I followed him and frowned. The dark gray smooth tiles reminded me of the gray walls in ISAN. Moments later, we entered a large cafeteria.
“Is this where you eat?”
Rows of tables filled the space.
“Yes. We also hold meetings here.”
“Where do you get your food?”
“Let me show you.”
Rhett took me to another door in the same room. It opened up to a massive pantry, more like a storage room. Canned foods—beans, corn, chili, various cocktail fruits, condensed soup, and dry powder boxes—lined the shelves. Off to the right, a refrigerator hummed steadily.
“Where did you get all this?” I made a complete turnaround.
“Once a month, we go hunting.”
I strode down the shelves, reading the labels. When I sensed Rhett watching me, I stared right back at him, just as intense. Rhett cleared his throat and slid his hand down the back of his head. I had made him uncomfortable, too.
“Let’s move on. Time to close up.” He shut the door.
I followed behind him. “Hunting? You mean you steal.”
“It’s called surviving, not stealing, but you’re going to judge me anyway. Your word, not mine. We also have our own organic garden for fresh fruits and vegetables.”
“Really?”
“I’ll show you in daylight. It’s too dark now. You won’t be able to see a thing. I’ll take you to one more room, and then show you the rest tomorrow.”
I followed, admiring the structure of the building. It felt more like home than ISAN. Perhaps the dimly lit halls and gray walls at ISAN created more of a mental institute environment. But the secret lair—at least this part of the structure—seemed as though it had been built around Mother Nature. The rocky mountain-like walls jutted over the uneven floor and the scent of soil created a sense of freedom.
I skidded down a corridor and followed the narrow tunnel. “Where are we going?” My shoulders tensed and my pulse sped up. I imagined all sorts of ways he could take advantage of me and then kill me.
I collided into Rhett’s chest, not knowing he had stopped. I’d been watching my steps on the uneven rocky ground so I wouldn’t make a fool out of myself and fall. When I realized my hands were pressed to his chest, I stilled. His eyes glistened heatedly under the hanging lights above. His hot breath tickled my forehead and then moved over my lips as he bent to reach for something. I worried what to do if he tried to kiss me, because his eyes never left mine.
Dammit. I couldn’t believe I had that thought.
“We’re here.” He cleared his throat.
The creaking door freed me from his spell. For a few heartbeats, I was Ava, a girl walking with a guy she had a crush on, and not Ava the kidnapped. Why was my life so messed up?
When Rhett switched on the lights, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I stood still, taking in my view from one end to the other, wondering if it was a mirage. Shelf after shelf, books were lined neatly to the ceiling. Every part of me tingled with happiness. I wanted to explore inside and live there. It took every ounce of control to keep from hugging Rhett. I became greedy with the need to hold as many books as I could all at once. I wanted to touch the covers, rub my face on the pages, and take a long whiff of their papery smell.
Rhett’s smile reached his ears as he observed me. “When we found this room, it was a bit dusty. We cleaned it up and made it presentable, accessible for everyone. I never would’ve imagined a room filled with books, especially at a place like this. Anyway, I knew you would love it here. You used to talk about how you would love to hold a real book. Now I can make one of your dreams come true.”
Tears pooled in my eyes. Not wanting Rhett to see, I turned away, knowing he would watch every move I made. Books were my escape from reality. They took me to places beyond my imagination, and some of the characters became family. Books gave me peace, sanity, and hope. To be able to actually hold a story in my hand, my heart burst with euphoria.
“You can take one back to your room. We have someone in charge of this place, but I’ll let him know I let you borrow one. I’ll tell him to put it under my name.”
With a nod and the hint of a smile, I ran my finger along the bindings. He’d made one of my dreams come true, but it didn’t mean I trusted him. It didn’t mean he had won me over. Telling me he knew how much I loved books was dumb luck. I would guess one out of every three people felt the same way, if not more.
I pulled one out and slowly opened it as if it was a treasure. The pages were crinkled, and some parts were damaged by water. As I ran my hand across the words, I took in the scent without making it obvious. I didn’t want to show Rhett how much I enjoyed the moment. I thought about thanking him, but my thought didn’t carry to action.
“I’ll take this one.” I closed the book and showed it to him.
“Gone with the Wind. I’ve heard about this book.”
I wrapped my arms around the book and held it securely. “I’ve never read it, but I know it will be good.”
Rhett twisted the ends of his lips. “I heard the protagonist falls in love with a man named Rhett, and I’m not making this up.”
I gave him a pointed look. “Too bad that’s not going to happen in real life.”
Rhett gave me a defeated soft chuckle. “Would you like to take another one?”
Sudden exhaustion made my muscles weak. I shook my head and hugged the book tighter.
“Maybe tomorrow.”
“Sure,” Rhett said. “I’ll take us back.”
“I need to wash up and use the restroom.”
Rhett leaned into me. I jerked back.
He raised both hands. “I’m not going to hurt you. Trust me.”
I frowned. “You want me to trust you?” I scoffed. “You kidnapped me.”
“Hold still.” A command.
He leaned into me and brushed his face against my hair. Was he sniffing me? I stiffened and held my breath. Why was I letting him? But his words—hold still—sounded all too familiar.
Silence held us in place until he pulled back.
“Washing for sure. You’re limited to a two-minute warm shower. Don’t try to turn to hot. It doesn’t work, and as for the restroom, prepare yourself. It’s not the kind you’re used to.”
I frowned. How bad could it be?
* * *
“How was the shower?” Rhett asked.
“Fine.”
I meandered behind the counter, staying far away from him as possible.
His lips twitched and his eyes beamed in humor. “How was the restroom?”
I crossed my arms and blew out a breath. “I had to squat and plug my nose, but hey, it’s better than doing my business by the bushes.”
Not by much—I’d pissed into an underground hole. Did they not have a sewage system? If they had built the place for the past president, I figured it would be somewhat comfortable. Maybe he had a real toilet in his corridor.
“This is where you’ll sleep for now.” Rhett opened a top cabinet to pull out a beige blanket and an oversized shirt.
“Where’s Ozzie?” I glanced around, trying not to watch Rhett’s every move.
“He went to his room.” He placed the things on the bed and headed back to the cabinet.
“Then whose room is this?”
“Mine.” He twisted at his waist, regarding me. “Don’t worry, I won’t be staying.”
Rhett crossed his arms in front and tugged off his shirt. He opened the middle cabinet and took out a new one. I should have turned away, but I couldn’t. Not only was I gawking at his ripped chest, but I also stared at a scar under his rib cage and another one on his arm that looked fresh. Must have been when the bodyguard had shot him when he’d first tried to kidnap me. Then I spotted a tattoo above the rise of his hipbone. Four jagged points, softened by a lace work design. Though I couldn’t identify the design, there was no denying its beauty.
“Like what you see?” He pulled down his shirt. “You’ve seen them
many times.”
I flashed my eyes away, heat burning my face. “I ... I didn’t see anything.”
“I meant the scars.” He smirked, brushing his hair back with his fingers. “Everyone has scars, Ava, physically and mentally. I know where yours are unless you got more in the past six months.”
I gasped when he stood in front of me. “How could you? You’re lying.” I blanched, afraid to meet his eyes, and also afraid he would prove me wrong.
“I’ll prove it.”
My heart skipped a beat when Rhett wrapped his arms around me. Starting at my neck, his finger gingerly traveled down my spine ever so slowly. I should push him away, but like many times before, I couldn’t. His touch, hypnotic and soothing, sent pleasurable shivers everywhere. When he tugged the back of my shirt, I hitched a breath.
“You have one right there.” His finger traced my skin at the lower end of my back, slightly angling down.
“Lucky guess.” I sucked in a breath.
“You got that scar when I got this one.” He lifted his shirt and guided my finger down the scar under his rib cage.
My traitorous trembling hand lingered and I dropped it when Rhett noticed.
With a smug grin, he grabbed my hips. Spreading his strong fingers, he moved up under my shirt. Heat blazed through me. Oh God. Please stop. I closed my eyes for a second to stop my heart from hammering out of control. He’d better not touch me there. I was going to slap him hard.
Or maybe I would let him.
Snap out of it, you lust struck idiot. He’s manipulating you.
“This one is small, but just slightly above ... here.”
His thumb caressed a spot under my left rib, then his other thumb glided on my right side over my faint scar, the one that reminded me of a burst of distorted streaks that may have once resembled a sunrise, as if he knew exactly where it was.
My chest rose and fell in shallow breaths as his hands skimmed my body. His unforgettable eyes, so full of desire and sadness, held me unmoving. He made me want him and I hardly knew him.
I’d never doubted he was the enemy, but what if he’d told me the truth? I didn’t want to believe it. It would confirm my life was more messed up than I realized. I didn’t know if I could handle any more.
“How the hell did you know?”
He settled his hands back on my hips, keeping me locked in place. “I know everything about you, Ava.” His voice confident and bold, I almost believed him.
Maybe he told the truth? He’d touched me like he had touched me many times before, so comfortable, so knowing, and so familiar. If I were a stranger to him, I would assume there would be a little hint of discomfort, but he’d showed none.
“I know your likes and dislikes. We spent a lot of time sneaking around in ISAN.”
I drilled my eyes to his with a challenge. “I don’t believe you. They wouldn’t allow us free time like that.”
He shrugged. “Yeah, they had strict rules, but we found a way. If there’s a will, there’s a way. People are bound to fall in love. It’s inevitable.”
“Stop it. You’re lying.” I yanked away, anger swelling. “Don’t tell me I liked you.”
“I won’t.” Rhett tugged my elbow, closing the gap between us, his nonchalant tone gone. “I won’t tell you how much you liked me, and I won’t tell you how much I liked you. ’Cause I’ll tell you this, no one in this world loves you as much as I do.”
“You ... you can’t. You don’t know me.” I shoved him when I could no longer control the rage and something softened inside me. “How dare you manipulate me?” The walls spun and acid coated my throat. Overwhelmed by his words, butterflies slammed inside my gut. “How can you make me feel this way?” I whispered wearily, clutching my stomach.
Rhett stepped away and raked his hair back. “I’m sorry, Ava. Emotions are the one thing you can’t forget.”
He dragged his feet to the door with his head down.
Before he left, I wanted him to think he didn’t get to me. I wanted him to know whatever had happened a few minutes before meant nothing to me.
“They’re going to find me.” I gritted my teeth. “They’re probably on their way now. Maybe you and your friends should consider packing and moving somewhere safe.”
Rhett laughed softly, almost sadly. “Like I said before, they won’t be able to find this place. Get some rest.”
He dimmed the lights and left.
“I know a place where we can go,” Rhett says, sitting next to me on my bed.
I’m in my room in ISAN. I’m dreaming. “Are you sure? If you’re wrong, then it will be the end for all of us.”
“It doesn’t matter, anyway.” Ozzie plants his hands on my chair. “If we stay, we’re dead. Leaving is our only choice. I’d rather try than go down without a fight.”
What’s he talking about?
Then they disappear. My mind goes blank. And then I’m sprinting with a gun. Ozzie runs ahead of me.
“Stay close to me,” Rhett bellows.
Stay close to me. Stay close to me. Stay close to me.
My eyes shot open to the white ceiling, my breath heavy and emotions flustered from the dream.
What time is it? How long had I been sleeping?
I sat up. Fresh clothes and toiletry items lay at the foot of the bed. Someone must have come in early that morning. I picked up the brush and combed my hair, and then changed into dark pants and a light blue sweatshirt. As I wondered when Rhett would come, the door slid open.
“Hi, Ozzie.” I smiled.
I needed to get on his good side again, just in case I needed information from him. He growled. Or maybe not? He didn’t greet me back.
“I’m here to pick up a few things.”
When I approached, he backed away. “Ozzie, I’m not going to hurt you. I’m really sorry about yesterday. This isn’t who I am.”
Ozzie headed to the medicine cabinet. “I know.”
“It’s just ... I’m so confused. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to act or be around people who think they know me.”
“Just be yourself.” He took out two small bottles and closed his fingers around them. “You’ll figure it out.”
“Is Ozzie your real name?”
He cocked an eyebrow, his blue eyes brighter under the light. “Yes. Why would you ask me that?”
“I thought Rhett’s name was Sniper.”
He closed the cabinet and rotated the silver latch to lock. “It kind of is. Sniper is his nickname. I know you don’t remember, but you gave it to him.”
“Why?”
“You’ll find out soon enough. He’ll gladly show you. You actually gave me one, too.” He shrugged sheepishly.
“Really? What did I call you?” I inched closer.
Ozzie smiled in a way I hadn’t seen before, a warm smile that said I want to show you.
“Let me explain.” He sat in a chair, and his fingers danced over letters. “I’m very good with technology.” He pointed to the screen. “You see that?”
“What is that?”
“It’s a server. It connects all the circuits. I can control it from one unit.” He swiped his fingers over the screen. “We’ve managed to post micro cameras around the perimeter, thanks to Rhett’s aim, and also ...” He paused, swiftly moving his left hand, then right, in a circular and diagonal motion, like some kind of hand dance. “This is the Leviathan Hotel. And this”—he moved them again—“is the ballroom. Like I said, we have micro cameras. I should go to jail for this.”
“You’re a genius.” I wanted to knock myself on my forehead for praising him. What the hell was I saying?
“No, I’m Einstein.”
Had I heard him correctly? My heart thumped in recognition. The word meant something to me. My eyes widened.
He bobbed his head. “That’s my nickname. That’s what you used to call me. You know, ’cause I’m so brilliant.”
Taking a step back, I placed my hand over my chest. “I’m so sorry. I hope I wa
sn’t ... I mean ... did I mistreat you or was I rude to you?”
Ugh! I wanted to take it back. Asking questions meant I believed their stories about me. But, I reminded myself, I needed to be on his good side.
“No. You were cool.” He shut down the TAB and shoved his hands in his pockets.
I blinked, surprised by his comment. “How did you know I would be at the hotel?”
Ozzie drummed his fingers on the table. “I can’t tell you.”
I pressed my lips together, not accepting his answer. I had to probe for more. Then a thought came to mind.
“You’re good with technology.” I restated what he had said earlier. “You hacked into ISAN’s network. You helped Rhett.” I emphasized a bit louder, putting pieces together from Ozzie’s words. “I know it was you.”
Ozzie covered his ears and squeezed his eyes together at the same time, as if my words hurt him, and then a heartbeat later he sat taller with a broad grin. “I’m glad I did. I would do it all again just so we could find you.”
It was not the answer I had expected. Something warm, yet painful tugged my heart, so I kept my lips sealed.
The door whooshing broke the comfortable silence. Rhett swaggered in with a hint of a smile, avoiding me. Wearing jeans and a gray sweater, bags under his tired eyes, stubble lining his jaw and hair disheveled, he managed to look messily attractive.
“What’s taking you so long?” Rhett asked Ozzie. “You were supposed to bring the bottles and take Ava to breakfast.”
Ozzie scratched the back of his head. “Just showing Ava some cool stuff I did.”
Rhett took the bottles from Ozzie and shoved them inside his back pocket. “Don’t tell her too much.” Rhett’s impassive eyes turned stone cold. “Breakfast is almost over and everyone will be moving out to do their jobs. Let’s go.”
“So, bossy.”
“Yeah, he can be.” Ozzie pushed in his chair.
“Are you two friends now? Ganging up on me?” Rhett’s tone became slightly playful. “Someone has to be bossy. Nothing will get done around here.”
Rhett led the way, and Ozzie and I followed.
“Bossy should’ve been his nickname. Is he always grumpy like this?”