Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
I listened to his voice in my head. The soothing cadence of his tone when he would hold me after we made love. The way he could calm me with his presence. How he touched me. Cared for me.
I knew now, without a doubt, how much I wanted a life with him. More than I wanted anything else. Even my career, which had been the one constant in my life.
I wanted it all with him. I wanted to marry him. Have children. Watch them grow. Bounce their babies on my knee and spoil them. Sit back and grow old with Egan, watching the way time would soften our bodies and gray our hair, but not change our love.
A future I could see but might never have.
I wiped at the tears in my eyes, tucking my legs closer as another wave of shivers racked my body. The waterworks didn’t stop, and I gave in, letting them run down my face and sobbing into my hands.
“Please, Egan,” I begged. “Please.”
I cried until I was exhausted. Until I slipped into the darkness, joining it.
“Sofia,” a voice called softly in my dream. “Iubirea mea, it’s me. I’m here.”
I lifted my head, the room still dark, my hopes dashing as I realized I was dreaming.
Until a noise made me glance toward the door and I saw the glimmer of light under it.
The voice spoke again.
“Sofia,” it called. “Can you hear me? It’s Egan.”
“Egan?” I responded, my voice raspy, still unsure if I was hearing things.
“Yes. I’m here.”
“Egan, there’s a bomb! Don’t come in here!”
“I know, my love. I’m going to get you out, but I need your help, okay?”
“Yes,” I sobbed.
“Don’t cry, my brave girl. Please. I need you.”
I sat up straighter, wiping my eyes. “Tell me what to do.”
“I am going to slip a light under the door so you can see. And a small camera. You will have to help me guide both of them safely to you.”
“Okay.”
I heard something, and then light filled the room. I blinked, and Egan waited until my eyes were used to it. He kept talking, encouraging me, and I heard another voice.
“Who is there?”
“Marcus and Julian. Damien is outside, and so is Matteo. You are safe now, Sofia. We will not leave you. Be patient, and I’ll have you out soon. Have your eyes adjusted?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, I’m sending in the camera. You tell me how to get it to you.”
I watched it, directing him, avoiding the wires and box sitting in front of me. When it was close enough, I gingerly reached over and picked up the thin wires and tiny devices.
“I have it. What now?”
Egan’s voice was calm.
“Now you’re going to help me dismantle the bomb.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Egan
Hearing the fear in Sofia’s voice caused my entire body to slow down. I focused on her and her alone. This was my one task. I calmed, my mind suddenly clear. There was nothing but the job. I was Egan Vulpe, the Specialist. Explosives expert. I had been taught by the best, and I had forgotten more about the art of bombs than Alex would ever learn.
I could defuse this inferior piece of garbage.
I spoke calmly. “Sofia, hold the camera and light over the box. I will direct you where I need them to go.”
Her hands were trembling. From cold, fear, or both, I didn’t know.
“I will have you free soon. Trust me, my love. I just need you to stay calm and focus with me, all right?”
“Y-yes.”
“Turn the camera to your face.”
She did, and I studied her in the dark and shadows. I could see the bruises on her skin, the terror in her eyes. “I have you now, and nothing is going to happen, except soon you will be in my arms. Know that above everything else.”
“Okay.” She drew in a breath that stuttered and caught. “I love you, mio guerriero.”
“You can say that to my face shortly. Now, turn the camera back to the box so I can render it useless. I need to hold you.”
Her hand trembled as I directed her, studying the box. I had her hold the light and trace the wires back to the door. Knowing I was there, she was braver and able to stand and move a little. I narrowed my eyes as she let the light spread around the room. I traced the pathways, seeing his plan. Finding his flaws. Laughing at his ineptness. I was going to let his bomb blow, but only once I got Sofia out. He had made it overcomplicated, the box the last thing to blow. The delay he put on the sequence worked in my favor.
“Okay, iubirea mea. I have it.”
Damien murmured in my ear. “Are you sure?”
“Positive,” I assured him. “Get Matteo back to the van. Have the blankets ready.”
“On it,” Matteo said. “I’ll be there fast.”