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“I don’t think so, Kanes. I’ve got you exactly where I want you.”

“Bastard,” she growled, arching her hips up, craving more. Wanting himeverywhere.

Takeshi’s suddenly stiffened on top of her and his eyes darted around, scanning their dark surroundings.

“What is it?” she whispered, desperate for him to continue.

His muscles coiled with tension, and he lifted off her, crouching beside her. A handgun suddenly appeared in his right hand while he palmed a six-inch blade in the other.

“Takeshi, what’s wrong?” she asked, sitting up

“Stay here,” he commanded in a low, urgent tone. Without a sound, he leaped off the truck and disappeared into the shadows.

Blood drained from her face.

Khalani quickly buttoned her top, her heart pounding as she searched for Takeshi.

The silence of the night was like a vice around her throat.

A sudden grunt shattered the quiet.

She whipped her head in the direction of the sound, but Takeshi didn’t emerge from the darkness.

Something was terribly wrong.

Ignoring Takeshi’s command, she scrambled off the truck and moved toward the noise.

In the next moment, a rough hand covered her mouth, and a sharp knife pressed against her throat.

8

Pray for forgiveness.

Prepare for punishment.

Khalani bucked against the unknown figure holding her hostage. The large knife pressed against her jugular, nicking her skin and drawing blood.

“Ah, ah,” the gruff voice behind her warned. “Move again, and I’ll slice your pretty neck wide open.”

Her breaths came in rapid, shallow gasps, and the rough palm over her mouth stifled her cries.

The crack of a loud gunshot abruptly shattered the night, echoing ominously around them. Her eyes darted, straining to make out shapes in the murky darkness.

She prayed with all her might that Takeshi was unharmed.

If anything happened to him…

Suddenly, a large body was flung over a car and collapsed in a crumpled heap at their feet.

“Varo?” the man holding her gasped. His grip on her momentarily loosened, just enough for her to act.

Khalani bit down on the hand covering her mouth. The man screamed as she tasted blood, loosening his hold.

Seizing the moment, she drove her elbow back into his gut.

Her captor choked out a ragged breath, staggering on his feet.

She lunged forward, desperate to escape, but he grabbed herarm, yanking her back.