The Hero She Needs (Unbroken Heroes Book 1)(15)

Atlas appeared, watching her carefully. He brushed against her leg.

“Those damn assholes are scum!” She whirled and stomped down the steps. “I was minding my own business when they snatched me off the street. They’re, they’re…” She ran out of steam.

“You done?” Boone asked, looking like he was fighting a smile.

She patted Atlas. “I guess. I could rant a bit more.”

“Make you feel better?”

She sniffed. “Maybe.”

“Then rant away.”

She smiled.

“How about we make more hot chocolate? The stuff was good, and you didn’t get to drink yours.” He walked to her and tucked the blanket securely around her shoulders.

She nodded. “All right. I never say no to chocolate.”





CHAPTER SIX





“We have some news.”

Boone nodded at the laptop. Vander was on the screen.

Beside Boone, Gemma shifted on the couch, tucking her legs underneath her.

After her freakout earlier, she seemed okay. She’d spent some time drinking her hot chocolate and throwing a ball with Atlas. After that, she’d found a book to read in the loft.

But Boone could still see the strain she was under. The tense way she held herself, and the lines bracketing her mouth.

“You know who abducted me?” she asked.

“Not exactly. I’ll let my tech guy explain.” The image zoomed out. There was another man sitting beside Vander.

He had bronze skin and long hair pulled back in a stubby ponytail. “Hi, Gemma, I’m Ace.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Sorry for what’s happened to you.”

“Thanks.” She fiddled with the end of her braid.

“I’ve analyzed any CCTV cameras within a fifty-mile radius of Boone’s farm.” Ace made a face. “There aren’t many up that way in the boonies.”

“We like it like that,” Boone said.

Ace gave an exaggerated shudder. “Anyway, I didn’t expect to find anything. But I got lucky.”

An image appeared. It showed a big, black SUV on an empty road.

“This is a camera set up to monitor wildlife crossing roads,” Ace told them.

Gemma leaned forward. “That’s the vehicle I was in!”

Ace tapped the keyboard. The image zoomed in and showed a view of the faces of the driver and passenger.

Both tough-looking, unsmiling men.

“I can tell there are two more in the back, but the windows are tinted too dark to get a good view of them,” Ace added.

“Gemma, do you recognize them?” Vander asked.

She bit her lip. “Maybe? I’m not sure.” She nervously rubbed her still-red wrists.

Boone reached out and grabbed her hand. Their fingers tangled, and she held on tight.

“My memories are still hazy,” she said.

“It’s fine,” Boone said.

She looked back at the screen. “Who are they?”

“Romanians. Radu and Nicolescu. Both ex-military. Mercenaries for hire.”

“Someone hired them to snatch Gemma,” Boone said.

“Yes.” Vander gave a curt nod. “It’s that someone we haven’t identified yet.”

Boone bit back a curse. “Do you know where Radu and Nicolescu are now?”

“No sign of them. But they’re pros. They won’t have given up.”

Gemma made a sound, and Boone squeezed her fingers.

“Gemma, don’t leave Boone’s side. I promise we’re working behind the scenes. We are going to sort this out.”

“Any word from my parents?”

Vander shook his head. “I spoke with their head of security. The dive will be over soon. We should be able to reach them then.”

“Thank you.” Her voice was shaky.

Boone hated seeing her so scared. “Talk soon, Vander.” Boone lifted his chin, then closed the laptop.

That’s when Atlas tried to get into Gemma’s lap.

She gave a shaky laugh. “You’re too big, Atlas.”

Boone smiled. His dog was trying to cheer her up.

“How about an early dinner?” he suggested. “I have some steaks.”

She gave him a small smile. “Sure.”

But through the simple meal, she was quiet and subdued. They ended the evening in front of the fire, with Gemma drinking more of her delicious hot chocolate, Boone eating a huge slice of chocolate cake, and Atlas munching on the dog biscuits Gemma had made especially for him.

“What are your plans?” He glanced her way. “After this is over? You going to keep working at that bakery?”

“I’m not sure. I still have a few interviews to give, thanks to Cake and Bake. I’m evaluating my options.” She sighed, staring at the fire. “I’m dragging my feet. I guess I don’t want to live with my parents’ constant disapproval.”

“They love you?”

“Yes, in their own way. They’re driven, but they aren’t monsters.”

“Then they’ll want you to be happy.”

“I wish it was that simple. I envy you having no parental pressure.” She straightened, her face stricken. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded—”