Page 42 of Fearless

“Also, I want a secure firewall like the one you created for Option Zero.”

“I can do that, too.”

“And I want what you denied me before—complete access to all of Option Zero’s files.”

“That’s not possible. Once I activated the protocol, I was completely locked out. Even if I were sitting inside OZ at this very moment, I wouldn’t be able to access those files. My hands are tied on that.”

The silence that followed her statement was terrifying. She was telling the truth. If Kingsley didn’t believe her or was too angry at her earlier deception and refused her other offers, she and Sean were in trouble.

“Very well. I’ll consider your request. In the meantime, I’ll allow you to spend some time with your husband.” With that, he walked out the door.

Even knowing that everything she did and said was being watched, a huge wave of relief swept through her. Right now, nothing was more important than finding out how badly Sean was hurt and figuring out how to get him out of here if Kingsley refused her offer.

The bindings on her arms and legs released, and in an instant, she was on her feet and running to where Sean lay, still and quiet. With a shaking hand, she pulled the tape as gently as she could from his mouth and whispered, “Sean?”

“Serena…sweetheart.” His weak voice was both tender and rough. “What on earth are you doing here?”

Chapter Eighteen

This changed everything.

Sean forgot the agony in his body as fury and disbelief took over. He’d been willing to play out the game until he could either escape or they killed him. But now? Now, he had no choice but to give them anything and everything they wanted. He would not let these bastards hurt Serena.

He had known plenty of heartbreak in his life, but he wasn’t sure he’d ever felt as hopeless and frightened as he did in this moment. His precious Serena was looking down at him with tears streaming down her beautiful face. The worry in her eyes broke his heart.

“How did they get you?” he whispered.

Her eyes roamed over him, cataloging his injuries as she said, “Long story. Someone infiltrated Francine.”

He jerked at the news. “Your family? Are they okay?”

“Yes, they’re all fine. OZ, too. Tell me about your injuries.”

That was a tricky question. He was injured everywhere, but as far as he knew, nothing would kill him—at least not soon. Kingsley had made sure of that.

“Couple of cracked ribs.” He grimaced when he nodded toward his ruined right leg. “Not sure what’s happening with my leg. That’s been their favorite target.”

When she pulled at his pants leg, he ground his teeth together to keep from screaming. The bandages he’d put on earlier had soaked through with blood and pus. If he got out of here alive, he figured it would never be the same. Kingsley had taken a mallet to his leg the first week, and since then, it had been kicked and pummeled daily.

Serena hissed and whispered, “Oh sweet heavens, Sean.”

He didn’t bother to glance down. Gangrene would likely set in, and since he already knew Kingsley wouldn’t offer any medical treatment, he’d be a goner soon enough.

But that wasn’t his concern right now. The most important thing was figuring out a way to get Serena out of here.

“How long have you been here?” he asked.

“A few days.”

“I didn’t tell them anything.” He knew they had only a limited amount of time before Kingsley returned, but that was one thing he needed her to know. He had not betrayed her in this. In other ways, yes, but not in this.

Looking up from where she’d been staring at his leg, she gave him a sad smile. “I know that.” She scooted close to him and whispered, “We don’t have much time.”

“I heard what you told Kingsley, and that’s a hell no. That’s not what’s going to happen. You are not going to stay here. I’ll stay and give them what they want. I’ll negotiate your release. You’ll get out of here and⁠—”

She pressed her fingers to his lips. “Shh. Everything’s going to be okay. This is my time…my chance, Sean. I’m here for a reason, and I’ll be fine. Remember my favorite Bible verse? Psalm 18:2. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.”

He found himself nodding without any real understanding of what she was saying. Kingsley would be back soon, and they needed to figure out a way to get her out of here.