Wild Desire by Brighton Lori

Author:Brighton, Lori [Brighton, Lori]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 1420108662
Google: v7bN2acZLE4C
Goodreads: 8829612
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 2011-01-01T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Bea stumbled forward, her feet tripping over each other in her haste to run. But she had to keep moving, must keep moving. Her heart slammed against her chest, threatening to explode all over the cavern walls. Surely Demyan could hear the thundering beat. Finally, the darkness swallowed her whole. Here she was safe. Here she could think.

A sudden swoosh of light bounced against the cave walls. Bea hunkered low, keeping still in the shadows. But Colin, oh God, he stood in the torchlight, his arms raised in the air as if he was surrendering. Her insides twisted.

He’d be murdered, shot dead where he stood. She shook her head, reaching backward until she felt the rough stone of the wall. The native man she’d kicked had regained his feet and held the torch high, his gaze scanning the cavern, no doubt looking for her. Demyan merely stood there as if he had all the time in the world. A rich lord, hunting down prey. She shivered at the comparison.

Briefly, she closed her eyes. She must be rational, gather the facts. The facts were, they wanted her. They wouldn’t kill her. But Colin hadn’t said they wouldn’t kill him. She moved as softly as her trembling legs would carry her, quietly following the wall with her fingertips, looking for what, she wasn’t sure, but knowing she couldn’t keep still.

“Where is she?” the monster asked in a calm, serene voice.

“Who?”

Demyan strolled forward, three of the natives following. “She can’t escape. You know that. It’s fruitless and ridiculous. I grow tired of these games.”

Bea stepped closer to the wall, practically hugging the cool stone. With bated breath, she waited. Would Colin give in and tell them where she was? What other choice did he have?

Colin shrugged. “Sorry, but I can’t help you.”

Tears stung Bea’s eyes. Standing there so strong and sure, Colin took her breath away with his bravery. If only she could be that brave!

“Oh, I think you can.” Demyan lifted his arm, pointing the pistol at Colin’s head. Bea froze, her heart stopping for a moment. She felt as if she were watching a play, as if she were the audience, there in the darkness. “Miss Edmund, please do not make me search. Either come forward now, or he dies.”

“Don’t, Bea.” Colin’s voice was hard, demanding. “He’ll kill me anyway. Don’t listen to him.”

Indecision held her captive. Demyan would kill him anyway. Just the thought made her knees buckle. No. No, they couldn’t kill Colin. That was unacceptable.

“You have no choice but to trust me, Beatrice,” Demyan said, his voice almost lyrical.

She shivered at the use of her given name on the monster’s lips. He knew her name; what else did he know about her? Part of her didn’t want to uncover the truth. Part of her wanted to close her eyes and pretend none of this was happening. But it was happening and she had to make a decision and fast.

“You have until I count to five.” He barely paused after he said this.

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