hospital. I was never able to get near the water afterward. I realize it’s stupid, but it’s my earliest childhood memory.”
His grip intensified. It maddened him to know such tragic memories lurked in her mind. “Is that what you dream about?”
She looked up at him. “How--”
“Did I know? You’ve had nightmares almost every night since being here. At first I figured it was the circumstances, but then you kept talking about the lake and saying ‘no.’ Maybe if we talk about it, I can help you get over your fears.”
She realized he thought the wrong thing about her nightmares. Tears too long held in check slid down Tess’ cheeks, the weight of her horrible secret suddenly unbearable.
“Snake killed Matt Michaels and dumped his body in Lake Summer. In my nightmares, Snake does the same with me. I keep seeing Michaels’ face, his wide staring eyes. His mouth is open as if he’s trying to tell me something.”
Her words stunned Dallas. Matt was dead. Murdered. It felt as if the flesh was being peeled from his body. Slowly. Painfully. In long, agonizing, strips.
He caught her chin, noting her distress, regretting that he had to push. Had to know the details. “Tell me what happened. Everything.”
