Circle of Danger (7 page)

Sure, the Wizard hadn't been there when the young geek tied her up and stripped her, but his drug was the reason she fought the need to tear off Ryker's clothes every second. Was the Wizard's girlfriend a cold bitch that forced him to such extremes? Or was he so ugly he had to drug a woman to have sex with him? That had to be it. No self-respecting man had to drug a woman for any reason.

She finally said, “Yes, way. I'm going with or without you. This is my fight too. You want him for what he did to the women and your operatives. I do too. No woman deserves to be forced into that type of slavery. Plus I have a more personal reason to take him down.”

“You're wrong,” he said in his raspy voice.

She placed her hands on her hips. Both eyebrows rose this time; she waited for him to understand he wouldn't win this time. His amber glare softened.

He sighed and relaxed his stance, his arms dropped. “That's only part of the reason. We do need to stop him from hurting more people, but I'm ramping up this operation because he dared to let one of his men touch you.”

The heat of anger shone from behind his amber eye. She wanted to soothe him, trace his scars and tell him not to worry, but he needed to listen to what she was telling him first.

“You're right. But I wasn't really hurt.” She raised her hand, stopping him from interrupting. “Even so, I was the one he shot up with the drug. That gives me the right to be the one who captures him and forces him to hand over the antidote.”

“What if the plan fails? Chances are he'll sell or kill you.” His voice deepened. He glanced over at Jack and Bryan as if he didn't want them to hear.

“I'm willing to take that chance. If the circumstances were reversed, would you feel any differently?”

He opened his mouth and then shut it. The scars on his face became lighter as he shifted his jaw.

Bless the baby's heart
.

He wanted to argue. She was confident he would think of something else to hold over her. In the meanwhile, he was so cute, looking at her as if he wanted some cotton to wrap her in.

“Meet me downstairs in the shooting range. I want you to work on handling a gun.” His hand pressed into her back. Was he trying to get rid of her? What else was he planning?

“Jack's been teaching me taekwondo.” She sidestepped from his touch. Her nipples had hardened from that simple contact. Being so close, she could smell the soap he'd used that morning. Her chest tightened. He smelled good.

“He's a lousy teacher then.”

“What?” Her hands fisted. “Don't take your foul mood out on Jack. I've been taking lessons from him for only a year. It's not like I can practice every hour of every day.”

What was it about him and Jack? She'd never understand men.

“If you're coming—”

“No if. I'm coming with you.” She jabbed his chest.

He sighed again and looked at the ceiling for a second. “
When
you come with us, you need a way to protect yourself that doesn't involve years of training. A gun. That'll do it. You'll only need the basics. Plus, I'll make sure you know enough not to shoot yourself or anyone else in The Circle.”

“I know how to shoot a gun.” No one could live with a bunch of assassins and mercenaries without learning a little about guns and how to shoot them.

“You're not letting her go,” Jack said, his forehead wrinkling as he looked their way.

“This is between me and Marie. So stay the fuck out.”

“Don't talk to him like that,” she stepped in.

“Jesus H. Christ, woman. He's not on your side.” Ryker growled in his frustration.

“You're not ready to go on missions yet.” Jack shook his head.

She glared at her so-called friend. Whose side was he on? Obviously not hers.

“You know, Ryker is right. Stay the fuck out of this.”

Jack's eyebrows rose but he kept quiet.

Someone please save her from crazy testosterone-filled men. “I'm going to the armament room to pick out a gun.” She turned away and headed toward the door.

“I'll be down there in a few minutes.” Ryker waved over Liam. “Go with her to the basement shooting range and pick out a gun for her to use. Something that'll fit into her small hand.”

She gritted her teeth. He was determined not to listen to her. She would figure out a way to make him. For now, she'd give in and let him
teach
her how to shoot.

“Okay, boss.” Liam walked toward the door. His vivid blue eyes and ebony hair touched with silver at the temples gave him a Pierce Brosnan look. He'd joined The Circle, as he liked to say, “when he was a wee lad,” playing up his beautiful accent. If ever asked about returning home to Ireland, he would shake his head and change the subject. The man was a genius at
finding
any kind of equipment or supplies The Circle could need. Plus he was a dangerous man to cross. The gossip was he never met a weapon he didn't like. Since the previous security officer defected to the OS, he handled security and logistics for The Circle.

She'd just stepped out into the hallway when someone shouted.

At the other end, two guards had the arms of a man with neon-blue hair pulled back into a long braid. He used their hold to jump up and twist his body, taking the men down with him. Before they could recover, the man was running toward her.

“M
ove!” Ryker shoved her behind him. “Stop, asshole.” He pointed his gun toward the threat.

The man slid to a stop. He slowly raised his hands and focused his dark almond-shaped eyes on Ryker.

“Collin Ryker sent me.” Instead of the expected Asian accent, he spoke English with a slight drawl. “The Wizard has something of mine. So you can let me go with you to find him or I'll follow.”

“How's it going, Ice?” Jack moved to the side and nodded toward the man. “My brother's still having problems with his ex-fiancé since she's working with him now?”

“A. J.?” Ice Takahashi cocked his head. “I stay out of Rex's business. Safer that way.”

Ryker knew of Ice, that he'd acquired his name from what ran through his veins. Of all the stories bandied about, one was that he'd tracked down and killed his own father.

If a man didn't protect his family, he was a man not to be trusted. In Ryker's way of thinking, a good reason for him to leave.

“I don't give a damn what he has of yours.” Ryker lifted his chin. “Go back to Collin and tell him to keep his nose out of my business.”

“He said you would say that. He told me to tell you that you owe him.”

Ryker straightened his shoulders and stepped closer to the man. “I don't owe him jack-shit.”

“He said you took his kill.” Those cold dark eyes stared back.

Ryker knew most would agree he had the greater right to the kill if they knew all of the facts.

“Boss, you want me to throw him out?” Liam shouldered his way through the crowd surrounding Ice.

Ryker had to give his little brother credit. Collin was a smart man. He had to be to escape Theo's perverted clutches all those years ago. If only Ryker had known too. The years of pain and depravity the man had forced on him. The way he made him beg. Now wasn't the time to think of that.

His brother was known for being a master strategist. Whatever reason he sent Ice would most likely be revealed in its own good time.

Ryker nodded. “Okay. Jack'll get you up to speed on our plan.”

 

C
HAPTER
S
EVEN

R
yker pressed the gas a little harder after rounding the curve. The roads in and near Gatlinburg were narrow and curvy. He heard Marie moving around, probably trying to get comfortable. A few miles back he'd stopped to tie her up and place her in the trunk. They'd padded the trunk the best they could without it being obvious. Before leaving Sector, they made sure she had plenty of air, and confirmed that there were no holes in the mufflers. He didn't want to arrive and find her sick or worse.

Before leaving, he'd argued with her again. The mission was dangerous enough and could easily change into a fiasco. So he'd worked on the plan for two days before they left Sector—every scenario covered—but anything could happen.

Only one problem he hadn't counted on popping up.
Up
being the significant word. His cock was hard as the stainless steel knife taped under his biceps. Tying her up was an erotic task better done during a different time and place. The way the rope pressed into her delicate skin and the surprised moans she made behind the gag.

Damn! He better get his mind on the job. He lifted a leg and shifted his cock to a more comfortable position. No doubt about it, he was one sick fuck.

A good enough reason to stay in control and not let Marie know how she affected his concentration. So far they'd been lucky: no flashbacks to contend with during the mission. But the thought of dominating such a vibrant woman heated his blood, just as the thought of her fighting back made his whole body throb. If he hadn't known better, he would swear he'd been dosed with the drug.

“Hey, boss. You're coming up on the first checkpoint,” Liam said through the miniature communication device in his ear.

Once he travelled along another hairpin curve, he spotted the two guards ahead. A large black SUV blocked the way. On top of the vehicle spotlights lit up the road. He dropped the Mustang Shelby GT500 to a crawl, signaling to the submachine gun-toting guards he wasn't planning to ram them. He stopped in the middle of the brightest area.

The shorter of two guards came up to his window as Ryker rolled it down.

“You need to turn around. This is a private road.” Redheaded with freckles across his nose, he looked like a grown-up Opie.

“I've got a present for the Wizard.” Ryker made sure the guard's flashlight hit him in the face. Most people knew if a man had scars like his, a submachine wouldn't scare him. In fact, they usually scared the one looking on.

“Shit!” The guard stepped back. “Uh, what kind of present?”

He opened the door. The guard lifted his gun and the other one came to attention, pointing his at Ryker too.

“Whoa! Take it easy, fellas. I'm getting out to show you. She's in the trunk.” He towered over the short man. The guard moved back a little more, but kept his gun on him.

“She?”

“Yea, dickwad. The Wizard sent out word he's looking for her and willing to pay.” Ryker pressed the remote button, and the trunk lid popped open.

Marie's wide-eyed look had his heart pumping. If they hadn't practiced that expression, he would've given away the game by scooping her out of the trunk and apologizing for putting her in harm's way.

T
he guard blasted the light into Marie's eyes. She squinted and turned away.

“She fits the description.” The guard's flashlight travelled down her body. “What's your name?”

Ryker said, “Ty Roman.” Most of the underworld knew of the infamous bounty hunter and psycho assassin. What the underworld didn't know was that Ty had been taken prisoner a few years ago by The Circle and then disappeared. He'd stuck his nose in the wrong person's business.

The guard's loud gulp confirmed he'd heard of Ty.

“Hal, call headquarters and tell them Ty Roman's bringing in the girl for the money.” The guard kept his gun trained on Ryker as he backed up. “Close the trunk and go on up the road for about a mile. They'll be waiting for you. Go slow. They'll need time to open the gate.”

Then the world went dark with a slam. She could hear a few more muffled words exchanged. Then the car rocked when Ryker slipped into the driver side and closed the door. He cranked up the engine, and they started moving again.

A couple minutes later, she heard Ryker talking with someone, though she couldn't make out the words. He'd been careful tying her up, but the trunk wasn't all that big and she was getting a cramp in her right leg. Most people probably thought the trunk would be comfortable situated over the shocks. No. She felt every bump and dip, and her legs cramping didn't help matters. Of all the bad things Master had done to her, thankfully closets and rope didn't factor into it.

Stretching, she kicked, thumping against the side, hoping to get the feeling back. Then she heard laughter. They probably thought she was trying to escape.

The car rocked to a stop. Ryker would open the trunk any minute with the Wizard's men looking on. Or the Wizard himself could show up. Whoever opened the trunk, she hoped they hurried. The gag pinched the corners of her mouth, and her skin burned from where the rope rubbed her wrist. Deep inside, she knew the irritation stemmed from the nervousness twisting her stomach into knots. Time to prove to Ryker that she had the stuff to work undercover and be an operative instead of an IS geek.

Being involved in such covert jobs should be a snap. She'd been surrounded by operatives for over eight years and often had to lie and pretend to be someone else to survive.

The trunk popped open.

Showtime!

Marie liked how effortlessly Ryker scooped her out of the trunk after he knocked one of the guards out of the way. He acted proprietorial and all, but she had to remind herself his actions were all a sham for the Wizard's people. All a part he played as a bounty hunter bringing in his meal ticket.

“I got her. No one touches her until I get my money.” Ryker held her close to his chest, one arm around her back and the other at the bend of her knees. Without a free hand, he gambled with his and Marie's lives, but he suspected their interest in reclaiming her would protect them long enough to do what was needed.

“Like we can't take her from you.” One guard smirked and aimed his Uzi at Ryker.

“Stupid, that's Ty Roman,” another guard warned.

“So what! He looks like Freddy Krueger. Scars don't mean shit. 'Sides, who says he's really Ty? No one alive knows what he looks like.”

“He's got the girl. That's all that matters. So shut the fuck up!” a voice said from the shadows.

She stiffened. The guy who had shot her up with the drug stepped into the light. Skinny with greasy hair sticking up in every direction, he wore a T-shirt that read, “Stud Muffin.” Talk about an oxymoron.

“Yeah. That's her.” He glanced over to Ryker. “Did you get to enjoy some of the merchandise?”

The glint in his eye worried Marie. How would he react to the truth?

“Some man was giving it to her when I interrupted. So you would need to talk with him. If he's awake yet.” Ryker shifted her in his hold. “She's heavy. Let's talk inside after I sit her down.”

Hey, she didn't appreciate that. She glared at Ryker.

“Yes.” The guy nodded but he didn't move. His stare remained on her. Something was wrong.

Afraid that he noticed her lack of fear, she wiggled as if she struggled to get down. Ryker lost his grip and her feet hit the ground. Without hesitation, he picked her by the waist and tossed her over his shoulder. She grunted as all the air left her lungs.

“Come on in. We have a room fixed up perfect for her.” The guy strode up a long sidewalk that came to a side door to the house.

From what she could see upside down with blood rushing to her face, the building was huge. The full moon lit it up enough for her to see three stories with two of them hanging over what might be a ravine as she heard water rushing over rocks nearby.

The room they walked into appeared to have wall-to-wall electronic equipment: computers, monitors, large screens with different channels playing at the same time. The large treadmill in the center of the room threw off the geek vibe. Obviously, Mr. Stud Muffin worried about his body.

They continued to the farthest wall where one plain door separated large game and movie posters. The fellow shoved opened the door and stood to the side. He smirked as Ryker walked into the other room. After being in such a big space crammed with noisy equipment, the tiny bedroom came as a bit of a shock to the system. A light blue blanket covered the double bed and a long dresser and mirror covered one wall, and that was all. No decorations, windows, or closet doors broke up the blandness.

“You can leave her there.” He pointed to the bed. Her stomach sunk. What was he planning?

Ryker threw her on the bed. She bounced, landing on her back and tied hands. The mattress almost enveloped her with its softness.

“Come back in here and we'll have a drink while you count your money.” The geek walked out.

Ryker bent over to pull off the tape from her mouth.

“Better leave that on for now. She'll be fine.” Without seeing if Ryker followed his orders, he turned and headed toward the bank of screens.

The look Ryker gave her could only be called a warning. They didn't have much time. Finding the girls was top priority, along with the antidote for the drug. The Wizard was the likely candidate to possess that.

Well, crap!
The tingling sensation racing across her torso warned her that the drug was kicking in. Now wasn't the time. She closed her eyes and thought about being in the snow and ice during the winter—anything to take her mind off having hot sex with Ryker, his strong fingers touching her. His warm body against hers. His mouth covering the place that ached.
Double crap!

Ryker needed to hurry.

“M
r. Roman, what's your poison?”

Poison? Ryker shook his head. What did the bastard think he was? Some super-villain from a James Bond movie?

Ryker noticed a guard closing the door into the bedroom. Two guards stood near their boss at the far end of the bar. Another stood near the exit, although all continued watching some action movie on the screens. If they had been his men, he'd fire them. For now, their inattention would come in handy.

“I don't drink while I'm working.” Ryker crossed his arms and glanced at his watch. In four more minutes, Liam and his men would attack. And during the noise and excitement, he'd release Marie, and they would get the hell out of this crazy house while his men found the other women and maybe the Wizard.

The nerd pressed a series of buttons on a wall, and a bank of monitors lifted as a long bar slid out of the wall, complete with mirrors and shelves of glasses and booze, revealing another door.

“Single-minded in purpose. I admire that in a person.” The nerd picked up a tumbler and poured a generous portion of Jim Beam. “Relax. The job is over. You appear to be the type who appreciates good whiskey.”

With a shove, he slid the glass down the bar to Ryker.

Two minutes left. Ryker anticipated they'd drag by.

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself.” The nerd poured another tumbler full of whiskey and raised the glass. Ryker ignored his and stared at the man. “The name is Malcolm Reynolds.” He held out his hand.

“How's Zoe and Kaylee?” Ryker tilted his head and raised one eyebrow. A buzzing sounded in his ear. His men were breaking into different rooms of the house, preparing to take out more of the nerd's men.

The look on the man's face almost caused Ryker to chuckle. The asshole thought he was so smart using a defunct sci-fi television series' character name.

“You surprise me, Mr. Roman. I would never guess you to be a fan of
Firefly
.”

“It's not good to pigeonhole people by their professions.” Ryker leaned against the bar. He forced himself not to look at the bedroom with Marie inside. “Take you, for example. Some people might think a fellow who loves video games and computers must be super smart. But you and I know that's not absolutely true.” The nerd's smile faded with each word.

“Do tell me more?” The nerd poured four fingers' worth of whiskey and took a big swallow.

“I prefer knowing who I'm talking to.” He needed a name. At the least, a better fake one than he'd been given before.

“Bill Henderson.”

Yeah. That sounded real.

“Let's see, Billy—”

“Bill.” The nerd slammed down the glass, sloshing good bourbon onto his hand and the bar.

Ryker grinned. His scars prevented him from giving a nice, even smile. Instead, it was most apt to resemble a smirk.

“It's like this, Billy.” Something about the kid irritated the hell out of Ryker—besides his being the one who shot that crap into Marie. Maybe he enjoyed taunting him because he thought he was so much smarter. “During the time your men let me through and brought me inside—and you kept me close to your side because I make you nervous—my men have been searching through your house for the women you kidnapped.” The panicked look Ryker received brought a deep satisfaction in knowing the fellow wasn't as smart as he thought. “I'm just curious. How will the Wizard feel about you losing his income?”

“You son of a bitch!” Billy threw his glass and ducked behind the bar.

Ryker leaned to the side. The glass shattered on the floor behind him. He jumped over the bar and then backed up. Billy pulled a gun. Before he could fire, Ryker kicked out, sending it flying through the air. Billy disappeared through the doorway behind the bar, and three of the guards followed. Before Ryker gave chase, the last guard in the room shouted and fired. Shots zinged by his head as it rained glass around him, and another guard ran into the room.

Ryker dove for the floor. Then he spotted the sawed-off shotgun on another shelf. Without thinking, he pulled it out and peeked over the bar, firing at the nearest guard. The scream shook up the other guard. Without thinking, he turned toward his buddy. Ryker pumped the shotgun as he stood and fired again.