Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Lara sat in the lodge and smiled as she looked around at everyone. There had been times when she wasn’t sure she’d ever see it again. And now she was not only back, she was married and pregnant. It was hard to believe.

Things had been crazy since they’d returned to The Refuge, and she finally had time to reflect on everything that had happened. The ten days or so since she’d been re-kidnapped had been full of ups and downs. She’d learned she was pregnant, Owl was recovering quickly, but had still been in the hospital for almost five days. She’d split her time between staying at the hotel—when Owl insisted—and the small cot next to his hospital bed.

She wasn’t really surprised when she’d gone back to see him after he’d first woken up, and Owl informed her that the arrangements had been made for them to get married right then and there. She’d agreed, they’d FaceTimed with her parents, and right there in the hospital room, surrounded by many of their friends, they’d pledged their lives and love to each other.

It honestly was just a formality. Lara had already mentally vowed to love him for the rest of her life. But she didn’t care if she got married in a hospital room, in a huge chapel, or an office in some government building. After all the huge weddings she’d attended with her family growing up, and seeing all the pomp and circumstance and stress that went into them, she was more than happy to have a low-key ceremony with those she’d come to love the most in attendance. And the fact that Cora was there was icing on the cake.

Yes, she was a romantic, and loved seeing the big ceremonies on TV and reading about them in books…but the reality was, all she wanted was to love someone, and to be loved in return. And Owl fulfilled that and more.

All their friends who’d descended on Seattle had gone back to New Mexico once they were reassured both she and Owl would be all right. Brick had stayed, coordinating with the authorities about finding Stone, and making sure Lara took care of herself and didn’t neglect her own health while she spent as much time as possible by Owl’s side. He’d also made the arrangements when Owl was finally discharged and able to fly back to New Mexico.

Once back at The Refuge, she and Owl had gone straight to the cabin and crashed, not coming out for two whole days. It felt amazing to sleep in their own bed and be back in their home.

Now they were up at the lodge at an impromptu welcome-home party. It felt a little weird to be celebrating when Stone was still missing, but as Alaska had pointed out, Stone wouldn’t begrudge her or Owl a celebration for coming home alive, married, and with a baby on the way.

Robert and Luna had made an enormous amount of food to welcome them back, and everyone was mingling and just happy to be together. Even some of the guests were there, enjoying the festive atmosphere, even if they weren’t completely sure what it was they were celebrating.

Robert approached, and Lara stood, hugging him hard. “Thank you for the box of Christmas Tree Cakes I found in our cabin,” she said with a smile. “I appreciate you sharing your stash with me.”

“Just glad you’re back, missy,” he said gruffly.

A little bit later, Lara thanked Carly and Jess for making sure their cabin was spotless when they arrived.

“It was the least we could do,” Carly said.

“But I know you’re probably even busier, now that…well…that it’s just the two of you cleaning,” Lara said a little hesitatingly.

“It’s fine. Ry still helps out when she can,” Jess reassured her.

Lara was a little sad that Ryan—aka, Ryleigh—wasn’t at the small party, but she guessed the woman probably felt uncomfortable around everyone now, after lying to them for a year. It was still unclear why the woman had lied in the first place, and what or who she was hiding from, but Lara completely understood why she’d chosen The Refuge. It really was a refuge from life, from anything that was troubling you.

She held no ill will toward Ryan, or whatever she should be called now. She simply hoped the woman eventually found the peace and happiness that Lara herself had.

Henley and Reese approached, and before she knew it, Lara was engulfed in a three-way hug.

“I can’t believe you’re pregnant!” Reese exclaimed. “I’m so happy for you and Owl…and myself too! Our kids’ll have someone else to play with.”

“I can believe it,” Henley said a little smugly. “I told you how Owl looked at you when he was in our sessions.”

“How’d he look at her?” Reese asked.

The two women stepped back a bit, inviting Jess and Carly into their circle as they talked.

“He couldn’t take his eyes off her. And you know the look…protective, pissed that someone would dare hurt his woman, and so damn in love he could barely sit still.”

“Oh, that look,” Reese said with a chuckle. “Yup, I know it well.”

Lara felt herself blushing, even as she searched the room for the object of their conversation. She saw Owl sitting in a chair on the other side of the room. He was talking with Tonka and Pipe. As if he felt her gaze on him, he looked up and mouthed, You okay?

Lara nodded and turned her attention back to the women in front of her when she heard them all laugh. “What? What’d I miss?”

“Nothing. You guys are adorable,” Carly told her. “I hope I can find a partner who loves me as much as your man loves you.”

“You will,” Jess told her. “Just don’t rush into things. Patience is key. You’re still young, you have lots of time.”

Lara nodded her agreement as she heard the door to the lodge open. She turned her head reflexively to see who’d come in, but she didn’t recognize the man. She hadn’t seen him around The Refuge since she’d been back, but it was likely he was a guest.

Brick approached him, and though she couldn’t hear what they were actually saying, she froze when she recognized the tone of the man’s voice.

Even though she’d never seen him before, she knew exactly who he was.

Not caring that she was probably being rude by turning her back on her friends without a word, Lara quickly headed toward the stranger and Brick.

The man saw her approach, and he smiled. He was a big man, around six-four. Was probably in his early sixties or so, his navy-blue shirt pulled taut over a big belly, and his hair black liberally streaked with white. In any other circumstance, Lara would probably be intimidated by him. But without hesitation, she walked straight up to him and wrapped her arms around the man as tightly as she could.

“Thank you,” she murmured between her tears. “Thank you so much.”

“You did all the work, darlin’,” the man drawled.

It took a hand on her back, a hand she knew as well as she knew her own name, to give her the strength to step away from the stranger. Lara wiped her face, trying to compose herself, then held out a hand. “Hi, I’m Lara.”

“I’m Lucas, it’s so nice to meet you,” the newcomer said with a huge smile.

“And I’m Callen Kaufman…Owl. You have my undying gratitude. Anything you ever need, you’ve got it.”

Lucas chuckled. “Don’t need much. Got a loving wife, two kids, and five grandkids…I’m good.”

Lara struggled to keep more tears from falling. This man had literally saved her life. Hers and Owl’s. He’d been the miracle she needed when she’d called that mayday over the headset in the chopper. He’d been so calm, so soothing. He’d helped her when she’d needed someone the most, and she’d never forget him.

“We’re pregnant,” she blurted. “And it’s a boy. Well…it’s too early to know that for sure, but Owl insists. And his name is going to be Lucas Jackson.”

The big man stared at her for a moment with his mouth open, before his cheeks turned pink and he swallowed hard. “I…well…alright then. Thank you. Congratulations!”

Lara beamed at him. “Can I show you around?”

“I’d like that.”

“I’ll put your bag in the cabin,” Brick said.

Lara had almost forgotten he was standing with them. Obviously, he’d had a huge part in getting Lucas here, and she thought again how lucky she was to have found such amazing friends here at The Refuge.

“Thanks. Don’t know how you managed to find space for me, but I sure appreciate it,” Lucas told him as he shook Brick’s hand.

“Anytime you want to bring your family here, let me know. We’re usually sold out months in advance, but we’ve recently acquired a free helicopter,” he said with a grin. “So I think some of that unused cash will go toward building a couple of special cabins reserved for friends and family. After what you did for Lara and Owl, you’re among those who qualify.”

These men. Some people might be wary of a bunch of former military men who lived in the forest and ran a hotel of sorts…but not her. The men and women of The Refuge had the biggest hearts of anyone she’d ever met. She made a mental note to get with Savannah, The Refuge’s accountant, and make a sizeable donation to get those friends and family cabins built sooner rather than later. The Refuge might not need her money, but she had plenty of it to share, and she wanted to give back to those who had given her everything.

“Are you hungry?” Alaska asked Lucas, joining them. “Trust me, Robert and Luna have outdone themselves tonight. Let him eat, then you can introduce him to everyone,” she told Lara.

She nodded and watched as her friend led Lucas toward the buffet.

“I hope you aren’t mad that I tracked him down and invited him,” Brick said.

“Mad? Are you kidding? No way. I’m thrilled!” Lara said.

“Good.” He hugged her, shook Owl’s hand, then wandered over to where Alaska was talking a mile a minute to Lucas as he filled a plate at the buffet.

“Did you know he was coming?” Lara asked Owl when they were alone.

“Yeah.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re good at keeping secrets.”

“And you suck at it, I’m guessing.”

“You’d guess right.”

“That’s all right. I’m looking forward to surprising you for the next, oh, hundred years.”

Lara rolled her eyes. “I refuse to live to be a hundred and thirty-five years old.”

“Not me. I’ll take every year, every month, every minute I can, if they’re all by your side.”

Lara grinned. “Flatterer.”

In response, Owl leaned in and kissed her lightly. “Welcome home, sweetheart.”

Home. The Refuge was definitely that and more.

“How’s your leg?” she asked gently.

“Sore. But I’m okay.”

Lara’s brows furrowed.

“Honestly, I’m fine. I want to talk to Lucas. Need to thank him again for talking you through that flight. I won’t overdo it. I’ll let you know when I’m ready to head back to the cabin.”

“All right. Owl?”

“Yeah?”

“Love you.”

He smiled. “Love you too.”

Using the temporary cane he’d been given, Owl headed over to the table where Alaska, Cora, and Lucas were sitting. Smiling, Lara headed back to where she’d abruptly left her friends. She felt like the luckiest woman in the world. She’d been to hell and back, but had come out the other side with not only a man she loved more than anything, but she’d been reunited with her best friend, and had a brand-new group of men and women who would have her back no matter what. It felt amazing.

* * *

Later that night, Lara snuggled against Owl on the couch in their cabin. She was still amazed the man who’d answered her mayday call had made the trip down here to meet her and Owl.

She put her hand on her still-flat belly and sighed when Owl placed his own large hand on top of hers. She smiled at him.

“What’s that smile for?” he asked.

“I’m just so happy. I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders, now that I know for sure I’m finally safe from Carter…as is everyone here at The Refuge. Is it wrong that I feel that way because a human being is dead?”

“No,” Owl said without a drop of hesitation. “I envy you. Not that I think my captors are going to come here to the States and track me down, but knowing some of them are still out there, that they’re spreading their hate, maybe hurting someone else…it sucks. I’m glad Grant is dead. I only wish I could’ve been the one to make that happen for you.”

“Don’t,” Lara said with a shake of her head.

Owl kissed her temple reverently. “I do,” he insisted. “He hurt you. Scared you. I saw the pictures the FBI had of the room where he’d planned on keeping you, on that island.” He shuddered. “Ricky Norman was an asshole, but he did us a favor.”

Lara nodded absently. How everything had gone down was messed up, but the truth was, if it hadn’t happened exactly the way it had…things might be completely different right now.

“Have I told you how thrilled I am that you’re Mrs. Kaufman? And that little Lucas is growing in your belly?” Owl asked as his hand moved down her belly and slipped under the waistband of her leggings.

“Yes,” Lara said, her breath hitching as his finger brushed against her clit.

“I don’t think I have,” he said. Lara could hear the smile in his voice.

Reaching down, she grabbed his wrist. He paused, but didn’t remove his hand from under her clothes.

“We can’t. The doctor hasn’t cleared you for…this,” Lara said.

“I can’t. But you can,” he retorted. “Now lay back and relax. I need this. Please, let me.”

How could she resist when he put it that way? She let go of his wrist and reclined with her head on his lap, careful not to put pressure on his injured leg. She looked up at him. “Touch me, Owl.”

“With pleasure.”

It didn’t take long. Lara hadn’t realized how wound up she’d been. Even though she and Owl were safe, it had still been an extremely stressful week. His fingers expertly brought her to the edge, then threw her over. But he didn’t stop after giving her one orgasm. He teased and touched and stroked her until she was shaking and trembling once more, his fingers buried deep within her.

When she began to come down from her orgasmic high, she saw him lick clean the fingers that had been inside her. He then helped her sit back up and curl against him. Lara noticed his dick was hard in his sweatpants, and grimaced.

“It’s fine,” Owl told her, not missing her reaction. “You can make it up to me when I’m better.”

“I will,” she vowed. “You’ll come so hard you won’t be able to walk.”

He chuckled, tightening his arm around her.

“Owl?”

“Yeah, sweetheart?”

“I want to keep playing that simulator game. Eventually, I want to get my pilot’s license. I never again want to feel as helpless as I did when you passed out. I’m not saying I want to fly tourists or anything, but I want to learn enough to be able to take off and land without thinking I’m going to crash.”

“Done.”

“And I want to continue to work with kids here at The Refuge. Guests’ kids, and eventually our friends’ children…if they want me to.”

“They will.”

“You…” Her voice trailed off as she tried to figure out how to ask what she wanted to without upsetting him.

“I…what?” Owl asked. “You can talk to me about anything. Nothing’s off limits. Nothing. You want to know more about my time as a POW? Ask. You want to ask if I’ll build you a huge house out here in the woods, I’ll do it without pause. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”

“I don’t want a huge house,” she told him. “I mean, if we have those five kids you planned, we’ll need to add on a room or two, but I love this cabin. I can’t imagine ever living anywhere else.”

“Not even Washington, DC? You had a good job, your family’s there. Friends.”

Lara turned a little in his arms so she could meet his gaze. “My parents love me, but they don’t understand me at all. And I didn’t really have friends, just Cora. And she’s here. And yes, I loved my job, and my kids there, but there are children everywhere. Besides…you’re here. Why would I want to be anywhere else?”

“I love you,” Owl said. “So much, you don’t know.”

“I do know, because I love you just as much.”

They smiled at each other.

“What were you going to say or ask?”

“Just that…you didn’t sleep well at the hospital. You woke up in the middle of the night a few times and couldn’t get back to sleep. I know you’ve slept okay since coming home, but that’s probably because you’ve been on painkillers. Do you think your insomnia is back?” Lara had been worrying about that. He’d been doing so well, and she hated to think about him reverting back to his previous problem and suffering from lack of sleep.

To her surprise, Owl grinned.

“What? This isn’t funny,” she said.

“Lara, I was in a hospital. Someone came in every hour or so to check my vitals, or to ask me how I was feeling, or to change my IV fluids. Of course I didn’t sleep that well.”

“Oh. I never heard them.”

“I know,” Owl said with a grin. “You sleep like a rock.”

“I don’t like it when you aren’t sleeping.”

“I know that too. And I’m sure my insomnia will return at times. My brain has a hard time shutting off. When I think about how close I got to losing you…” His voice trailed off.

“You didn’t,” she said softly.

“I didn’t. And I’m very grateful for that. But…”

“But Stone is still out there somewhere,” Lara finished for him.

“Yeah,” Owl whispered. “We promised that we’d always be there for each other. And I let him down.”

“No, you didn’t,” Lara told him, sitting up and frowning. “You were unconscious, Owl. And so was he.”

“I know. But I can’t stop thinking about what he might be going through. We don’t know who took him or why. Where he is, or if he’s even still alive.”

“He is,” Lara said with conviction.

“I love your optimism, but you don’t know that,” Owl said sadly.

“I do. I heard what that guy said when he was dragging him away. He said his boss only wanted one of you. He has to want him for something…and not to just kill him, because that would be stupid. He could’ve had him killed right there in that hangar. He’s alive. And we’ll find him. Ry will.”

“I can’t believe Ryan was the one who found Jasna and tracked Reese,” Owl said with a shake of his head.

It was obvious he was changing the subject, and Lara didn’t push him to talk more about his friend. She had no doubt whatsoever that they’d find Stone…she just worried about what kind of shape he’d be in when they did. But he had the support of all his friends, and there was no better place to heal than here at The Refuge.

“Right? Apparently, she’s a super-level hacker, whatever that is. I heard Brick talking to Pipe about her, and he said even the infamous Tex was impressed with her abilities.”

“Which says a lot,” Owl agreed.

“Tiny’s not happy though,” Lara mused.

“No, he’s not.”

“If he hates her so much, why did he insist that she move into his cabin?” Lara asked.

“I think because he doesn’t trust her not to simply up and disappear. He wants to make sure she sticks around to find Stone.”

“I don’t think she’d do that. Leave, I mean. She wants to find him just as much as the rest of us. I think she feels guilty for not being able to get to us before everything happened. Which is silly, because there was no way she could’ve known that Ricky was working with Carter.”

“You know that, and I know that, but she doesn’t. And I doubt Tiny hates her…in fact, I think that’s part of his issue right now.”

“Oh! I didn’t even think about that.”

“Right. You ready for bed?”

Lara blinked at yet another abrupt change of topic. “You tired?” she asked.

“Exhausted.”

At that, Lara was up and moving like a flash. “Why didn’t you say something before? Come on, I’ll help you up. Does your leg hurt? Do you need another pill? I’ll get you some water.”

“Easy, sweetheart. I’m fine. Just tired.”

“Right. Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry for caring about me. The time will come when the roles are reversed and you’re big with my baby, irritable, and I’ll love every second of rubbing your feet, bringing you whatever it is that you’re craving, and spoiling you rotten.”

“I don’t like my feet being touched. That’s gross.”

Owl chuckled. “Right. Noted.” He stood and pulled Lara closer. “I love you, wife.”

“Wife…I love the sound of that. And I love you too, husband.”

“Take me to bed,” Owl said with a grin.

“With pleasure.”

* * *

An hour later, Owl lay in bed with his wife snoring against him. But he couldn’t sleep. He was mostly content. He was married and had a baby on the way. Lara was finally safe, and she was everything he’d ever wanted in his life that he never thought he’d have.

But…even through all the good things that were happening, even after spending the evening with his friends, he felt guilty. He was happier than ever, but Stone was still missing. Being held against his will, possibly dead. It hurt. Badly. The only reason Owl had gotten through being a prisoner of war was because Stone had been by his side.

And now he was out there somewhere. Probably hurting. Maybe scared. And alone. It sucked. He couldn’t imagine being here at The Refuge, flying that damn helicopter, without him.

His teeth clenched and determination rose within him. He’d do whatever it took to find Stone. They’d get him back. There was no other option.

Hang on, brother. We won’t stop looking until we find you.

Somehow, just thinking those words made Owl feel better. Stone would know his friends were doing everything possible to find him. He’d stay strong until they did just that. The alternative was unthinkable. Owl needed his friend. He felt as if there was a hole in his heart with Stone missing.

Lara shifted against him, and Owl tightened his arms around her as he felt his eyes finally get heavy. Not sleeping through the night had tired him out more than he’d ever admit. He’d gotten very used to a full night’s rest since he’d started sleeping with Lara in his bed.

His wife.

It was almost unbelievable that he, a broken former POW, had found what he’d always wanted without even really trying. It gave him hope that everything would turn out all right in the end. Stone would return, and everyone would live out their lives happy.

Owl fell asleep with a small smile on his lips, thinking that his wife had infected him with her romantic heart. But he wasn’t ashamed; she was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

* * *

Ryan sat at Tiny’s table and tried to ignore the daggers she could feel digging into her back from his gaze. He’d insisted she move into his cabin because he didn’t trust her…didn’t trust she wouldn’t up and leave in the middle of the night.

But she wasn’t leaving. Not until she’d done everything she could to find Stone. She felt responsible. No, she hadn’t kidnapped him. She didn’t have anything to do with what happened in Seattle. But she couldn’t help but feel that if she’d acted on that niggling feeling she’d had that something wasn’t right, she could’ve figured out earlier that Carter Grant had hacked into Brick’s email and found out all about the purchase of the helicopter and their plans.

But she hadn’t…until it was almost too late.

And her spilling the beans about who she was, and everything she’d been doing for her new friends at The Refuge, was all for nothing. By the time everyone had arrived in Washington, Lara had rescued Owl by herself and Stone was gone.

Gritting her teeth, Ry concentrated on the screen in front of her. Her days here in New Mexico were numbered. It was only a matter of time before her father located her. She’d used Brick’s unsecured laptop to hack into the microphone on Owl’s phone, knowing it would open herself up to being found.

Her father had taught her everything she knew, and while she was very good at what she did, her dad was even better. And he had thirty million reasons to track her down.

So she had to find Stone, then get the hell away from The Refuge before her dad did what he did best—ruined everything he touched.

“So…Ryleigh…I’ve been dying to ask you something…” Tiny started.

Ry tensed. After learning her name wasn’t Ryan—a name Tiny admitted he’d never liked—he’d decided to call her Ryleigh. Not Ry…the name she’d asked everyone to use. It was like he was purposely baiting her. Trying to annoy her. And it was working.

She felt like crying. She liked Tiny. He was untrusting, paranoid, and a little rough around the edges, but he was loyal. Extremely loyal. And she understood that his anger toward her was coming from that feeling of being betrayed and his worry for his friend.

It wasn’t her fault Stone had been taken, but she was a convenient target for Tiny’s frustration and concern, and she felt enough guilt to suffer his attitude.

Besides…she was used to others taking out their anger and emotions on her for no good reason.

The last two weeks had been extremely tense around The Refuge. The relaxed atmosphere she’d learned to love had been shattered. Because of everything Owl and Lara had endured, because Stone was still missing…and because of her betrayal.

Ry knew she could slip away when Tiny wasn’t home, could help find Stone from anywhere, but she couldn’t bring herself to leave until it was absolutely necessary. The men and women here…they were family. At least, that’s how she felt. And even though she was no longer spending time with them, she wouldn’t leave until Stone was found.

The guilt that she hadn’t been able to find him already was eating her alive. She’d spent the last two weeks frantically searching the dark web and using all the contacts she had to find any thread she could pull that might lead her to the man who’d taken Stone out of that hangar in Washington.

“Are you listening to me?” Tiny asked.

Sighing, Ry pushed her laptop away and closed it. She turned toward the man who confused her, scared her, and made her want to curl up in his arms and beg him to hold her as tightly as he could.

“Nothing?” Tiny asked in a quieter tone, glancing at the computer.

“Not yet. But I’ll find him,” Ry said firmly. “Whoever took Stone will mess up sooner or later. I just have to follow the threads back from Ricky Norman. He had to communicate with whoever took him. I’ll find how he did it, and that will lead us to the person who has him.” She paused, closing her eyes briefly as she rubbed at her tense shoulder. “You wanted to ask me something?” she said, opening her eyes wearily, wanting to get this latest interrogation over with so she could attempt to get some sleep.

“I’m wondering what has you so scared that you’d give a stranger a buttload of money, just so you could take her job here at The Refuge. What, or who, are you hiding from?”

Ry’s shoulders tensed even further. His question was amazingly insightful. She never said she was hiding; she told him and the other men that she thought The Refuge was a good place to lay low. Most people would assume she’d done something bad. Or was maybe targeting The Refuge to steal from or scam them in some way. But not Tiny. He’d somehow guessed that she was on the run.

“I’m not scared,” she said belatedly.

The disappointment at her lie flashed across Tiny’s face.

Ry hated lying to him. But she couldn’t tell him the truth. He’d want to help. Even if he hated her, he wouldn’t let her come to any harm. She knew that instinctively. But he couldn’t help her. No one could.

As soon as she found Stone, she’d be gone. She had to lie for his own good. For everyone’s own good.

“Right,” he said, sounding angry. “You didn’t eat tonight.”

Ry shook her head, despite being glad for the subject change. “Not hungry.”

“You can’t find Stone if you don’t eat,” Tiny told her before getting up and going into the kitchen. Ry watched as he made a ham and cheese sandwich, slathered with ranch dressing, before bringing it over to the table where she was still sitting. For a moment, she thought she saw concern in his eyes. But when he practically threw the plate on the table and growled, “Eat, Ryleigh,” she knew she had to have been mistaken.

She wasn’t a prisoner, but there were times, like now, when she felt like it.

Tiny went back to his chair, where he resumed glaring at her. Ry tried to ignore the hurt she felt. She’d find Stone, then get out of everyone’s hair.

The farther she was from The Refuge, the safer everyone would be.

* * *

Ten Days Ago

Stone groaned as he rolled against something hard. His head was pounding and he didn’t know why. He was lying on his side in the fetal position, surrounded by pitch black. Blinking to try to see something, anything, Stone suddenly remembered what had happened.

Well, not everything. They’d been in a hangar ready to sign the papers to take ownership of the new helicopter for The Refuge when everything had gone dark.

Reaching up to his head, Stone felt something sticky in his hair. Blood.

Turning on his back in the small space, he realized that he was in a box.

No…what he thought was the sound of a fan running was actually coming from under him. A road. The wind.

He was in the trunk of a fucking car.

His heartbeat sped up and he suddenly couldn’t breathe. It was almost too hard to believe, but he’d been taken captive—again. Wasn’t once enough?

Why was this happening to him? Where was Owl? Was Lara all right? Was this Carter Grant’s doing?

Stone’s mind spun as his panic increased. He couldn’t stop it. Within seconds, he was hyperventilating.

He frantically tried to claw his way out of the trunk, with no luck. He couldn’t use his feet to effectively pound on the lid of the trunk because the space was so cramped. He was stuck.

Even as he gasped for air, Stone came to the realization that he was fucked. He couldn’t handle being a prisoner again. He couldn’t do it! Couldn’t go through the kind of torture that he’d endured before. He had no idea who had taken him or why, but it didn’t really matter.

His limbs shook, his head throbbed, and the panic attack consumed him.

His thoughts shut down completely, his brain too busy trying to manage what was happening to his body. To funnel oxygen to his blood cells to keep his lungs working.

In that moment, in order to deal with the trauma of being taken captive once again, his brain blocked everything but the most basic necessities for life.

Blessedly, he passed out.

When he woke, the memories of the former-soldier everyone knew as Stone would be pushed into the far recesses of his mind…replaced only by the recollections of the civilian known as Jack Wickett.

* * *

Poor Stone…kidnapped with no idea he has a whole group of friends who are worried about him and frantically searching for him. And make no mistake, everyone at The Refuge wants to find him. Luckily, he’s got someone on his side, even if she doesn’t know Stone’s background, she’ll do everything in her power to keep him safe from the man who wants to hurt him…the same man who hurts her every chance he can. Pick up Deserving Maisy to see how it all plays out.

*

And now you know…Anonymous is Ryan/Ryleigh! Her story is coming, but what will be the fallout from what she’s done? How she’s helped? Will Tiny be able to forgive her? Can she help find Stone? Her story is coming in Deserving Ryleigh.

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