Hostage

by Stone, Piper

  One thing was clear in my mind. I refused to turn her over. That left us one option.

  Use the initial drop money we’d receive to go into hiding.

  Permanently.

  Yeah. Like that was going to happen.

  While the Raven remained elusive, his determination to obtain everything he’d set his mind to do on point. He would stop at nothing to hunt down Carina. Despondent wasn’t the word for the emotions rolling in my system.

  I moved toward the great room, glancing up the set of stairs. I half expected to see Carina hovering on the steps, finding out as much as she could. She was still an officer of the law and very committed to her job. How she took the upcoming news would determine a portion of our next course of action.

  I walked into the room, taking a deep breath.

  “She knows I’m a cop,” I said with almost no inflection. It was my turn to stand at the floor to ceiling window, staring out at what was left of the early evening light. The crescent moon couldn’t cut through the shadows in my mind. I’d left her in her room resting, furious with myself for allowing my guard to fall. According to the early and very limited details, I was required to strip Carina of her virtue, but what was happening between us was far too reminiscent of the past.

  Although I’d never touched her then.

  “That doesn’t surprise me. You obviously know her from the past,” Damien said, a chuckle in his voice.

  I didn’t bother looking in his direction. What he failed to remember was that he’d also met her once, so very long ago. It was something I didn’t care to remind him of.

  Until necessary.

  “Where is she?” Aleksandr asked.

  “Sleeping.” My answer was succinct. Tilting my head in the other’s direction, I could see a gleam in Damien’s eye. He knew what had occurred between us.

  “Get her up and down here. Quite honestly, I’m finished playing games. I’m exhausted. I need a large juicy steak and a warm bed, preferably with a luscious blonde sharing a portion.” Aleksandr’s voice alone pissed me off, his statement forcing every ounce of control I had.

  “You’re a pig, Aleks,” I shot back. None of us were in the mood for some ridiculous banter.

  “What the hell do you think we’re doing here, Ruger?” he retorted. “The instructions were clear.”

  “And the entire situation has changed, Russian,” Damien snarked.

  “Has it really?” he asked, a low and husky chuckle leaving his mouth.

  I reacted, taking long strides toward him. My hand was wrapped around his throat in two seconds, the force of my advance slamming his back against the wall. “Fuck you! I’m in charge of this operation. I say what happens during this operation. Period. If you think otherwise, then you’re going to eat the end of my gun and quite frankly, I’ll enjoy watching you die. You got it?” I dug my fingers into his vein and windpipe, cutting off his air supply.

  While he narrowed his eyes, fury riding every inch of his face, he didn’t react in the manner I’d anticipated. Aleks lifted his arms, palms out as if in surrender. I still couldn’t trust the fucker.

  “We don’t need to be at each other’s throats, Ruger. We’re already under enough duress,” Damien huffed under his breath.

  “Duress?” I snapped back. I wanted nothing more than to shove my gun into the Russian’s mouth.

  “Jesus, Ruger. Just cut the shit, both of you. We’re all on the same team whether we fucking like it or not.” Damien exhaled, moving closer. “Besides, we have to play the game, at least for a little while longer. If we don’t, they’re going to be onto us and I’m not ready to succumb to some freaking madman at this point.”

  While he had a point, I was still uncertain we were doing the right thing. Hissing, I let go of the Russian, repulsed with the entire situation.

  Aleks rubbed his throat, giving me a pointed look before coughing. He took a decided step away before attempting to talk. “I deserved that.”

  “Yeah, you fuckin’ did.” I rubbed my eyes, not only calming my rage but considering the options. “All right. I’ll bring her down here. We need to get the conversation over with, but I’m telling you this up front. We do not turn her over to the wolves.” I made certain I locked eyes with both men, demanding an answer.

  “Agreed,” Damien offered first.

  Aleks sighed. “My intention was never to allow that to happen.”

  “Fine. Then we proceed,” I barked.

  “This should be interesting,” Damien said quietly.

  Snarling, I moved toward the door. Hearing the ring of the burner phone, I stopped short, turning to face the others. This wasn’t going to be good. The initial ransom payment was two days off.

  “Isn’t it early for contact?” Aleks asked.

  I nodded before easing the cellphone out of my pocket. The number was of course blocked, but there was no doubt who was on the other end of the line. “Yes.”

  “You will have incoming instructions and you will follow them, Ruger. You know the consequences if you don’t.”

  Lucian hadn’t bothered to disguise his voice. The bastard. “I understand, Lucian. We’re talking about the money. Right?” His pause made me livid. The bastard was up to something.

  He chuckled. “Not yet. The client needs proof of ownership. He is...concerned about the way things are going.”

  How in the fuck would they have any idea how this was going? “What the fuck does that mean?” I demanded, squeezing the phone hard enough I heard something crack.

  “You’ll find out in the text. Do exactly as required or you will face harsh consequences. You have no idea who you decided to fuck with.” He laughed, the deep baritone slithering its way into every cell and muscle.

  “Fuck you, Lucian. This isn’t something I’m willing to do.”

  “Interesting coming from a man with a hell of a lot to lose. I suggest you change your mind.”

  I heard him as he described in detail what would happen is the orders weren’t followed and my blood ran cold. What was worse, I knew he was serious. We’d all been fools to think this was anything but a mission to eliminate certain enemies. There was still the horrific question of saving...

  No, I couldn’t even think about it. Lights flashed in front of my eyes, memories that I hadn’t allowed enter my mind for years. Jesus. Christ.

  “Fuck you, Lucian! I will kill you.”

  With that, the phone went dead. The ease in which Lucian made the treat was disconcerting.

  What if there was a tracker? But how? Since the day in the precinct, there’d been no additional contact with Lucian, at least physically and I damn well knew my contact wasn’t going to share anything with the evil spawn from Hell.

  “What in the hell was that?” Damien asked, moving closer. “Who is Lucian, your blackmailer?”

  Aleks growled under his breath. “Things have changed. Haven’t they, Ruger? What did you just do?”

  “I didn’t do anything and yes, Lucian Masters is the man pulling the initial strings. Don’t underestimate him either. He’s a pig, but one with connections,” I huffed. “We’re going to be given additional instructions.” I held out the phone, staring at the screen. “This is...bullshit.”

  “Yeah, well right now, we’re not in a position to argue,” Damien shot back. “You put us in this mess.”

  “We all put ourselves in this, Damien,” Aleks corrected.

  Aleks move closer and when I heard the sound of an incoming text, I cringed before pressing my finger on the screen, reading the requirements. “Jesus. Fucking. Christ.” There were no other adequate words to describe the chilling wave shifting down the back of my legs.

  Damien jerked the phone from my hand, narrowing his eyes as he glared at the screen. “They want to watch? Are you fucking kidding me?”

  This wasn’t just about blackmail or settling a score. This was about something else entirely.

  Aleks peered over Damien’s shoulder. “A movie? Are they fucking kidding?” His a
ccent was heavy, thick and his tone just as enraged as mine.

  “Why? What the hell is going on?” Damien demanded.

  I read the words again, allowing them to fully process. “They don’t trust what we’re doing. The question is why?” I tipped my head in Aleks’ direction. “Is there any way they could have found Olatoff’s body?”

  “Not a chance,” he answered. “I don’t think you really want to hear the details regarding his demise, do you?”

  I snorted, shoving the phone back into my pocket. I couldn’t help but pace the floor. “We have two hours to make this happen.”

  “Or what?” Damien asked so softly I had to strain to hear him. “I don’t like this shit. I’m not into being a damn pawn for some jerkoff asshole.”

  “Then they will stop at nothing to eliminate us.” I wasn’t even entirely certain I’d issued the words.

  “They know where we are. The fuckers followed us,” Damien hissed.

  “Maybe. Let’s just try and figure this out,” I suggested. As if there was a way that could happen.

  “Look. I don’t like this anymore than you do, but we were all pulled into this masquerade for a reason.” Aleks furrowed his brow, an odd look crossing his face. “We know why both Damien and I are on the Raven’s hit list. My question, Ruger, is why are you?”

  I shuffled through my memory banks. There was no way of telling if I’d ever crossed paths with the elusive madman. “I have no fucking clue.” I wasn’t going to tell them what I suspected. Not yet.

  “And this contact of yours?” Aleks asked, a smile crossing his face. “The one providing all the requirements? I did a check on Lucian Masters. He’s certainly no friend.”

  Damien gave me a quick glance. “How does that matter? In Ruger’s line of work, you can imagine the number of enemies he makes on a daily basis.”

  The cut was interwoven in his words. “Lucian is a pig, but he has enough influential friends on both sides of the law that he’s not a man to be crossed. He’s also not the person in charge.”

  “Is it possible that he’s working with people close to you? Your partner? Your captain?”

  I knew Damien’s question was justified, although even the suggestion riled the hell out of me. “No way. They’re both clean and trustworthy. Those are the only two officers of the law who have any information about me. Period.”

  “Someone is out to get you, Ruger, and that person is hell bent on taking us down with you. He obviously has connections to the Raven. We need to follow these instructions at this point. There is no other choice.” Aleks glanced at both of us before nodding toward the door. “If you don’t get Carina, I will.”

  “I’ll get her, for God’s sake.” Damien huffed then walked toward the door. “You know, when I agreed to this gig, I had no intention of giving a shit about the outcome or the woman involved. What the hell should I care? I’ve been responsible for destroying the lives of a good dozen families. Sure, the majority of them deserved that shit, but not all. This one is different.”

  His words hung in the air. I waited until he stomped out of the room before approaching Aleks. “I know who you are, Petrov.”

  A smile crossed his face. “Excellent, Lieutenant Thurman. All the players have been made known. Now that you know I’m telling you the truth, I suggest you cut the bravado bullshit and let’s get to work.”

  I still wanted to rip his eyes out, but once again, he was right. “Agreed.”

  “In my calculations, we have two days to come to some other kind of arrangement. You may have used whatever contacts you have to obtain this safehouse, but I assure you, everyone has a price. Selling your trust and offering your life means nothing in this game. We will do exactly as the puppeteer requires whether Carina accepts or not. However, that you obtained the information regarding my identity means that you have certain connections. We’re going to use those connections to forge a new path. There is no other way.”

  I wanted to disagree with the man, but he was right. “I suggest you allow Carina to get to know you, Aleksandr Petrov.”

  We were at another impasse, both vying for leadership. When he didn’t react, I couldn’t help but smile. Then I turned to walk away.

  “You mean the way she knew you almost fifteen years ago, before you entered into the Marines?”

  I clenched my fists, refusing to react. His intel was damn good. I was ready to make a nasty rebuttal when Carina walked into the room first, followed by Damien.

  “Gentlemen. I heard you wanted to see me,” she said in a perfunctory manner.

  To say I was stunned at her appearance couldn’t begin to describe the near shock at seeing her attire. The scarlet dress hugged every curve, accentuating her voluptuous breasts and rounded hips, long legs meant to wrap around my waist as I fucked her. A single bead of sweat formed along my hairline, my pulse racing. She was exquisite.

  “Stunning,” Aleksandr whispered.

  She inched closer, her eyes never leaving mine. “I understand you want to have a discussion with me. Perhaps you’re ready to explain the reason you abducted me, threatening my life on more than one occasion.”

  The woman was certainly enjoying the idea of being in charge.

  “Sit down, Carina.” My instructions sounded cold, but I had to keep my wits about me.

  A soft laugh pushed past her ruby stained lips. She hesitated for a few seconds before heading toward the couch. All I could concentrate on was the sound of her stiletto heels tapping against the hardwood floor.

  “Do I at least get a drink out of all of this?” she asked in a seductive manner.

  Aleks chuckled before moving toward the bar. “Wine? Whiskey? What would the lady enjoy?”

  “Whatever you’re having,” she said in passing. What kind of a subterfuge did she think she was playing? “Why don’t you just cut to the chase, gentlemen? Someone is blackmailing one or more of you. I know that because it’s obvious that Ruger is a man of the law and while the bounty hunter certainly is rough around the edges, my instinct tells me he’s not convinced giving me over to a sadist is the best thing to do. And the Russian. You had me on the edge for a few hours, but you’re definitely not Bratva. You’re far too polished. If Santana Dioletti did hire you, then he’s prepared to take over the world.”

  Damien was the first to laugh. Aleks merely lifted a single eyebrow.

  “Santana Dioletti didn’t hire us.” While her actions showed some surprise, she barely reacted to my statement.

  “Then who did?” she finally asked.

  Aleks poured four drinks, moving to hand her one. “Have you ever heard of the Raven?”

  She narrowed her eyes, her hand steady as she wrapped it around the glass. “Only in passing. Some mastermind criminal known for being able to penetrate the security surrounding various world leaders, or I should say, underground criminals. He’s the leader of some glorious organization set to take over the world.”

  Exhaling, I realized I’d underestimated her abilities and her connections. “Very good.” I walked toward the bar, retrieving a drink. The first swallow was bitter.

  “Are you trying to tell me that for some insane reason you’re all working for this Raven?” she asked before bringing the rim of the glass to her lips.

  “Not by choice,” I answered.

  “Then who are you?” she asked in a far too demure voice. She was shaken by the news.

  “No reason for last names at this point,” I countered. “You already know who I am. This is Damien and Aleksandr.”

  “Fine. That’s more than I had. And who do you really work for?” Her question was pinpointed in my direction.

  “I am or was an officer of the law. The branch isn’t important.” I didn’t bother answering for the others.

  “You already know my profession,” Damien said, half grinning.

  Only Aleks hesitated.

  “KGB,” she whispered under her breath. “What in the hell is really going on?”

  I allowed a deep s
igh as I walked toward one of the chairs, easing down as I thought about my answer. “In truth? We’re not entirely certain. That’s why we’re having this discussion.”

  “What...in the hell...do you mean? You abducted me for no apparent reason?” she demanded, slamming her glass on the coffee table.

  “Oh, there were plenty of reason to play this sick game; money, power, and influence,” Damien interjected.

  She snorted before laughing and leaned further forward. “A bounty hunter, a cop and a KGB agent decided that instead of continuing with their illustrious careers that they would simply veer off course, kidnapping another officer of the law who just happened to have finished prosecuting one of the most notorious crime cases in the United States.” She looked from one to the other. “You must think I’m some kind of idiot.”

  Aleksandr chuckled darkly. He moved closer, standing next to the fireplace. “When you put it that way, our mission seems ridiculous.”

  “Oh, you bet. Why don’t you explain it to me?” Her face remained pensive but there was definite fear in her eyes.

  “The man who hired me has something over my head.” I said the words with no emotion. I had nothing decent left inside of me any longer.

  “Go on,” she said.

  “You don’t need to know the details-”

  “Like hell I don’t, Ruger,” she interrupted. “You obviously not only want but need my help or perhaps my submission in all of this, so please, don’t patronize me.”

  “The girl is tough,” Damien said under his breath.

  “You have no idea,” she snapped, glaring in his direction. She snagged the glass again, almost toppling it over. “I deserve to know every damn detail.”

  Aleksandr lifted his eyebrow when he looked at me. What the hell was I supposed to say?

  “The Raven is a true monster and has set his sights on capturing you. Our suspicions are that the man you just prosecuted crossed him in some manner.”