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“Does anyone in your family know that codeword besides you and your father?”
“I-I-I don’t know.”
“Here.” One of the men tosses something at Shirtless. “We don’t have time for this. Shit could be coming for us at any second. We need to get in the air.”
“Where the fuck is my daughter?” My father’s voice pierces the night.
“Daddy,” I choke out and grasp for the man who isn’t there.
“Baby girl.” Dad’s voice falters only for a moment before his tone leaves no room for argument. “I know you’re scared. These are my men, ones I trust with my life and yours. Go with them.”
“But where’s the cargo plane?”
Shirtless clears his throat. “We didn’t want to draw attention to ourselves. This was more inconspicuous.”
“Aurora, get on the plane,” Dad pleads. “It’s safe, I promise.”
“O-o-okay.” I scoot to the edge of the seat and hold out my hand. Shirtless pulls me from the car.
“Rivers, I’ll meet you when you land,” Dad states.
“Roger that, Sir.” Shirtless, or I guess Rivers, hangs up the phone.
I sway on my feet, and Rivers swings me up into his arms. The men form a barrier around us as we rush to the plane. Each one is in perfect step with the other. No one stops until we reach the plane’s staircase.
The plane's cabin seats eight. Four chairs face each other, and four are placed together in another section. The last man enters the plane, securing the door behind him.
“We should go… now,” Rivers growls without further explanation.
The pilot comes over the intercom, telling everyone to take their seat and buckle up. Rivers sits directly across from me. I grip the armrests as the plane increases its speed for takeoff, praying that the Russians don’t suddenly show up. Once we’re in the air, Rivers begins to make introductions as everyone begins moving around the cabin.
“I’m sorry for not doing this earlier, Aurora,” he says. “Time wasn’t on our side, and we needed to get you out before anyone else showed up.” I nod, and he continues. “I’m Jaxson Rivers. Cranky ass over there who threw the phone is Felix Thomas.” Felix shoots his middle finger up in the air. “Next to Felix is Cooper Bennett, and Leo Carver is across from Bennett.” Jaxson unbuckles and stands. “I’ll be right back.”
Jaxson turns to head toward the cockpit, but before he does, he twists and points to the last man, who is rummaging in the cabinets with his back to me.
“That’s Ben Hudson, also our medic,” he explains. “He’ll make sure you’re comfortable until we get back to the States.”
Hudson approaches with a bag of fluids and some tubing, which I assume is an IV.
“May I?” he asks before reaching for me.
I shrug. “Which arm?”
“Hmm.” Hudson glances around and points above my head. “How about your right arm? There’s a hook right there where I can hang the bag.”
“Okay.”
“I really should clean up some of those cuts.”
I shake my head. “I’m fine.”
I could really use five minutes where someone isn’t touching or groping me. I want to close my eyes and forget.
Hudson grunts but doesn’t argue. “Do you want me to give you anything for pain?”
“No, thank you.”
Everything hurts, but at the same time, all I feel is numb. It takes him a few tries to find a vein, and he profusely apologies for every wince he causes. I keep my mouth shut and don’t make a sound. Even though these guys aresafe,it doesn’t mean mylimitedtime in captivity didn’t teach me anything. Those in control like to hear your pain. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from crying out as he finally gets the needle to take hold. The familiar taste of metal hits my tongue, and I gag.