Page 14 of Risks of Temptation

Andre goes into the pit, and Penelope comes out. Axel leaves with her. Julieta comes out, but Ryker doesn't move. I nudge him, and he snaps back to reality.

Dirk takes Zoe, and Hunter goes off with Vanessa.

Emilia peers out the top of the pit. Her lips and hands are shaking. Her shirt is ripped. Her lace bra is on full display.

Those bastards.

Stay calm. She's already freaking out.

I crouch down, smile, and put my finger over my lips.

Her eyes glisten, and her cheeks are stained with tears.

Get her out of here then come back for Santiago.

I hold my hand out, and she reaches for it. I help pull her the rest of the way out of the pit.

She only has socks on. I lean into her ear. "I need to carry you. The terrain is rough. May I?"

She closes her eyes, as if grappling with herself, pulling her shirt together.

"Ma'am, we need to go."

She nods, and I pick her up. The humming of my blood increases.

She smells like peaches and coconut. I groan inside.

Her body trembles the entire way. She doesn't seem to know where to put her hands. Instead of holding on to my shoulders or neck, she twists her fingers against my chest.

We have to go through a thick part of the jungle, so I push her head to my chest, and she shakes harder.

"I'm sorry, ma belle. I'm only trying to protect you. We're almost there."

She stays silent, the only sound coming out of her is her hot breath that hits my neck, sending tingles down my spine.

When we get out of the densely packed trees, I set her in the seat behind the driver's side.

"Ma'am, are you okay?" I put my hand on her cheek. I shouldn't. I've never done it with any target before, and I've had plenty who were in shock or scared.

She inhales and blinks. A warm tear rolls over my fingers when gunshots ring through the air.

I take her head and shove it between her legs. "Stay down."

I hold my gun out, glancing around us. When Andre runs out of the woods carrying Naomi, I get in the driver's side. He sets her in the back next to Emilia, and as soon as he sits, I drive off.

When we get to the camp, Andre orders, "Malin, take Naomi and Emilia, along with the other women, into the tent."

"Malin," she quietly whispers, twisting her fingers in her lap.

"Who are you?" Naomi steps in front of Andre.

"My name is Andre Lòpez. I run the rescue team for Interpol. I have six guys out there. As soon as they're back, we'll talk."

"Interpol?"

"Yes."

The color drains from her face, and she grips his forearm. "Why would Interpol be involved in this?"