Hidden Away (KGI #3)(76)

Enough was enough. The bastards weren’t going another round with him. She lunged to her feet and flew across the room to plant herself between the man and Garrett.

“Enough, you bastard,” she hissed. “Take me. You’ve done enough to him already. What use is he to you if you kill him? If you want your jollies then take me and do your worst. I’ve already been there and survived, and I’m not going to let an ass**le like you break me either.”

She yanked at her shirt, determined to distract him from his goal. She had it up and her bra pushed aside, prepared to take it all off it that’s what it took, when the man reached out and grabbed her wrist, preventing her from baring any more flesh.

“Take me,” she said desperately. “I’m willing. I’ll do whatever you want. I won’t fight you. Just leave him alone.”

Tears gathered in her eyes but she squeezed them back as she defiantly faced down the man who’d come for Garrett.

“Sarah, honey, it’s okay. He’s one of mine,” Garrett said from behind her.

She whipped around to see Garrett leaned up on one elbow as he tried to get up. Then she turned back to the man who still held her wrist.

“Sarah,” the man said gently. “It’s okay now. My name is Rio. I’ve come for you and Garrett. Everything is going to be fine.”

As he spoke, he carefully pulled her clothing back into place as she stood shocked and appalled by what she’d just done. Behind Rio, another man barreled into the doorway and she took a quick step back. Her knees buckled as realization set in. They’d come. Just like Garrett had promised.

Rio caught her before she fell but she batted away his arms. “No, no, I’m fine. You need to see to Garrett. He’s hurt. Don’t worry about me. Please just help him.”

“No one touches her, Rio.” Garrett’s softly issued warning floated through the room. “Make sure your men know.”

A look of understanding passed between the two men and Rio motioned for the man behind him to come through. Sarah backed away, hugging herself as she watched the flurry of activity begin.

The second man stopped by her side and stood with his gun up, clearly protecting her. When she glanced up, he nodded respectfully. “I’m Terrence, ma’am. We’re here to take you home.”

Still numb, she turned to see Rio help Garrett to his feet. He leaned heavily on Rio as they stood a moment to allow Garrett to get his bearings.

“How bad is it?” Rio asked grimly. “I have to tell you, you look like shit, man.”

Garrett cracked a grin. “I’d worry more if you told me how pretty I looked.”

Terrence snorted. “I’ve seen prettier jackasses.”

“It’s not too bad. They were f**king amateurs,” Garrett said. “I guess for that I can be grateful. They worked me over pretty good but it’s mostly bruises.”

Sarah shook her head, trying to take it all in. They were standing around like this was some big joke. “We should go,” she blurted. “He’s not safe here. He needs a hospital.”

“Come here,” Garrett said, holding out his free arm to her.

She went instantly, anchoring herself to his side, holding on to him for dear life. Dear God, she was trying to keep it together but she could feel the hysteria rising like a tidal wave. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

He squeezed her to him and kissed the top of her head. “We’re safe now. My team is here. They’re not going to let anything happen to us.”

Garrett felt the betraying tremble of her body and knew she was hanging on by a thread. He tried to step forward, still holding her next to him, but his body was stove up from the beatings and every muscle screamed in protest. He’d been still for too long and the simple act of moving was damn near impossible.

“I’m going to need help,” he said to Rio.

Rio frowned, and Garrett knew he was thinking it had to be bad for Garrett to admit he couldn’t walk out under his own steam.

“Take Sarah out first,” he said to Terrence. “Rio and I will be right behind you.” Then he looked down at Sarah. “Go with him, honey. I won’t be far.”

She glanced a little nervously at Terrence but stepped away from Garrett and then followed the big man out of the room.

“What the hell happened?” Rio asked bluntly.

“I got the shit kicked out of me. Stupid bastards nabbed us at a roadblock. Wasn’t much I could do facing down seven armed men, and I had Sarah with me to protect. I activated the SOS and then tried to buy us as much time as possible.”

“Did they hurt her?” Rio asked, a deep scowl working over his face.

“No, they left her alone. Dragged her out to make me cooperate when they figured out their methods of making me talk weren’t working. Scared her, but she’s been fierce.”

“Yeah I got that. I think she would have taken me on when I came in the door.”

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Garrett said softly. “For her to do that. You don’t even realize the courage it took.”

“I think I do. She’s been hurt before.”

Garrett nodded. “That she was willing to ... for me. Damn but I’m furious and awed all at the same time. She’s ...”

“Yeah,” Rio agreed. “Fierce.”