Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“They needed to know that you had people watching over you. I needed them to know that I’ve claimed you,” Kestrel told her as he stroked her back to reassure her.
Clinging to him, she nodded. She had loved seeing her parents. They meant the world to her, but she’d found who she was supposed to be in New Zealand. Kestrel was the man she’d always dreamed about and never imagined finding. Working with Celeste… Her friends… She treasured every moment that she had now. Who knew how long this could last?
“Kingsley here,” the voice on the phone announced. “I was waiting to talk to you alone.”
An eerie feeling went down his spine at the thought that Kingsley knew from a distance that he was not with others. Shrugging that off, Kestrel scanned the area. The billionaire who owned the resort could check into the cameras whenever he wanted. Kestrel was almost at the helicopter pad but far enough away that he could find a quiet space to talk.
“Kingsley, tell me what’s going on,” Kestrel prompted.
“Have I told you the helicopter footage of your last tour was amazing?” the older man asked with a rumble of humor.
“I think you’re much too busy to bother telling me that.”
“You’re right. I know you have Magnus, who’s one of the best at picking up chatter, but my sources caught news of a sale of one of the highest traffickers’ targets.”
“Zara?” Kestrel asked.
“The name is never used. It’s possible. Highly probable, I should say.”
“We’ve been on high alert since the first attempt. But thanks. I’ll make sure someone is with Zara at all times.”
“Thank you. She’s special to me. I’ve known her family for years. Her father and I have…collaborated in the past. Zara was as precious as a child as she is today.”
“You knew she would be my Little,” Kestrel stated.
“I had a strong suspicion,” Kingsley hedged. “Life can never be certain. I will forward Magnus any information I have and anything that comes up in the future.”
Feeling the end of the conversation approaching, Kestrel said, “Kingsley, I never got to thank you for saving me. Repaying the marker has given me the one I never thought I’d find. You have my gratitude.”
There was silence on the other end of the line for a few seconds, and Kestrel knew he had surprised the mastermind behind so many rescues. That felt like it should mean something.
“Take care of Zara, Kestrel.”
“I will, sir.”
A click signaled the end of the conversation, making Kestrel stare at the blank screen. A smile curved his lips. Knowing there were people in the world serving as a force for good in the vast quagmire of predatory forces gave him hope. Nodding, he walked back to the path and on to his next tour.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“We need to have a party,” Celeste announced that afternoon in the lab.
“A party?” Zara echoed.
She was trying so hard not to look at the clock. Coming down the elevator had been traumatic this morning. Her Daddy had wrapped her in his arms and lifted her like a frozen statue to carry her inside when she hadn’t been able to step into the metal box. Zara knew she’d have to do it again.
“Hey, are you okay?” Celeste asked.
“No. We have two hours left before dinner, and then I’ll have to get back into the elevator.” Zara tried to breathe, but her chest was tight.
“Should I call your Daddy?” Celeste asked, steering her out of the area where they were conducting experiments.
“No. I don’t want to worry him. I’ll be okay. I have to be okay. I just keep remembering the hatch being flung open, and then the metallic sounds of them prying open the doors,” Zara said, shivering.
Celeste hugged her close. “I can’t imagine. Just hearing about it scares me. But your Daddy saved you. He’s not going to let anything happen to you.”
“He can’t be everywhere.”
“If your Daddy isn’t there, then another of the team will step in. Do you think my Daddy would ever let anything happen to you?” Celeste asked.
“No,” Zara admitted, shaking her head. “It’s just so scary, knowing so many people are after me. You understand; I heard about your story on the news.”
“Our guys seem to have a thing for women in trouble. I think we need to make them matching superhero capes,” Celeste teased, making Zara chuckle as she visualized all the hunky guys in spandex with their capes blowing in the wind.
“Are you seeing what I’m seeing in my head?” Zara asked, pushing back a bit to look at her friend’s face.
“I could love tight body suits.” Celeste waggled her eyebrows suggestively.
“We are so bad.” Zara snickered. To her relief, she felt the anxiety that had threatened to overwhelm her slide away for a bit.
“So bad, we deserve to party,” Celeste said with a wink.