Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
She wasn’t willing to let fear of the future cost her what could be the love of her life. He might be upset with her for letting this happen, but she was going to make sure he understood that they were together, and that wasn’t going to change.
Kyle was right, and that wasn’t something that happened often, so she should honor it. There would always be gossip at work, but she couldn’t let that stop her.
She’d made her decision. Now all that was keeping her from the love of her life were five to seven criminals and a big pot of treasure. And a lot of guns. That was all.
A girl did what she had to.
Mateo seemed determined to keep up with the news. He had to go to the bathroom at some point, right? He couldn’t simply sit there for the next forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Could he?
There was a knock on the outer door, and she heard someone shuffling around. There was a conversation in Spanish about whether or not she actually needed food. Like she could eat at this point. Marta’s voice was gruff as she talked to the guy protecting the door. They agreed he could take a break and she would back up Mateo and feed the sad American who probably couldn’t even appreciate her food.
Yep. Definitely in on it, and she was right. She wasn’t about to appreciate anything.
Could she refuse? She didn’t want to eat or drink anything for fear of it having a sedative in it. It’s what she would do. A passed-out captive would be far easier than an awake one.
“After she drinks this juice she won’t be much trouble for the next four hours or so,” Marta said in Spanish. “We can all take a break. I’ve got lunch set up in the dining room.”
Damn it. She’d known they would try it, but she’d been hoping they would wait until nighttime.
Mateo was suddenly interested in what was happening in the living area. He stood and started to move for the door.
Tessa’s heartrate ticked up, and she could feel adrenaline start to pulse. Did she have time? She would bring her hands up over her head and pull them down and apart as hard as she could. Stand up and then slam back and break the chair. Pop up, get her gun in hand, and take them all out.
If Mateo would walk away for a minute and a half it could work. He stopped at the door.
“Let her in.” Mateo turned back to Tessa. “Marta is bringing you food. Eat and drink or there will be trouble.”
“I’m not hungry.” She wasn’t going to let herself get sedated. She had to stay in control. If she went under, they could do anything they wanted to her. They could also move her, and she wouldn’t have any idea where she was or how far away David was.
Mateo frowned down at her, his big body in tight lines. “You will eat and drink whatever Marta tells you to do. Am I understood?”
She was going to have to risk it, but she needed to wait for the exact right moment. She nodded.
Mateo moved back to the door as Marta walked in with a tray. “Decís si te da algún problema. Esperaremos hasta que ella haya bebido todo, quiero asegurarme que no esté consciente antes de dejarla en paz.”
Tessa frowned, hoping she looked like she had no idea what they were saying. Mateo wanted to make sure she drank the whole mug. He wasn’t leaving until he knew she was sedated.
“I’ve been ordered to stay with her even after she’s out,” Marta replied in Spanish as well. “Luis doesn’t want her alone for even a minute, but I think I can handle one drugged girl. Lunch is waiting in the dining room. It might be your only break. Would you rather stay here and I’ll bring you a plate?”
Mateo grunted and walked out, his decision obviously made.
Marta walked in and put her tray on the dresser. This might be Tessa’s shot. She would have to get to the gun before Mateo got back into the room or it would be over.
Marta turned Tessa’s way, the glass of juice in her hand. “You will drink this, girl.”
She was ready to head butt Marta then free her hands. She would have to go for the gun with her feet tied to the chair, but she could do it.
Marta stood in front of her. “Yes, that’s good.”
What?
Marta yawned and then took a drink from the glass herself. “Drink it all up and you can have some food.”
Marta swallowed the rest down and sat the empty glass on the tray. She picked up what looked like a bowl of soup as Mateo poked his head back in.
“Do you want to stay and watch me feed her?” Marta asked as though she couldn’t care less.