Page 45 of Quinn

While one National ran off, probably to alert Tchokai, several others pulled guns—automatic machine guns and rifles—and trained them in our direction. We continued approaching until Connor drew us to a stop a few feet away.

“Where’s Tchokai?” my brother demanded to know.

Our enemies responded by lifting their guns onto their shoulders, aiming at my big brother. I clucked my tongue; threatening Connor was never going to end well.

“I’ll ask again, where is fucking, Tchokai?”

“I don’t believe you should be asking the questions; it appears we have you both outnumbered and outgunned.”

The arrogant arsehole stalked towards where our small group stood.

“I recognise you.” He pointed at my chest. “You’re the one who stole my bitch wife. I’ll humour you before my men kill you as well. What the fuck are you doing here and what do you want?”

Blood ran cold in my veins…my men will kill you as well? Were we too late, was Arabella already dead? I wanted to grab the bastard, drag him back to the shed and torture him until he begged for death. And then I’d torture him some more. For every hair on Arabella’s head that he’d harmed, he would suffer unmentionable pain.

Connor let out an ear-piercing whistle and our men, along with Bonello’s men, appeared from everywhere—guns aimed and ready to fire.

Tchokai remained unmoved, arrogance will do that to a man—make them believe they’re invincible. I know, I was as arrogant as they came and recognised the curse in the man.

“It appears we have what you would call a Mexican standoff.” Tchokai waved his men forward but before they could move, Connor whistled again, distracting them all.

Waigi stepped from the bushes, the doctor crawling on hands and knees. When she attempted to stand, he pushed her back to the ground.

Tchokai’s eyes widened. “Denise?”

Waigi held out the rope to Connor and he took it into his hand. When Tchokai started for his sister, the sound of guns being readied, including mine, filled the air.

“Where’s Arabella?” I demanded to know.

Tchokai sneered at me. “Did the little slut spread her legs for you too? She was one of my men’s favourites so I can understand your wanting her.”

Daly laid a hand firmly on my shoulder and leaned close. “Don’t let him bait you, Quinn.” He whispered low so only I heard.

I struggled not to shake in anger and lunge for his throat, but Daly was right—the bastard was baiting me. He wanted me to react and he would have one of his men shoot me dead.

“I’ll ask one last time…where is Arabella?” Connor pressed his gun at the doctors temple.

The woman screamed around the gag; her terror obvious.

Connor squeezed the trigger a little more.

Tchokai held up his hand. “Very well.” He turned to a man on his left. “Mindare, fetch the bitch.”

He started back towards where the tents were located and as I watched, I caught sight of a naked body spread out on the ground. Arabella. What the fuck had they done. This was my fault. I stepped forward but Daly wrapped a hand around my arm, holding me in place.

I watched as the man untied Arabella and removed something from around her neck before he pulled her into his arms and strode back to where Tchokai waited.

My heart broke when I saw she was covered in bruises from what must have been another brutal beating. She didn’t move and I asked whatever powers were listening to keep her alive if it wasn’t too late.

“I want my sister.” Tchokai had balls, I’d give him that much. We were standing there ready to blast his village into pieces and he was making demands.

“Arabella first,” Connor insisted.

“Do I look fucking stupid? My sister.”

Connor started forward pulling the bitch along with him. Once he was close, he held the rope towards Tchokai.

“Arabella.” The rope was wrapped around my brother’s hand, he was not going to release it until we had my girl.