Heartthrob (The Bennett Brothers 3)

“Let’s get you out of here and we’ll worry about him later.”

“I’m not sure—”

“Claire, you’re my priority here. Let’s get you to safety, and then we’ll come back for him.”

“I’m not trying to sound unappreciative or rebellious, swear. But he’s in bad shape and needs help. He’s depending on me.”

“How many others are here?”

“I’m not sure, my contact has been limited.”

“Can you guess?”

“I’m certain of five, but there was mention of a staff.” I name off the people I know are here.

“Any of them armed?”

“Not that I know of, but I wouldn’t underestimate Stefan.”

He lets out a huff, his eyes going to the ceiling. After a few seconds, his face comes back to me. “I need to scope out this place.”

“Why don’t we call the authorities?”

“Because they’ll come in blazing and who knows what we’re facing. Stefan

o Martinez is an unpredictable man. We’re trying to avoid gunfire and loss of life.”

“I can draw you a map of what I know,” I offer weakly, trying to ignore the gunfire and loss of life comment.

“That’ll help.”

“Do you have a phone on you? Can I call Mathis?”

“Phones are disabled. The second I broke in the back door, lost signal.”

“What now?”

“As much as I’d like to get you out of here right this instant, it’s time to be smart.”

“How can I help?”

“Go back to Carlos and try to act normal. Take your things to your new room. In the meantime, keep this pen on you. It has a chip in it letting me know your location. If you sense danger or need me immediately, click it twice. There’s a sensor that vibrates on my vest.” He hands me a pen that I shove into my shirt pocket.

“If it helps any, I’m not sure Stefan wants to hurt me.”

“No, I heard the motherfucker through the door. To the outside world, that man is feared. Who would have thought he had a soft side.”

“He’s very fond of his brother,” I add without thinking.

Jay’s expression goes hard. “Captor infatuation,” he rumbles.

“I’m not infatuated.”

“I think it’s the other way around. Let’s roll.” He jerks his head. “You go first. I’ll follow in a bit.”

I take the bags, shoot him one last look, and go to the door. “Be safe,” I whisper and slip through, praying I didn’t just fuck up my chance for rescue.

With each step, I mentally tell myself things are going to be okay. Jay found me. He’s going to take care of me and hopefully get Carlos the medical attention he needs. It’s my job to stay calm, collected, and do what is asked of me without letting on that there is a mercenary somewhere in the vicinity planning to get me out.