Chapter 22

Tory

We leave the house in a hurry, my heart pounding so loudly it feels like it might drown out the sound of our footsteps. Ranger’s hand is firm on the small of my back, guiding me toward the truck he’s pulled up to the front door. His movements are quick and precise, his jaw tight, his eyes scanning the area like a hawk.

“Ranger,” I whisper, my voice trembling as I climb into the passenger seat. “What if they’ve already found him? What if—”

“Stop,” he interrupts gently but firmly, closing the driver’s door and starting the engine in one fluid motion. His dark eyes flick to me, steady and reassuring. “Your father’s strong. He’s got people working around the clock to find him. And I’m here to keep you safe. Nothing’s going to happen to you. I promise.”

I nod, swallowing hard, trying to cling to his words. But the knot in my stomach won’t go away. I glance out the window as we pull onto the highway, the familiar landscape slipping away behind us.

The car ride is silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Ranger’s hands grip the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white, but his eyes are focused on the road. Every so often, his gaze flicks to the rearview mirror, checking for anyone following us.

After what feels like hours, we pull into a gas station. The bright overhead lights are almost jarring after the darkness of the highway, casting long shadows on the pavement.

“I’ll fill up,” Ranger says, turning off the engine. “Do you need anything?”

“I need the restroom,” I reply, my voice still shaky.

He nods, his eyes locking onto mine. “Go ahead, but don’t take too long. I’ll be right here.”

I step out of the truck, clutching my phone tightly in my hand as I head toward the gas station convenience store. The cool night air bites at my skin, and I wrap my arms around myself, glancing back at Ranger. He’s standing by the pump, his sharp gaze following my every step.

I feel a small flicker of relief knowing he’s watching me. I’m safe.

The bell above the door jingles as I step inside, the harsh fluorescent lights making the interior feel sterile and cold. I spot the restroom sign in the corner and hurry toward it, eager to get this over with so we can get back on the road.

The restroom is small but clean enough, and I take a moment to splash cold water on my face, trying to calm my nerves. My reflection stares back at me from the mirror, wide-eyed and pale.

“You’re okay,” I whisper to myself. “You’re okay.”

But the moment I step out of the restroom, something feels wrong. The air feels heavy, the store too quiet. I glance toward the door leading back outside, and my breath catches in my throat.

A hand clamps over my mouth before I can scream, and strong arms wrap around me, dragging me backward. My phone slips from my fingers, clattering to the floor as I kick and thrash against my captor, but it’s no use.

“Shut up,” a voice hisses in my ear, low and menacing.

Panic floods me as I’m dragged out a side door I didn’t even notice before. My heart pounds in my chest, and I try to scream for Ranger, but the sound is muffled by something shoved into my mouth.

The cold night air hits my skin as I’m forced toward a van parked on the side of the building. The back doors are flung open, and I’m tossed inside like a sack of potatoes.

I scramble to sit up, my eyes darting wildly around the dark interior. That’s when I see them.

My blood runs cold.

It’s the same guys from the diner.

Tank Top is there, his cocky smirk illuminated by the dim light overhead. The others are close behind him, their faces twisted into cruel grins.

“Well, well,” Tank Top drawls, crossing his arms as he looks down at me. “I bet you never expected to ever see us again, huh?”

I try to scream, try to kick or fight, but one of them pins me down, his grip like iron on my shoulders. Tears sting my eyes as fear floods every inch of my body.

Ranger.

He’ll realize I’m gone. He has to.

But for now, I’m alone, trapped in a van with the very men I’d been so desperate to avoid. And all I can do is pray Ranger finds me before it’s too late.