Freak of Nature - By Julia Crane Page 0,43

needs.”

“Then you would be seeking another buyer.” The older man in the middle folded his hands calmly in front of him on the table. Outwardly he appeared calm, but his heart rate had increased substantially. Kaitlyn knew he was bluffing. But he seemed to be in charge of the show. Everyone else remained quiet.

The usually calm Harrington’s jaw was clenched, and a flush rose to his face. “Fine. I believe this meeting has reached its end. When you are ready to be sensible, you know how to reach me. I don’t think I have to remind you there are other potential buyers. Out of loyalty to my country I gave you first chance.” He turned on his heel and strode from the room. Kaitlyn and Lucas followed close behind.

Harrington slammed the door open with a thud.

“Those arrogant jackasses. She is mine! They cannot expect me to hand over something I have put my heart and soul into and just walk away.”

“I thought you expected this.” Lucas raised an eyebrow.

“I know, but when we are so close to handing her over, I can’t do it. I need time to think. Make sure those fools make it off the compound.”

For the first time, hope rose in Kaitlyn’s chest. Maybe Harrington would find a way to keep control. Which meant she could keep Lucas.

“Why didn’t the others bid?” Kaitlyn asked confused.

“It wasn’t a bidding war. All the branches work together for SOCOM, so it would have been a joint project. Harrington never planned on giving anyone a chance at you. He just wanted them to offer the maximum amount of money. Harrington is a lot of things, but he’s not a traitor to his country.”

Kaitlyn let the info sink in. If the government officials didn’t change their minds, what would become of her?

Chapter Nineteen

Kaitlyn sat on her bed with her arms wrapped around her legs, lost in thought. She’d been in the same position for over an hour—since she returned from the meeting—but had barely noticed the passage of time.

Back and forth emotions pulled her in different directions. Could Harrington convince the buyer to allow Lucas to be a part of the package? If not, she’d be starting a new life all over again. Her sensors picked up on Lucas down the hall, moving quickly in her direction, but she was too worried to care. Soon, she could be gone. He was probably coming to take her away now.

Lucas rushed into her room without bothering to knock. “We have to get you out of here, now.”

Kaitlyn jumped to her feet. She noted the black rucksack in one hand and a pile of clothing in the other. “What happened?”

“Harrington caved. He’s willing to give you over as long as he gets credit for you. I really thought he would stick to his guns on this. You should have heard him the other night. I know he doesn’t want to give you up, but he thinks it’s the only option.”

She glanced up at the camera.

“Disabled. For now. Hurry, Kate. We don’t have much time.” Lucas handed her the change of clothing. “Put these on.”

“Where will I go?” she asked, clutching the all-black clothing to her chest as she stared at him.

“As far away from this place as possible. I have money saved up. You can start over.”

“Start over? Without you?” It felt like someone was pressing on her chest and she couldn’t breathe.

“It’s for the best. They’ll turn you into a killer, Kate. I can’t stand the thought of that. I’m not going to let it happen.”

Kaitlyn dropped the pile of clothes on her bed. She stepped forward, cupping his face in her hands. His eyes were wild. “I don’t want to leave you.”

She rose on her tiptoes to kiss him in an attempt to calm him. And for a moment, his heart rate slowed. The rucksack he held hit the floor with a thud, and he pressed his body against hers. As the kiss deepened, he grasped her by both arms and pushed her away.

“Kate, don’t you get it? Either way, you leave me. They will never allow us to be together. They want someone with no ties, no emotions. Now that I know you can feel, I can’t allow them to do this to you. I don’t care if I lose my job or get sent to jail.” His gaze swept across her face as if he was drinking in the sight of her and he plunged his hands into her hair. “I