Page 8 of Marks of Rebellion

She ignores my statement. "Where are you taking me?"

"To our camp."

"Another camp," she murmurs.

"Sorry?"

"N-nothing."

"It's just until we receive the coordinates where the plane will be to get you out of here."

"Then where are you taking me?"

Where?For the first time in ten years, I don't know where I'm dropping a target off.

"They haven't sent that information yet, ma'am."

But you can warm up my bed in any part of the world you want.

Stop! She's a target. Not appropriate.

I push a branch forward and duck under it. Within a few more steps, we're back at the Jeep. My partner, Dirk, is in the driver's seat, and the woman he rescued, Zoe, is in the back.

I set Vanessa down and lean in to pull the buckle over her shoulder.

"I can do that."

"I got it." I snap the metal together and give her one last glance. Her blonde hair hits below her shoulder and her blue eyes sparkle in the dark night. Long lashes, high cheekbones, and plump red lips couldn't be more perfect if an artist drew them.

"Get in." Dirk snaps me out of my trance and I jump in the front. He takes off right as gunshots ring through the air.

"Crap," he mumbles.

"Get down," I yell to the women.

I pull my gun out, hold onto the top bar, and spin so I can make sure no one from Santiago's crew is following us.

The gunshots become fainter, and we drive a bit farther until we are back at camp.

Dirk and I both jump out of the vehicle. I unbuckle Vanessa's belt and pick her up.

"Whoa. I can walk."

"No, ma'am. You're going into the tent until we can find you some shoes."

"I can—"

"There's no point arguing, ma'am. You can't be out here. You'll step on twigs and get hurt."

She snorts and mutters, "I've had a lot worse done to me than that."

I freeze. A rage I've never felt before bubbles. "What did they do to you?"

She quickly looks away and replies, "Nothing. I'm fine. Can you put me down?"

"Let me get you inside." I finish carrying her in and gently set her on the floor.

"Thank you," she quietly says then twists her fingers together.