As if calling up misfortune, Nadia slipped behind me. I went to a full crouch, grabbing her arm as she slid feet first past me, bringing her to a hard stop that made my chest want to explode.
I hissed a sharp breath into my shoulder, not wanting her to hear how much it had hurt me and have her refuse to let me go any further with them. Not that she could anyway, but even still, I wasnat up for another argument either.
aYou okay?a Eli asked, helping her to her feet.
aFine,a she said, wincing as she put pressure on her left foot.
aKeep your hand on my shoulder and lean on me. It looks like the path is almost straight down from here,a Eli said, pulling her arm around his side and holding her against him.
I dipped my head. aAye, itas slippery from here down. Watch yer step and go to yer a.s.s if ye feel yourself slipping, or youall end up there,a I said, pointing at the bottom of the path where white caps formed and broke way before they got to the cliff wall.
It didnat matter how careful we were picking our way down the path, because it seemed like every other step, one of us was falling on our a.s.s. I could feel the bruises forming and to be sure, none of us would walk right come the next day.
When we made it to the end, I stepped back, giving Eli and Nadia enough room at the edge to look at the path we had to use in order to get down to where the others might be taking shelter.
Iad made that climb down only twice before. Had my parents known, they would have given me a sound skelping for sure.
Knowing how treacherous it was, I understood their reasoning. Given the circ.u.mstances, it was the only way down so thinking about all the things that could go wrong was the worst thing for me to do. That didnat mean I shouldnat warn Eli and Nadia though.
aI canat see a thing from here,a Eli said, moving away from the edge, bringing Nadia back with him. aHow the h.e.l.l are you gonna climb down? You canat even put your full weight on that leg.a Nadia bristled. aThereas no choice, Eli. We have to get down there.a aTighten your boot and use that foot only when necessary,a I said, kneeling in front of her to do it myself.
When she let me do it, I knew she was hurting more than shead actually admit.
aItas a steep climb down to the next ledge. Watch where I put my hands and feet. Aye?a I said, making sure they both looked at me, acknowledging they understood what I meant.
aSend Nadia after me that way yer above her and Iam below her. If she slips, grab her. Ye canna let her fall,a I said, flicking my eyes over the side so head look at the jagged boulders below us.
Instant death, I told him without saying a word. He nodded sharply, understanding what it would mean for any of us if we fell.
aWait until I get into position,a I said, sliding myself along the rock to my left that put me right over the lip at the end of the pathway.
The wind was at least in my favor for that part of the climb. It shoved at me, pushing my chest into the sharp rocks, but at least it wasnat trying to rip me away from them.
Inch, by slow inch, I made it to the end of the ledge and stretched my arm out, hooking my hand into a natural crevice, and the first part of the climb down.
Turning my foot sideways, I pulled myself into place along the wall where we had to free climb down about eight feet to the next ledge.
At that point, we could walk and catch the next narrow pathway to a series of boulders just above the tide line. It would be the only place the others would be able to take shelter from not only the rain, but the rising water as well.
The next foothold was a bit of a stretch, and I scrabbled against the wall, trying to catch hold of it, pointing my toe down to help me.
On a good day, a sunny day, the rocks I clung to were dangerous. Add in the wind and pouring rain and it made the effort of climbing a complete b.i.t.c.h. Using my body as a pendulum, I gave myself enough of a swing to catch the rock with my foot.
Curling my body, I got my footing and grabbed the next handhold, putting myself in a weird position until I could straighten myself back up and make the final step down onto the ledge.
I made it, shaking like a leaf, but I made it. Giving myself a minute to catch my breath, I braced my hands against my legs and allowed the adrenaline to give me the energy Iad need if Nadia ran into a problem on her climb down.
Pushing up from my knees, I gave Eli a thumbs-up, watching as he helped Nadia get to the first handhold.
I held my breath as she swung out. Hanging from the first handhold, her foot scrambled to catch the rock she needed to keep moving along the wall towards me.
Praying the wind stayed in our favor, I wasnat sure I took a full breath until she made it halfway to me. She rested there before making the stretch to the next foothold. The problem was that her legs were shorter than mine, which meant she needed to make a larger swing. A swing that could cause her to lose her handhold.
There was nothing Eli could do from where he was, but from where I stood, I could see a good foothold where I could stretch out and give her a hand once she had her foot in place.
Not thinking too much about the danger I put myself in, I stepped back out on the closest foothold and made my way back to her.
Getting closer, I could see her struggling to keep her hand in place as she fought to get her foot on the rock in front of her. Her left foot dug into the rock below her, anchoring her to make another swing. Iad made it to her just in time because her left leg buckled, leaving her hanging by her fingertips.
aHold on!a I shouted over the roar of the wind that shoved her into the wall.
Eli, not waiting for either of us to get to the other side, slipped out onto the ledge, picking his way along a different path in order to get under her.
My heart battered against my chest as I watched him take handholds and footholds covered in a thick slime.
aNadia, look at meaa I said, getting her attention as I moved another foothold closer to her.
It wouldnat be enough. I couldnat grab her from where I held onto the wall. If she lost her hold, Iad watch her fall to her death.
Blowing out a deep breath, I leaned my head against the pockmarked granite, willing myself to think. When I opened my eyes, I saw it. The next foothold to get closer to her. It was close enough that I could get my hand around her wrist and help her.
aNadia, take my hand,a I called out to her, unsure if she heard me before the wind ripped my words away.
Shead have to bear the weight of her entire body on her left side, but it would work if she could hold on that long.
Her hand slapped into mine. Complete trust etched along her eyebrows that pinched to a point, drawing them together. I moved my hand over hers until I had a death-like grip on her wrist.
Eli popped up underneath her as I pulled her towards me, hoping like h.e.l.l my fingers didnat slip from the rock I clamped my hand on to hold the both of us in place. She swung out, catching her foot against the rock as Eli came up from underneath her, giving her left foot a shove, putting her into position to stand on the foothold.
She clung to the side of the cliff, catching her breath before I urged her to keep moving with me until we both had our feet planted on the beginning of the narrow pathway.
aAre ye okay?a I asked Nadia, watching as Eli scrambled up and over rocks until he was on solid footing beside us.
aIam fine. Thanks foraa she answered, tipping her head slightly in the direction of the rocks wead clung to.
I gave her a brief nod as Eli pulled her into a hug, saying, ad.a.m.n, you scared the h.e.l.l out of me. Remind me to never go rock climbing with you again. I donat think my heart could take it.a aNot something I plan on doing again for a while, so you donat have to worry about that.a She grimaced, curling her hands into small fists.
My own ached in response, but I shook it off and asked, aReady?
aI am, so long as thereas no more climbing involved for a few more minutes,a Nadia answered, pitching her voice to be heard over the howl of the wind.
aNo more rock climbing, but watch yer step. The path is really narrow, and the rocks are covered in that,a I said, pointing at the green tinge to the rocks surrounding us.
Leading the way off the edge to a split in the rocks, I wedged my way through and then turned around to help Nadia, bracing as much of her weight as I could.
aIs there nothing in this country that isnat slippery, wet, dangerous, or only big enough for leprechauns?a Eli asked, scowling as water dripped off his chin.
I shrugged, moving onto the narrow path. aWeall be at the bottom soon. Keep hold oa her; itas a bit of a downward path from here.a When I made the hooked turn around a large rock, Eli swore behind me. aA bit downward? That looks more like a slide all the way to the end. Are you sure about this, Airen?a aAye. Just step where I step and youall be fine,a I replied, putting my hand out to keep myself steady.
ROBERT USHERED ME INTO A low-lit catacomb at the back of the cave. I couldnat see the source of light, or where it came from, but it gave the small area a sickly, blue glow.
aPut your hands between those bars,a Robert said, shoving me towards a metal cage.
When I didnat comply immediately, he pulled the hammer back on my pistol and pushed it against the center of my forehead.
I shoved my arms back, waiting for him to lower the gun. Iad make my move then.
aTie him up, and so help me G.o.d, if you let him free, Iall come back and put a bullet in your head.a I couldnat turn to see who Robert was speaking to, not with his finger so close to the trigger.
Something slipped over my wrists as a set of delicate fingers twisted something over my hands.
Tying the worst knot ever, she gave me just enough room to untie myself as soon as Robert took the gun off my face.
aI want to go home.a The girlas thin voice shattered something inside of me.
I was tied to a cage where Robert held a girl prisoner. A girl he probably intended to sell to the highest bidder.
aOh, Iall be letting you go and soon, love. You have my word on that,a he said, lowering the gun from my forehead. aAnd heas your way out, so donat do anything stupid to jeopardize that.a Stepping back, Robert a.s.sessed me from my boots to the top of my head. aKilling you would bring me no greater joy, but seeing you now tells me keeping you alive will line my pockets even more.a aWeall see about that,a I said under my breath.
Not hearing me, he continued on with his one-sided conversation in a tumble of words that often slipped to a soft, Scottish burr, but otherwise was a clipped, flat accent that had no particular origin. aAfter I make my transactions with the both of you, Iall reconnect with my long-lost niece. I have a buyer practically salivating for her. Five million for the price of her and her precious virginity. Not a bad deal all in all.a I couldnat help it. I blurted out the one thing that would probably send him into a rage that just might end me, but I didnat care. I wanted to take a stab at him where it hurt the worsta"his profit. aWhat makes you think Airenas a virgin?a Head been in the process of walking away when my words halted him. He spun around, marching back up to me. aUp until you showed up, Iad kept every boy sniffing around Airen away by whatever means necessary. So if you so much as mind f.u.c.ked her, youare as good as dead. I know my buyers personally, and believe me when I tell you this, boy. If youave taken what is mine, Iall make sure youare hurt in ways you canat possibly imagine until youare nothing more than a piece of flesh that houses your bones.a I kept my mouth shut, watching his eyes become crazier and crazier by the second. And then he broke out laughing. aShead never sink to the likes of you. You canat even compare to her best frienda What was his name again?a he asked, not really looking for me to supply the answer as he scratched the gun barrel against his temple. aAdam! Thatas right. Little Adam thought he was going to be the one shead give it up to. Didnat work out so great for him though. Boating accident and all.a With that said, he walked across the catacomb, disappearing down a dark tunnel.
f.u.c.king b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Crazy f.u.c.king b.a.s.t.a.r.d! I plucked at the knot holding my hands together and felt the frayed pieces of rope slide down my hands to the floor.
I couldnat let him get away, but the cries coming from the girl locked in the cage pulled me back to what was important at the moment. Getting her out. Iad stow her someplace safe first and then go after Robert.
The lock holding the narrow cage gave when I jammed my pocketknife blade up inside it and twisted. The girl huddled far back against the bars. There was no amount of talking to her that would get her to come closer to me so that I could help her. I finally had to shove myself as far as I could into the small opening and grab whatever limb I could get my hands on.
What I hadnat expected was for her to retaliate against me when I got her almost to the door of the cage. Shead jerked back so hard that I lost my balance, slamming the bar into my shoulder with an audible pop that followed itself up with a burst of pain.
It just about killed me, but I reached in, catching her ankle and hauling her forward so fast that she didnat have time to get away from me again.
Once she was outside of the cage, the little h.e.l.lcat tried to kick me in the b.a.l.l.s. I stopped her by wrapping my hand around her throat, putting enough pressure against her windpipe that she had no choice but to stop struggling.
Once I had her full attention, I looked her dead in the eye. aIf you want to live, you need to calm the f.u.c.k down and listen to me,a I said, wincing at the anger in my own voice.
She blinked owl-like as I loosened my hold on her neck and said, aFollow me and stay close. Can you do that?a If she took off, Iad let her go. Iad do what I could to save her, but I wasnat going to chase around a girl with a death wish. Not when Robert de Fleur could pop out behind a rock somewhere and put a bullet in my brain for the effort.
What little light Robert had in the catacomb petered out less than five feet into the main tunnel of the cave.
aCome on, we have to keep moving,a I told her, keeping my right hand stretched across my body to feel along the wall, silently cursing the inability to do jack s.h.i.t with my left.
Slowly, we made it another twenty steps before a large boulder stuck out, giving me a place to tuck the girl so I could backtrack to find Robert.
Before I did that, my shoulder needed to be set back into place. Gritting my teeth, I rammed my shoulder into the boulder.
Dark spots danced before my eyes, a howl of pain stopping at the back of my tongue as I hissed through my teeth. aMotherf.u.c.king son of a b.i.t.c.h!a Iad never get my shoulder set without help. Iad just have to manage taking Robert down with one good arm.
The girl had sunk down to her bottom, scooting back behind the large boulder. When I put my hand on her, she jumped from my touch.
Whispering, I leaned in, not knowing if she was listening to me or not, and said, aStay here. Iall be back for you.a Guilt clawed its way up my chest, knowing how scared she was as I left her. I pushed it all aside. My guilt. The pain. None of it mattered if Robert de Fleur got away.
It didnat matter if it took me ten minutes or four d.a.m.n hours, Iad find him and kill him. Or die trying.
IT HAD BEEN A FEW years since Iad been down the steep slope. And a lot can change in just a few years, I realized as I struggled to keep my footing.
One wrong move and wead tumble to the bottom. That was the good news. The bad news was if we did end up a heap at the bottom, wead probably break several bones in the process when the ma.s.sive stone at the end brought us to a halt.
Eli had it right when head talked of dangerous, slippery, wet places. We were walking straight down one of the worst ones Iad ever been on. The rain hadnat let up, not even a little, by the time we made it to the bottom.
We no sooner stopped to get our breath when Oliver stepped out from his hiding place. His eyes bulged as an angry growl rumbled from him. aWhat the h.e.l.l are you doing here?a Nadia waved him off. aNever mind that. Whereas the cave entrance?a He locked eyes with her, crossing his arms as he said, aPlease tell me you have reinforcements coming.a aIad love to tell you that, but unfortunately, thatas not happening until this rain lets up,a Nadia answered, following it up by dragging the bottom of her T-shirt over her face.
Oliver shook his head. aHow the h.e.l.l did you manage to get someone to fly in this s.h.i.t?a aI called in a favor. Now about that cavea?a Nadia asked, wincing as she put pressure down on her foot.
Oliver zeroed in on her before flicking a glance at Eli. aWhat happened?a aRock climbing accident,a Eli said, moving over to stand beside Oliver.
aRock climbing? Are you f.u.c.king kidding me right now?a he shouted.
We didnat have to worry about anyone hearing his displeasure because the wind stole every one of his words.
Scrubbing his hand down his face, Oliver took a step back as a gust of wind threatened to knock us over like bowling pins.
When it let up, he squared off with Nadia again. aWe canat do s.h.i.t until this wind dies down. I donat know what the three of you were thinking scaling f.u.c.king rocks in this weather.a aWe had no choice. This weather isnat blowing out anytime soon. Iam done discussing this, Oliver. How do we get into the cave?a Nadia fired back at him, pulling herself up to her full height.
aWhere are Aiden and Grant?a Eli asked, b.u.t.ting into their conversation.
aThey havenat come out of the cave, and coms are down. I have no idea whatas happening in there,a Oliver answered, flicking a glance behind him as if Aiden and Grant would pop out somewhere in the rocks.
Nadia whipped around, putting her hand on my shoulder. aAiren, do you know anything about that cave?a Shaking from the cold, I wrapped my arms around me as everyone turned to look at me. aNo, Iave no been past this point. Especially at high tide.a Before anyone could speak, Ace popped up between two rocks and wormed his way through them, scaring the h.e.l.l out of me.
aThereas no other way into the cave. Iave checked every d.a.m.n rock and crevice. Weall have to go up the same way,a he told Oliver, giving a dip of his head to the rest of us in h.e.l.lo.
aI thought youad say that,a Oliver said, wrapping his hand around the back of his neck and squeezing. aHereas what weare gonna doaa aYouare not leaving me behind!a Nadia snapped after Oliver laid out his plan.
His eyes rounded, and then settled into a scowl. aYouare not climbing up those rocks. You canat even put your weight on that foot,a he said, stabbing his finger at her. aBesides, youare a crack shot. If he gets past us, youall be able to take him out from here.a Nadia chewed her bottom lip, but she kept her thoughts to herself.
aAiren will stay down here with Nadia. Ace, you and I are going in. Eli, youare standing point at the entrance,a Oliver finished.
I shook my head. There was no way Iad be left behind. Not when I could make the climb and help turn the tables on Uncle Robert. aYou need me with ye.a aThe h.e.l.l we do. Having you with us is one more worry that none of us need to deal with right now, sweetheart,a Oliver hissed.
I held up my hand. aNot true. Who do you think led them here to ye?a I asked, flicking a glance at Nadia and Eli. aI can make the climb. And I can flush out my uncle.a aYouare not going. End of discussion,a Oliver said, turning his back on me.
aYe either let me come, or Iall do it on my own,a I said, falling into step behind him.
Oliver turned on me so fast that I stumbled. Before he could say anything, Ace stepped up, putting his hand on Oliveras shoulder. aSheas right. Having her with us might work in our favor.a aAnd if she gets hurt? We canat afford any mistakes, Ace,a Oliver said.
Something in his eyes shifted. He wasnat just angry about bringing me. He was scared.
aIall stay right behind Ace. And Iall be really careful. I promise,a I said, hoping to put him at ease.