Collection by T.K. Lasser Read Free Book Online Page B

voice.
    Steven made his way back up to the front of the van and murmured his report as he sat down. Lucien lay on his back with eyes closed and decided that Jane, no matter who she was, wasn't going to end up as Steven's toy. He could pretend to know her in order to save her, but he would have to be delicate. She might be a little slow to understand her situation, and if she couldn't play along they were both in big trouble.
    The sun had come out during the drive, but Lucien felt the brightness outside dim as the van pulled into a garage. The large man and Steven got out and opened the side of the van. Steven pulled something out of his pocket and waved it under Lucien's nose. Lucienchoked and gasped on the ammonia fumes of the smelling salts. He rolled up groggily and turned to the still form of his fellow prisoner. “Jane!”
    The large man chuckled. “She's fine, Lucky. But for a guy who doesn't know her, you probably shouldn't know her name, either.”
    Lucien tried his best to look chastened. “I know her, but I didn't want her involved. I would appreciate it if you could ensure her safety while we're here.”
    All humor was lost from the large man's voice. “Her safety depends on your behavior and Mr. Harris's generosity. Give him what he wants, and he will have no reason to hurt her, will he?”
    Lucien rubbed his wrists after Steven cut the plastic restraints off. “What does he want, then? A phone call would have gotten my attention.”
    The large man ignored Lucien but motioned for him to get out of the van. Steven got more smelling salts out of his pocket and Lucien took a vantage point at the side of the van so he could make sure he didn't take any more liberties while waking her up. Jane came around more slowly than Lucien, probably because she actually was suffering from the effects of the anesthetic.
    Lucien had to get her to play along or she was dead.
    â€œJane, it's okay, I'm right here.” Jane didn't want to open her eyes. She wasn't sure she even could. Her head hurt and she thought she might throw up. Then she realized her hands were bound in front of her, and her feet weren't going anywhere, either. She opened her eyes quickly now, and had a moment to make out a dim figure in the doorway of the van, when a man close to her moved to touch her. She let out a startled gasp, and the man laughed quietly. He cut her hands free and then bent towards her ankles. He cut the restraints there as well, but paused to rub her ankles slowly and deliberately.
    â€œCut it out.” Lucien's voice was almost a growl. As Steven climbed out of the van, the large man stepped between them.
    â€œYou are a guest here, Lucky. Remember that. Steven won't mess with your friend again.” Steven just smiled. Without the large man there to keep him in check, Lucien had a feeling Steven would not be so agreeable.
    Jane was able to better evaluate her condition with the creepy guy out of the small confines of the van. She wanted to scream but she was scared. Tears were blurring her vision, but she knew she wasn't safe, far from it. Her head still hurt, her wrists and ankles were sore, and she was undoubtedly in trouble. These men must have been the men that attacked her in the parking garage, and in the better light she could see that the other man was The Guy. She was confused. He had only wanted her to get away from him in the museum, and now he appeared to be her kidnapper. From what she could see under their jackets, the other men each had a gun. Great. She was not only stupid enough to chase after some cute guy she didn't even know, but he also turns out to be a criminal. But something in Jane refused to believe that he was truly a bad guy.
    â€œJane, it's okay. It's Lucky, I'm right here. You're safe.” Lucien looked her in the eyes as she crawled to the door of the van.
    Lucky? She didn't feel very lucky right now. He moved closer and actually helped her to sit at the door of