Kyle was practically preening as he looked down at Zoe, smirking. See how lucky you are?
Zoe fought the urge to stick her finger down her throat. Instead she pressed closer to him, as if staking her claim. He liked her best when she was jealous.
They were next in line. She had to focus. She went over her dialogue in her head. She had to soften him up. That would be easier when she got him alone in the chair.
“When we get back you’ll have a few songs to learn, but we’ll get you up to speed. Colonial loves our stuff. They don’t want to change us or remake our image. They’re going to make us the hottest band going, Zoe. They’re really invested.”
“That’s . . . that’s very exciting.”
A moment later the boy stopped the wheel again, and an older couple stepped off. Kyle let Zoe in first, and she was glad he ended up on the side closest to her recorder. As she settled into the metal chair, the recorder dug into her side, reassuring her. When Kyle settled beside her, the operator slammed their door with a clang, and then they were moving forward.
“So go ahead,” Kyle said. “Have your say.”
She glanced at him. “Well, I guess I just wanted to spend a little time with you mostly. It’s been a while. I haven’t heard from you, and I just wanted to make sure—”
“You haven’t heard from me because you told me to stop calling.” Kyle had stiffened beside her.
“I did. That was my fault. I was so focused on the orchard and trying to make a go of it.” She shook her head as if she were disappointed in herself.
The wheel took them upward, and the breeze toyed with her hair.
“I told you you weren’t cut out for farming.”
“You did. You were right. But when Granny left it to me I thought maybe it was a sign—” From God. She pinched off the words. Kyle always bristled at the mere mention of her faith. That should’ve been her first clue.
“Then when I realized the orchard was having financial difficulties, and I came up with the idea of the market, I guess I just dug in.”
His hand settled on her thigh, hot and heavy. “You always were too stubborn for your own good.”
She clamped her jaw tight and made herself set her hand on his. If nothing else maybe that would keep it from sliding up her leg.
Play to his ego. Soften him up. She looked up at him. The sunlight hit his face as they hit the pinnacle of the ride. Its light reflected off his blue eyes, making them look like ice.
“You’re right,” she said. “I’m really sorry, Kyle. I was so set on making it work that I tuned out everything else, including you.”
Those cold eyes snapped with fire. “Not everything. Seems like you had plenty of time for Huntley.”
Her heart thudded so hard she wondered if the mic was picking it up.
She caressed the back of his hand with her thumb the way he liked. “He’s not you, Kyle. He’s nothing like you.” Truer words had never been spoken.
His eyes softened before something malicious flickered there. His gaze fell over her face, over her red hair. “You’ve got a lot of making up to do.”
He cupped her face and kissed her.
She prayed it would just be a quick one. But then he tilted his head, deepening the kiss. A moment later his tongue swept past the barrier of her lips, offering the yeasty taste of beer.
She repressed the shudder that moved through her and forced herself to reciprocate. Kyle pulled his hand from hers and slipped it around her shoulders, pulling her into him. His lips were all over hers.
Her stomach heaved at the feel of him. The motion wasn’t helping either. She set a hand on his chest, pressing gently.
“You’re getting me all worked up,” she said, breathless. “Maybe we should—”
“You had your talk.” He swept several kisses up her neck.
She tipped her head to the side, allowing him access. Her head spun with dizziness. She thought of Cruz’s lips there just a few short hours ago and wished with everything in her that it was him with her right now. Maybe if she pretended it was she could survive this.
But no. Cruz’s kisses were soft and reverent. Kyle’s were hard and forceful. And he smelled faintly of cigarette smoke and sweat. Her stomach churned.
She needed to get a confession out of him. She was running out of time.
Think, Zoe. Think.
The Ferris wheel swept them upward yet again, and she swallowed against the bile in her throat.
The wheel slowed to a stop, leaving her stomach a few feet south. Worried she might actually get sick, she pressed against his chest, leaning back. They were near the top.
Her head spun. “I’m feeling dizzy.”
He backed off, giving her a little space to collect herself.
“I forgot the effect you had on me.” Her smile felt strained as she patted his chest.
“It’s been too long.”
She had to move this forward. The ride wouldn’t last forever.
“I’m really grateful things turned out the way they did. If it hadn’t been for you I’d still be holding out hope I could pull that place out of its death spiral.”
“What do you mean, ‘if it hadn’t been for me’?”
She touched his face with her fingertips. Dragged them along his scruffy jaw and gave him a besotted smile. “Come on, Kyle. I know you set the fire. Who else would’ve cared enough to get me back on the right track?”
He leaned back and narrowed his eyes ever so slightly. “You know I was in Nashville.”
Their chair swept low, past the crowd, and back up again, leaving her stomach on the ground.
She swiped her thumb over his lip and hoped she imagined the flicker of suspicion in his eyes. “Why, of course. One of your friends, I mean. If that hadn’t happened I wouldn’t have taken a second look. Got my head on straight. I didn’t realize how much I’d miss you when you stopped calling. You were right to do what you did. It made me reconsider . . .”
Her words tapered off as something shifted in his expression. Her throat constricted. “You-you’re pretty amazing to go to all that effort for me.”
His eyes hardened, and his lips pressed together as his nose flared. “You must think I’m pretty stupid.”
“What do you m—”
Then his hands were all over her. “Where is it, Zoe?”
She pushed at his hands. “What are you doing?”
“Where is it?”
She tried to shimmy away, but it was hopeless in the confines of the cage.
He jerked the recorder from the waistband of her pants.
Her gaze flew to his, widening.
His face screwed up in the ugliest snarl she’d ever seen, and he spat a curse word. Then his eyes narrowed on her. His nostrils flared, and his lips twisted.
“Kyle . . . it’s not . . .”
Think, Zoe. Think!
“Kyle . . . please, I just—”
He grabbed a handful of hair at the back of her head and squeezed until her scalp burned. She sucked in a breath.
He was up in her face. So close she could smell the beer on his breath.
“What’s this, Zoe? Huh? What’s this?”
The ride shimmied as it started up again. They were headed over the top. Soon they’d be back down where the crowd was. He’d have to let her go then.
Her eyes stung at the pain. “I—it’s not what you think.”
“Oh, it’s not, huh? Think you can play me for a fool, Zoe? Is that what you think?”
“No, no, it’s not like that.”
Something cruel flared in his eyes.
“Let’s talk about this. Please, Kyle, I—”
When he jerked her head back she opened her mouth to scream, but he shoved his other hand over her mouth.
“Oh, no you don’t. You’re not as smart as you think,” he hissed, spittle hitting her in the face. “You think I didn’t smell a setup? Well, the joke’s on you, Zoe. Guess who has your little girl right now?”
The
hair on her arms lifted as a cool chill washed over her. She tried to speak, but his hand was still over her mouth.
“Not so smug now, are you.” He slowly removed his hand from her mouth.
Zoe drew a deep breath. “What are you talking about? Where’s Gracie?”
His cold eyes never left hers as he fished his phone from his pocket.
Zoe’s eyes flashed to the screen, and the photo there sucked the air from her lungs. It was Axel Brown, looking rather pleased with himself, and on his lap sat an unsmiling Gracie.
Her breath left her lungs. O God, help!
Her prayer was cut short when Kyle pressed her forehead against his, hard, until white dots speckled her vision.
“You’re going to pay for this, Zoe,” he whispered harshly.
“Don’t hurt her!” Her eyes burned with helplessness. She had to do something. But what?
“Give me your phone.”
Think, Zoe!
“Give it to me!”
She reached into her purse and handed it over.
The ride stopped again, just over the crowd’s heads. Anyone who might look up wouldn’t see a man holding a woman hostage. They’d only see lovers locked in an embrace.
“We’re going to get off here,” Kyle said into her ear. “And we’re going to walk to your truck. You’re not going to make a peep. You’re not going to draw attention. Understand?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
The ride jimmied into motion. Zoe could hardly draw breath as he eased away. He stuffed the phone and recorder into his pockets, keeping his eyes on hers.
“Not one word.” His gaze sharpened on hers. “Be a shame for something to happen to Gracie, huh?”
How dare he use her daughter against her. She blinked away the tears.
“Say you understand.”
She unlocked her jaw. “I understand.”
The wheel swept them lower, slowing until their cage hovered over the platform.
He took her hand, squeezing it painfully tight. “Don’t be stupid.”
The operator opened their door and Kyle stepped out, pulling her along behind him.
She tried to get the boy’s eye, but he was busy flirting with the girls in line. Kyle passed the line, setting a harsh pace. It took all her effort to keep up with him in the crowd. He kept her right at his side.
She had to get to Gracie. But what would he do with them then? He’d clearly come unglued. Her gaze darted around, praying for help. Someone in a uniform. Someone who might see the panic on her face. But they were all too engaged in their own little worlds to see that hers had just turned upside down.
chapter forty-one
Kyle took the keys from Zoe, opened the passenger door of her truck, and pushed her inside. “Slide over! You’re driving.”
She slid across the seat, maneuvering around Gracie’s booster seat. She was breathing fast from their long, fast walk and from the panic his cruel stare induced. What was he going to do?
He slammed the door. Then his hands were all over her.
A scream built in her throat. She pushed frantically at his hands, crowding the driver’s door.
“Settle down!”
The fog of panic cleared enough to realize he wasn’t groping her. He was patting her down. She forced herself to go still.
He finished patting her pockets, front and rear, all the way down to her ankles, taking his time.
When he was satisfied he leaned back. “Drive.”
Shaking, she started the truck, put it in drive, and pulled from the lot. Her clammy hands trembled on the wheel. “Where are we going?”
“We’re getting Gracie and we’re going back to Nashville where you belong.”
“Where is she?”
“Your place.”
“Please don’t hurt her.”
“Maybe you should’ve thought of that before you set me up!”
The back of her eyes burned. What had she done?
“Turn left at the light.”
She did as he said. Her nerves were quaking with fright. Think. She had to think. But her thoughts were scrambled when they most needed to be clear.
O God. I need you. I need you now. Please! Show me what to do.
He grabbed her arm in a bruising grip. “Who else knows about your little game, Zoe? Who knows I’m here?”
“Nobody. Nobody knows.”
He squeezed her arm until she gasped. “Who else, Zoe?” he yelled.
“No one! I was afraid they’d try and talk me out of it.” She turned onto the road that would lead them to the farm. Every second brought them closer to her little girl. She hung onto that thought.
God, please help me! I don’t know what to do.
“You thought you could play me for a fool! You have no idea who you’re dealing with. Somebody got a little too big for her britches the last couple of months.” His fingers dug into her flesh. “But we’ll fix that soon enough.”
She winced against the pain. She had to talk some sense into him. “Think . . . think of your career, Kyle. You don’t want to do anything to mess that up.”
“That’s exactly what I’m thinking of. You won’t ruin this for me. You’re coming back with me, and you’re back in the band where you belong. You’ll thank me soon enough.”
She took a slow blink. He was deluded. Completely mad. There would be no reasoning with him. Taking her had nothing to do with wanting her or helping the band, and everything to do with his need to control her. She was nothing but a possession to him. Her heart felt like it was going to explode in her chest, and she struggled to slow her breathing.
He let go of her arm, and she wilted with relief.
“Where’s your brother?” he asked.
“He’s taking his son to the parade.”
“And that loser you’ve been seeing?”
She discreetly checked the time. She was supposed to meet him in ten minutes. He’d be on his way to meet her now.
“Where’s Huntley?” he yelled.
“He—he’s on his way to the parade, I guess.”
“What were your plans tonight? Who were you meeting?”
He’d never believe she was going to sit home on Peach Fest’s opening night. “I was going to take Gracie to the festival to ride rides.”
“Were you meeting Huntley?”
She bit her lip. If he knew she was meeting Cruz he’d know it wouldn’t be long before he’d worry and come looking.
“Tell me the truth!”
“Y-yes. We were meeting him before the parade. At seven o’clock.”
He let loose a string of curse words, jerking at the brim of his ball cap. His breaths were shallow and harsh in the confines of the cab.
She swallowed hard, trying to gather her thoughts. Fear ignited inside. If only she’d agreed to let Cruz pick up Gracie. Regret nearly engulfed her.
But Kyle wouldn’t really hurt Gracie, would he? An image surfaced of his stony face when he found the recorder, of the crazed look in his eyes. She didn’t know this man. Didn’t know what he was capable of.
She took the turn that put her on Old Mill Road. They would be there soon. She gripped the leather wheel with her damp palms.
“This is what we’re going to do, Zoe. You have five minutes to grab your things—all of them. You’re going to leave a note on the door for Miss Ruby to find in the morning, explaining how you just can’t do this anymore. How you realize this isn’t the life for you. Got it?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t even think of trying anything.”
She gritted her teeth. “I understand. Where’s Miss Ruby?”
“Seems she was meeting some friends, and you were running late. She was all too happy to let her nephew babysit for a few minutes.”
The house was quiet when they pulled up. The sunset glowed pink on the white clapboard siding. Home. She thought of Gracie and Cruz, and everyone else she was letting down.
“Pull up over there.”
A minute
later they climbed the porch stairs. When she walked into the house, Gracie came running.
“Mama! Let’s go wide the cawousel!” Her little girl looked up, her innocent eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Oh, baby. Zoe checked her over. She was okay. Axel hadn’t hurt her.
“Hi, sweetie.” Zoe took a breath and gathered herself. “Where’s Mr. Axel?”
“Right here.” The man came around the corner, wearing a smug smile. “She was a very good little girl.”
Zoe bit back a remark.
Gracie’s eyes swung past Zoe to Kyle. She froze for a second before she went running into his arms. “Kyle!”
It took everything in her not to snap Gracie up as she darted past. Zoe’s stomach bottomed out as Kyle scooped her baby into his arms.
“Hey, kiddo. How’s my girl?”
“Where you been, Kyle? I missed you.”
He gave Zoe a triumphant look. “I missed you too, Gracie-girl.”
“Not Gwacie-girl!” She fluttered her lashes. “Bella!”
Something shifted in Kyle’s eyes. His jaw twitched as he nailed Zoe with a lethal look. “Yeah, well,” he said, not taking his eyes from Zoe. “We’ll see about that.”
He set Gracie down and went to have a powwow with Axel in the corner.
Zoe’s gaze darted toward the door. Even if they could get away he’d taken the truck keys. She didn’t even have a way of calling for help. Why, oh, why, had she disconnected the landline?
Her gaze trailed back to where Kyle and Axel stood. Something black glinted in Axel’s hand. Her blood froze. He was holding a gun out to Kyle.
Kyle took a step back, lifting his hands, but Axel leaned in, whispering harshly until Kyle took it and tucked it into the back of his jeans.
Gracie tugged on her hand. “Mama, let’s go! Let’s go!”
“In a minute, honey.”
A gun. How would they ever get away now? She thought of the knives in the kitchen. But she hadn’t a prayer of getting past two men.
Axel must’ve been the one who set the fire. He was up to his neck in this now and wanted to make sure it played out right.
Blue Ridge Sunrise Page 23
