Page 90 of Storm Warning
Roger that.
Nick forced himself to move away from Kate—every step like walking through concrete—and moved to the closest downed man, searching his clothing with rough, angry movements. Nothing. The bastard had nothing. Nick looked at Zach to see him pull a small leather case from the other man and open it. Syringes and vials rested inside, glinting in the dim light filtering through the grimy windows.
Got it. Let’s go.
He motioned for Nick to take Kate and get her out of there.Nick nodded, his heart still racing like a wild thing before lifting her into his arms with shaking hands, cradling her to his chest. She was so still. So terrifyingly still. Her head lolled against his shoulder before nestling in the crook of his neck, and the trust in that unconscious gesture made his throat constrict. She fit perfectly in his arms, like she’d been made to be held by him. Her weight was precious, substantial proof she was real and alive.
As Nick followed Zach out of the house, David reported in from his vantage point.
All clear. No other threats incoming.
Zach prowled forward, his eyes never stopping their vigilant sweep as they made their way back to the SUV. Sunlight hit Nick’s face as they emerged from the trees, blinding after the dimness of the shack. He squinted, adjusting Kate in his arms. Her breath whispered against his neck, warm and regular. He focused on that—the proof of life, the steady rhythm that meant she was still here, still with him.
Nick followed, Kate safe in his arms. She needed to wake up.Please wake up.The prayer repeated in his mind like a mantra.
Zach opened the SUV door for him, and Nick slid in still cradling Kate, unwilling to let her go. As soon as he was settled, he cut the ropes that bound her hands and feet—the sight of the angry red marks on her wrists sent fresh rage coursing through him—and tucked her against his chest, brushing her hair behind her ear with infinite tenderness. She didn’t like it in her face. The small detail, the intimate knowledge of her preferences, made his chest ache.
The engine started as Zach spoke aloud for the first time. “Run these vials. My guess is either Rohypnol or GHB.”
Nick’s eyes snapped to the front seat, his stomach churning with dread, waiting for David’s response. It only took a few minutes, although it felt forever to Nick—every secondstretching into an eternity while Kate lay unconscious in his arms. “GHB. Like the patch.”
Nick met Zach’s eyes in the mirror, the question burning in his gaze. How bad is it? Will she be okay?
“This looks like a higher dose. It can cause sedation, confusion, memory loss, and even unconsciousness. It’s quick acting, making it a popular choice for incapacitating someone. Monitor her pulse and make sure it doesn’t drop too low. It generally lasts for 6-7 hours, so it should be wearing off.” Zach’s voice was calm, reassuring, but Nick barely heard him over the roaring in his ears.
Memory loss. The words echoed in his mind. What if she didn’t remember? What if she didn’t rememberthem?
As they drove back to the resort, Nick’s heart resumed its normal pace while his mind raced with thoughts of Kate. He never took his fingertips off her pulse—the thrum beneath his touch the only thing keeping him grounded. Her skin was soft and warm, the beat of her life force steady and strong. He counted the beats, losing track and starting over, needing the connection, the reassurance.
Her lashes fluttered a few times only to close again. Each flutter sent hope surging through him, only to crash when her eyes closed once more.
She was waking, but slowly. Too slowly for his peace of mind.
He curled her closer to him, nestling her in his arms, breathing in the scent of her—beneath the dirt and fear, she still smelled like Kate. Like jasmine and something uniquely her. Tenderness blossomed, unfamiliar and fierce, threatening to crack him wide open. He had always believed he’d never love a woman, never be able to trust one that much. Love was for other people, for people who hadn’t been raised by a father whosaw women as commodities and a mother who flitted from lover to lover.
But holding Kate, feeling her heartbeat against his, her breath on his skin, he knew he’d been wrong. So completely, utterly wrong. He hadn’t met the right person. He hadn’t mether.
Chapter 48
Vigil
A ringing slicedthrough the SUV, jarring him from his thoughts, making him flinch. Kate didn’t stir, and he tightened his arms around her protectively.
“Dr. Hampton. It’s Zach Steele. A young woman was kidnapped and administered GHB. Can you come to the mansion and check on her? At first look, we don’t know if she was assaulted, or if they only used the drug to contain her.”
Fear crushed Nick, a physical weight on his chest, almost stopping his lungs as the wordassaultedreverberated through his skull. Each syllable twisted a knife in his gut. Assaulted?God, no. Not his Kate. Please, God, not that.His arms tightened reflexively around her, as if he could shield her retroactively from harm. Bile rose in the back of his throat.
“Oh my god, yes, of course! I’ll head over immediately. Is she awake?” Dr. Hampton’s voice was horrified, but steady. She was a rock.
At Zach’s inquiring look, Nick spoke, forcing the words past the constriction in his throat. “Her eyes are fluttering open occasionally, but she’s falling right back under. Herpulse is strong.” He focused on that last part. Strong. She was strong. She would get through this.
“We estimate it’s been about four hours since she was dosed,” Zach added.
“Good. If she wakes up enough, give her water to drink. Nothing else. I’ll be there in no more than twenty minutes.” A click signaled Dr. Hampton had hung up.
Twenty minutes. Nick could survive twenty minutes. He pressed his lips to Kate’s forehead, a gentle kiss, a promise.I’ve got you. I won’t let anything else hurt you.
When they arrived at the mansion, Nick carried Kate to her room and laid her on the bed with excruciating care, as though she were made of spun glass. The plush comforter beneath her seemed too ordinary, too everyday for what they’d been through. He arranged her carefully, his hands lingering on her shoulders, reluctant to break contact.