Page 69 of Captive

While my body was in the process of healing, the swelling already gone down, my heart was in the process of fracturing. There were no additional signs of anyone from the Petrov Bratva, but I knew they were still out there searching. I had to rely on my instinct at this point and it was telling me that I’d been betrayed. There was only one person I held responsible. And there was only one way of dealing with the situation.

That alone was enough to drive a knife into my heart.

I found it interesting that I’d had the opportunity to live a far different and thoroughly enjoyable life for several years, yet I’d shied away from it. Travis was right. Only I could allow myself to make a change, but that wasn’t in the cards.

At least we’d found quiet respite, allowing all of us time to heal. I’d been forced to realize that while my distrust of people had allowed me to remain alive and functioning, my ability to forge a friendship with Travis had likely saved my life.

As well as Chloe’s.

I owed him many things. At some point I’d return the favor.

“How’s the patient?”

The sound of Chloe’s voice sent tingles down the back of my legs. She’d been by my side, nurturing my wounds since we’d arrived at the new location. More important, we’d talked, although I still couldn’t bring myself to explain portions of my life. Maybe I didn’t want to remember certain aspects that had haunted me for so long. Or maybe I just didn’t want to jade her in any way.

I turned to face her, surprised to see her wearing a dress. My heated gaze made her blush, the look of embarrassment on her face endearing. “You look amazing.”

“I’m just lucky I’m the same size as Travis’ friend. I don’t know why I put it on.” Chloe looked away, her eyes narrowing. “I was thinking of opening a bottle of wine. I didn’t know if you’d like to share some with me.”

She seemed more tentative than normal, uncertain of herself. It reminded me of the first time I’d met her, the shy girl with the beautiful smile and sparkling eyes.

“I’d love to share a glass with you.”

“Okay, I’ll go get it.” As she walked off toward the kitchen, Travis appeared as if he’d been listening in. The damn grin on his face made me roll my eyes.

“Don’t start, Trav.”

“Hey, I’m not starting anything.” He inched closer. “Do you know what you’re going to do?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“When are you leaving?”

I snorted. “It’s that obvious?”

“Pretty much so. From what little you’ve told me you’re never going to find that peace until you figure out what the hell is going on.”

“Yes. Sadly, I’m uncertain I want to find out.”

“I think you do. You just don’t want to leave in order to make that happen.” He hesitated as he looked toward the kitchen. “In truth, I don’t blame you one bit. She’s really something special.”

There were so many thoughts running through my mind, wishes and regrets, but at this point, there was little else I could do if I wanted to find any kind of solace.

Or retaliation.

He patted me on the shoulder. “Do what you gotta do but try and remember that you do have a home in a community who adores you. Well, maybe that’s the students who adore you.” Laughing, he walked away just as Chloe returned, two glasses of wine in her hand. When she noticed Travis, she blushed.

“I’m sorry. Would you like to join us for a glass of wine?” she asked.

Travis winked before turning toward her. “Not a chance. I think you two need to spend some quality time alone. Just pretend like I’m not here.”

A smile crossed my face as he started whistling, his step lighter than I’d seen since our arrival. Then he disappeared, leaving Chloe and I entirely alone.

She seemed hesitant before walking closer, slowly handing me the wine. When our fingers touched, the reaction was the same as it had been every time.

Electrified.

“I don’t know if you noticed, but there’s a lovely swing on the front porch. Maybe we could go outside for a little while.” A nervous laugh slipped past her lips. All I could concentrate on was the way the dress highlighted the tops of her voluptuous breasts.