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“Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Yes.” She tips her head to look at me. “If that happens, Ash –”

“We’ll get through it,” I cut her off. “The club is on the way. We just have to hang on till they get here.” I press my lips to hers.“Grandma Maggie is selling us some land just down the road from Jackson and Willow’s. I’m going to build a house on it. But I have a few questions.”

Her brows pull together, and her nose wrinkles in confusion at my change of topic.

“Big or small? I was thinking we could start with a tiny house. I mean, boom, we could have one delivered and set up in no time. Then, we can work on a bigger house while living in the small one.”

“You’re going to build us a house? Still? After all of this?” She waves her hand around the room.

“Yeah. Big or small? What do you think?”

“Small, but …”

“A stream runs right through the property. I can’t wait to show you when we get back.”

I run my fingers through her hair and continue to tell her about the property and how we can plant a garden or get some chickens. Whatever she wants. I’m trying to get her to relax and hopefully fall asleep, because who knows what tomorrow is going to bring.

Her eyes begin to blink, and soon she drifts off. I lie awake, making a mental note of things to look for as soon as he lets us out.

This man may have the upper hand at the moment, but that won’t last forever.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Lexie

When I wake up, I snuggle into Ash. He’s so warm. His lips find mine, and he kisses me leisurely until I open my eyes.

Our situation comes flooding back. I sit up, but he pulls me back down.

“Shh, it’s okay.”

How can he be so calm? We’ve been kidnapped!

“Do you remember what we talked about last night?”

I nod, jumping as the door to the room slams open.

Graham comes to stand at the foot of the bed, pointing his gun at us. “Good morning,” he sing-songs. “It’s a beautiful day for a hunt, and you’re both looking especially bright-eyed and bushy-tailed today.”

Ash sits up, pulling me with him.

Graham points to the door. “Chop chop.”

I hold Ash’s hand as we follow his orders.

“Have a seat at the table.”

We both sit down.

Graham sits across from us. “I’m not going to lie. I was pretty disappointed you were joining our hunt, but after going through your bag I see this is going to make it even more interesting. Ex-military. I’m quite impressed with your resume.”

Ash remains quiet, his gaze scanning the room every time Graham looks away.

“And being as this is my final game …” His words trail off, and he turns his focus to me. “That’s why I chose you. You were my favorite. One of my easier conquests. So lonely and desperate for attention.”

He looks at Ash for a reaction, and when he doesn’t get one, he beckons me to him with a finger. “Come sit with me.”