Bad Men - Piper Stone Page 0,15
in order for him to be able to afford the fine Parisian silk.
“You are a jerk. Be happy I didn’t call you worse. Cocky as can be, as if your special skills make you better than everyone else. You certainly don’t seem to abide by any rules,” I half whispered, accepting the clothes. The moment our fingers touched, I cringed, gritting my teeth. The same moment of electricity soared through me, my heart actually fluttering. As if I could or should be attracted to him.
I took the opportunity to study my new captor, the tight tank shirt revealing every muscle God had given him. He was sculpted to perfection. He’d removed the war-type paint from his face, allowing me to see his rugged good looks, chiseled cheeks, and high forehead.
He snickered and cocked his head, returning the stare. “As I said, I can live with that. As far as rules? They never suited me.”
“I’m certain you’ve been called worse.”
“You have no idea, Doctor. I do my job and if people don’t like it or my attitude, I couldn’t care less.”
“I’m just a job to you. I understand. Is that why you wanted to fuck me?” I wasn’t certain why that bothered me. Of course, they were getting paid by someone to enter into such a treacherous area.
He inched closer, the ripple of electricity intensifying. “We all have our jobs to do, things that are important to us. As far as fucking you…” He hesitated as he glanced at me, his eyes holding the same sultry shimmer as I’d seen before. “I felt it necessary in order to help you understand. I think you can comprehend that more than most people. In fact, I think you might be a lot like me. Arrogant.”
God, the man was a true prick.
“I’m nothing like you. I care about people, which you obviously don’t.”
“That’s why you risked your life to provide health care for those unable to afford a decent doctor.” He seemed genuinely interested.
Bullshit.
“Yes. Let me guess. Killing people is important to you?” Why the hell did I care?
The light in his eyes told me the answer. Huffing, he glanced out the window. “It’s all I’ve ever known, princess.”
“How very sad. There’s much more to life.”
“Yeah? Well, I wouldn’t know much about that. Besides, it doesn’t matter. Now, let me explain the rules so you understand them clearly, Doctor.”
Sighing, I pulled the clothes against me. It was almost daylight, the morning sun leaching in through the narrow window breathtaking. Or least I used to think so. Now, all I could see were animals and beasts crawling toward us, ready to drag me back. “Fine and it’s Lindsey.”
His nostrils flared as they’d done before, his eyes falling to my chest before lifting once again. “As I was saying, Doctor, we will attempt to leave the area, going to a predetermined safe house where we will remain for an extended period of time. During our stay, you will remain inside unless accompanied by one of us. In other words, you will be on a short leash. Do not ask questions that you don’t want the answers to. If you do, we will both be as upfront as we are allowed and nothing more. When we arrive at a predetermined location, where you will not learn until we arrive, we will fly you to safety. After we’ve left this godforsaken country, you will not speak of us again. Not once. Not to your friends or lovers. Not to your family. If you do, we will know immediately, and you will be hunted. Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal clear, Jack.” I made certain he knew I was irritated as hell.
He nodded as if unable to believe me.
“What if everything doesn’t go well?” I could tell he was determined not to allow that to happen.
“We will handle it.”
“A two-man army against hundreds. I’m not certain I like the odds.”
“Get dressed, Doctor. We will have some food then we’ll get ready to leave. I trust no one, especially the Serpent.” He turned away, moving toward the rear of the cabin.
“What about Diego?”
He laughed under his breath. “I said no one.”
“Who are you, Jack Rivers? Why do you do this?”
When he turned, a smirk crossed his face. “I’m a man who doesn’t exist, darkness and shadows. As far as why I do this? Because I have no other choices.”
I waited until he’d walked away before exhaling, my heart racing.
Choices.
We all had them. Or at least I used to think so.
Crack!
The single