Page 9 of Marks of Rebellion

"It's not the Ritz, but it's probably better than the pit," I say to lighten the atmosphere.

She smiles then points to my face. "Are you going to take those off so I can see what you look like?"

My heart bangs in my chest. "Sure." I slowly remove my goggles.

Her eyes widen. Her stare is a direct hit of lightening right to my soul. A zing rushes to my core, and it's a bit harder to breathe.

"Hi," she whispers.

"Hi."

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

My pocket vibrates. I pull my phone out while still locking gazes with her. "Ma'am. I have to take this."

"Okay."

I put the phone to my ear and continue to fixate on her.

"We've got a flat. Santiago took off by foot," Kalim states.

"On our way. Send your coordinates."

"Will do."

"I have to go. I'll check on you when I return."

"Oh...okay." She smiles.

Yep. She's a flower. A rare, stunning flower.

She's a target.

"Ma'am." I nod and rush out of the tent.

Andre is the first person I see when I exit.

"Lòpez, we need another vehicle to go back," I yell. "There's a flat."

I jump in the driver's side, and Andre gets in the passenger seat.

Every moment being away from her seems like an eternity. We pick up the rest of the team, and when we arrive back at camp, I go right to the tent to look for her.

The other women are hanging around and eating.

She's talking to Naomi, the woman who was kidnapped the previous day, and the reason why Interpol was called in. Her sister, Emilia, was kidnapped as well and is sitting with Malin.

Why wasn't Interpol called in to save the other women sooner?

Why was the focus only on Naomi?

As I survey the women, I notice that Vanessa is the only one with extensive bandaging around her ankles and wrists. She also holds the back of her neck as if in pain.

What did they do to her?

Naomi walks toward Andre, and Vanessa turns.

"Hey. Did you eat anything?" I ask.