Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

Kat

I have no clue how much time has passed and while I expected the cruel man named Bellamy to fuck around with me, he's been strangely quiet. I can still feel his ominous presence though, and every once in a while, he leaves the small office we're in.

I only know this via sound because when the brown-eyed man came back from parking the vehicle, I was blindfolded and zip-tied to the metal chair. While the plastic ties aren't overly tight, I can't help but struggle against them. My skin is chafing, so I try to hold still.

I can't see anything but a thin haze of light at the bottom of the cloth tied around my face, and my cheek throbs from the two backhands I received. I don't need a mirror to know it's bruised and swollen because I've taken enough falls from horses to know what such abuse does to my body.

Try as I might, I could not get either man to answer my barrage of questions once the blindfold went on. My first one I asked tentatively, afraid I might get hit again. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because we can." This was from Bellamy, his voice deeper and more gravelly than his partner, his words sneered with contempt. I can only glean he's a woman hater with the small bit of knowledge I have.

But the other man added, "It's not for you to worry about. If everything goes according to plan, you should be released soon."

"If everything goes according to plan?" I echoed. "What does that mean? Why am I involved? What's this really about? Am I ransom for something, because my parents have money and will give whatever is needed to get me back? If you let me make a call, I'm sure I can speed things up."

Neither one answered and it made me more desperate. My voice was nearly hysterical. "Please tell me something. Anything. Are you going to hurt me? Is this retaliation because if so, I don't deserve this."

Something hard pressed against my head and I knew instantly it was a gun. Bellamy spoke close to my ear, punctuating his words, "Shut. The. Fuck. Up. Or. I. Will. Shoot. You. In. The. Head."

"Enough," the other man barked and the gun was gone. It fell silent in the office, but I was scared enough to keep my mouth shut.

Since then, I've had time to think of all the good things waiting for me in my life. My family, my horses, my sweet little Sylvie.

Gabe.

I wonder what he thinks that I never showed up to his place tonight. There's a part of me that worries he'll take it as a blowoff and this tenuous relationship we've tried to reestablish will be shot all to hell. He'll learn differently once he finds out I've been kidnapped.

More than likely, Gabe is going to be worried. I'm assuming my phone is still back in Lexington near my vehicle where I dropped it. I expect he's probably tried calling but has enough time passed that he'd call the police? Would he potentially call my parents or Ethan? If he did that, it would expose our relationship and that's not something I want.

But I don't want to be kidnapped either. I don't want the threat of rape or death hanging over my head because it's done nothing but cause a constant roll of nausea in my belly and heart-pounding fear in my chest. I think I'd gladly take Gabe exposing our relationship if it meant the police will be storming in here to rescue me.

Except… how will they know where I am? I have no clue why I'm even here because my captors have frozen me out.

I mull over their reluctance to talk or show me their faces, and the best I can figure out is that they have no intention of being caught. They are limiting my knowledge and the more they keep secret from me, the more hopeful I am that I'll come out of this alive.

The door rasps open and I listen intently to the scuff of shoes across concrete flooring and then the closing door. My ears strain to pick up anything and I believe I'm alone.

Not that it is of import, because I've dutifully followed the order that I keep my mouth shut. I try to roll my shoulder, aching from the position I've been sitting in. I twist my wrists slightly and wince at the rub of the zip ties against my tender skin. I stretch out one leg, then the other, and try to shift on the hard seat because my ass hurts. My cheek hasn't stopped throbbing and the pain has overtaken my entire head in the mother of all headaches. The intermittent bouts of tears I've shed haven't helped at all and my throat is so parched, I'd kill for a sip of water.

The door opens again and I freeze a moment before cocking my head that way. Footsteps approach and I tense but then someone is cutting my ties free. My inclination is to bolt but instead, I force myself to remain calm and merely rub at the tender skin.

"Your boyfriend has come to get you." I recognize the voice of the brown-eyed man.

My mind reels from his words because why in the world would Gabe be involved in my kidnapping? Why would he be the one to pay the ransom?

The blindfold is lifted from my face and the light is too harsh, so I'm forced to squint against the blinding glare.

"Let's go," he says, taking my upper arm to guide me out of the office.

At the far end of the building where we entered I think a few hours ago, I see the rolling doors have been pulled wide and three vehicles sit parked, headlights on. It bathes that end of the warehouse in light, but the men standing there are silhouetted. The closer we get though, I can see Gabe's G Wagon and it's as my captor said… my boyfriend has come to get me. A large SUV looks like the one we rode in to get to this place and next to it is a black Mercedes sedan with dark tinted windows.

There's no rush of joy or relief though, because it can't be as simple as Gabe bringing something in exchange for me. I was freaking kidnapped off the street at gunpoint, beaten and then threatened to be shot. These are dangerous men and I can only hope Gabe knows exactly what he's dealing with.

Someone gets out of the back seat of the Mercedes and I squint the closer we get, trying to make out the figures. The wash of illumination from the headlights hurts my eyes after being blindfolded for so long.

"There she is," the man from the Mercedes says, but I can't see the details of his face due to the searing headlights. I raise a hand up as a partial shield, hoping to cut some of the glare so I can see who's talking. "Safe and sound. Do you have the Shadow Reserve?"

"I have it," Gabe says, and my head whips that way. A figure moves toward me and I notice another one walking beside him. Gabe and…

My jaw drops open as I make out my brother Ethan. What in the hell is going on? I want to scream at everyone standing here but I don't forget these men are armed.

Gabe comes to stand before me, his eyes locked on mine for a moment as if trying to convey a message. I think it's assurance and that makes me feel marginally better but then his gaze drops to my cheekbone. His hand cups me under my chin, turning my head so he can get a better look, and his jaw hardens.

He doesn't turn to face the other men but grits out, "Who hit her?"

"I did," Bellamy confesses with actual pride in his work and Gabe looks over his shoulder. I can see him standing there but the mask is off now. He's got short-cropped hair, those glacial eyes and a sneer on his lip. I note the brown-eyed man also has his mask off now. He has blond hair, but he looks no kinder, not the way I'd made him out to be.

"Let's make the exchange." This from the man who exited the Mercedes. He's just a middle-aged, average-looking man in a business suit. "You got the girl, now give me the bourbon."

"Bourbon?" I say in confusion.

Gabe's attention comes back to me. "I'm so sorry this happened but you're safe now."

Leaning down, he presses his lips to my forehead and then takes my hand. He leads me over to Ethan and says, "Watch her."

I'm dumbfounded and utterly confused as Gabe moves to the G Wagon. He opens the rear door and walks back around holding a case of what I'm assuming is bourbon… Shadow Reserve they called it?

He sets it down on the ground though and looks at the man in the suit. "You said she'd be unharmed, Rafferty. But your guy hit her. Bruised her. That can't go unpunished."

Tugging his cuff down, the man clasps his hands before him. "So I did. What did you have in mind?"

Gabe rolls up his shirt sleeves and then removes his watch, shoving it down into his pocket. "I want five minutes with your guy."

My head whips toward the man who hit me and he remains stone-faced, awaiting his boss's direction.

"No," I exclaim and try to move to Gabe, but Ethan holds my hand tight. Gabe doesn't even glance at me, his eyes pinned on the man he wants a piece of. I turn to Ethan and hiss, "What the hell is going on?"

His green eyes meet mine and I see censure in them. "We have a lot to talk about. But later. I want to watch Gabe kick this guy's ass."

"Very well," the man named Rafferty drawls in an attempt to sound cultured yet slightly annoyed. He looks at Bellamy and jerks his head toward Gabe. "Please avail yourself to Mr. Mardraggon."

Without a word, Gabe and Bellamy square off. Gabe's body is taut as the blue-eyed man circles him, fists raised. The headlights throw stark shadows, making the scene feel more like a duel than a brawl. Bellamy lunges, throwing a heavy punch aimed at Gabe's head. Gabe dodges to the left, and I gasp as Bellamy's fist passes just inches from Gabe's face.

Counterattacking, Gabe throws a quick jab that connects with his opponent's jaw, but it's a light touch, a warning. Bellamy sneers, wiping his mouth, and charges again. This time he's faster, his large fist catching Gabe off guard and landing a solid hit against his cheek. I cry out and squeeze Ethan's hand hard, fearful of what might happen.

Gabe stumbles backward but recovers quickly. Rolling his shoulders, he waits for Bellamy's next move. He's overconfident and charges without thought. As he comes forward aiming for another heavy blow, Gabe steps inside his reach, delivering a sharp uppercut to the man's stomach. It knocks the wind out of him, and he doubles over.

Not giving my attacker a chance to recover, Gabe grabs the back of the man's head, pulling it down as his knee comes up, striking the man's face. Blood spurts from his nose, causing him to roar and swing wildly. Gabe easily backs away from the sloppy attempts to strike him.

When Bellamy lurches upward and throws his fist, Gabe blocks the clumsy effort and delivers two rapid strikes, one to the kidney, another to the ribs, each hit precise and forceful. The thug cries out in pain, his body curling defensively. Gabe steps back, watching as the man struggles to maintain his footing and it would be a good time to walk away. But Gabe isn't done.

With an almost gleeful look of determination, Gabe advances on Bellamy, now panting heavily, his face etched with misery and smeared blood. I watch astonished as Gabe throws a series of hard, fast punches, targeting the head and body, each strike delivered with fury and protectiveness. The man tries to retaliate, but his punches are slow, easy for Gabe to sidestep.

Finally, with a powerful right hook, Gabe sends the man crashing to the ground, unconscious. Standing over his fallen opponent, Gabe breathes heavily, his fists still ready, his body primed for more, but the fight is clearly over and I wonder if he feels vindicated in some way. I know that I didn't mind watching, now that it's all said and done.

Gabe reaches into his pocket and pulls out his watch. As he fastens it back on his wrist, his gaze moves to Rafferty. "I assume we're done and that I won't see your guys anymore."

Rafferty smiles and steps forward, hand outstretched. "Pleasure doing business—"

"Fuck off," Gabe growls and nods down at his man on the ground. "Or else I'll put you right down beside him. If I see you or your men anywhere near me or mine, I'll throw the full power of my empire behind destroying you."

The smile slides from Rafferty's face and he flushes red. With a curt nod, he says, "Understood."

Gabe, Ethan and I stand still as Rafferty gets back in the Mercedes. The blond goon helps Bellamy up from the ground and they leave in the SUV. It's only then that a long, pent-up breath is released and my shoulders sag.

"Let's get you home," Ethan says, his arm around my shoulders. He pulls me into his side protectively, guiding me toward the G Wagon, and I know he's sending Gabe a message.

I pull free from my brother's grasp and move to Gabe, who oddly hasn't come near me. He stands with his hands loose at his sides but he looks like he's ready to blow into a million pieces. I glance down, see blood on his knuckles and reach for them to inspect, but he steps back.

I shake my head, censure in my tone. "Don't do that. Let me see your hands."

"I almost got you killed," he growls. "Not quite worried about my hands."

Ethan steps forward, touches my shoulder. "Come on, Kat."

"No," I snap, rolling my shoulder so his hand's thrown off. I step in close to Gabe, tipping my head to look up at him. "What was all this about?"

"Paying a debt my dad owed," he grits out. "He bet a case of rare bourbon and I refused to give it to Rafferty. They took you, so yeah… my fault I almost got you killed."

"You couldn't have known they would kidnap me," I scoff.

"Doesn't matter," Gabe says, heading around the front of the G Wagon. "Ethan's right. Let's get you home. Your family will want to see you."

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know Gabe is riddled with guilt and while I want to have a long talk with him—to thank him for rescuing me and to work through his feelings—I can't do it with Ethan in the car. I also don't feel like getting into it with my brother as I know the inevitable argument will come about me seeing a Mardraggon. So I wait and bide my time.

The ride back to Shelbyville is utterly silent. Ethan chose the front seat, forcing me into the back, and as I sit on the passenger side, I study Gabe's taut profile, his jaw locked in anger. His gaze seems a million miles away as he drives us home.

When we pull up to my family's house, the door is flung open and everyone—except Sylvie who I assume is sleeping—pours out. Ethan texted them on the way home I was safe and next thing I know, I'm out of the vehicle and being passed around for hugs. It's a whirlwind, being hugged, kissed, twirled and looked over critically by my mother who insists on getting ice on my face.

The sound of Gabe's vehicle reversing gets my attention and I jerk away from my mom. Gabe is actually turning around to leave.

Without talking to me.

Without saying goodbye.

Without some type of explanation as to what happened, not just tonight but where we stand right now.

I run over to his SUV as he's still in reverse, slamming my hands down on the hood to glare at him through the windshield. His expression is inscrutable as we engage in a staring contest.

"Just let him go," Wade calls out, but I don't budge an inch.

"It would be good fucking riddance," Trey mutters.

"Don't," Ethan growls, and I jolt slightly at the anger in his tone, but I don't take my eyes off Gabe. "He got Kat back safe at great cost to himself and on top of that, he kicked the shit out of the man who hit her."

"Let's go inside," my father says and that surprises me. I would put him firmly on Team Hate Mardraggon with Trey and Wade. And despite how my dumbass brothers act all overprotective, it's my dad Gabe should fear.

He's letting me handle this on my own which doesn't necessarily say he trusts me, but rather… he must trust Gabe to some extent. It's probably sunk in the way it has with Ethan, that he went to great risk tonight. Probably personal expense too, as I have no clue what that case of bourbon was worth, but enough to warrant a kidnapping.

From the corner of my eye, I can see my family moving toward the porch and once they're inside, I move around to the driver's door. To my relief, Gabe puts the vehicle in park and exits.

"What are you doing?" I demand. "Why would you leave without saying anything or talking to me about this?"

Gabe sighs and rubs a hand over the back of his neck. His gaze slides over to the house and lingers there a moment before returning to me. "My family has done some fucked-up things to yours the last few months. I thought maybe you and I could have something, but tonight is just further proof that the Mardraggons are toxic to your family. I'm toxic to you."

"You're not—"

"You could have died tonight," he barks at me, face contorted in anger. "They sent me a fucking picture of you with a gun to your head. That guy was completely unhinged and this could have ended very badly. As it stands, you were hurt, and I'll never forgive myself for that."

"Good," I yell back at him. "Don't forgive yourself because you did nothing wrong. This was all on your dad."

Shoulders sagging, he shakes his head. "Doesn't matter… it was still a Mardraggon and babe… I'm still a Mardraggon. Some things just run too deep to be overcome."

"Bullshit." I point my finger back at the house. "Why was Ethan with you?"

He blinks in surprise at the question and I think he's so off guard, he doesn't seem to consider sheltering the truth. "Because they deserved to know what had happened to you. They had a right to help decide the best course of action."

"Which meant you had to tell them about us," I surmise.

"Yes," he clips out. "I had to tell them and I'm sorry. I know you didn't want me to."

"No, I wasn't ready, but guess what… cat's out of the bag now, and you and I are still standing here talking without my brothers or dad trying to kill you. We did it. We made it past that horrible hump of telling my family that a Mardraggon and a Blackburn are going to try to make a go of it."

"None of that matters, Kat. We aren't good together. Our families aren't good together."

"Historically, yes… our families are oil and water. But you and I… we are good together."

Gabe's eyes shutter and I can see him refusing to accept that. Just as I see the resolve filtering in and a glint of Mardraggon ruthlessness sparking. "We're good together in bed and that's it. That's not enough to overcome all that's bad."

"You're wrong," I assert.

"I'm not and you know it."

"Gabe," I murmur, reaching out for him, but he turns his back on me. I stand my ground, refusing to beg. It reminds me of the way he hurt me back in college, the abandonment of a different sort, but no less stinging.

He pauses a moment and twists his neck to look at me over his shoulder. "I'm going to remove myself as co-trustee for Sylvie. I think Ethan is capable enough with your help to manage the winery issues."

"And that cuts our only tie to each other," I say bitterly.

Gabe doesn't say anything, just stares at me with pain-filled eyes a long moment before stepping into his vehicle.

Before he shuts the door, though, I get the last word in. "So you're abandoning Sylvie too? Just going to cut her out? You forget… she's also a Mardraggon."

Gabe visibly flinches and I can see that hadn't crossed his mind when he was making such grandiose statements that our families can't mix. He doesn't reply because I don't give him a chance to. I let him chew on that as I spin on my foot and head to the house.

I hear his car slip into gear and he drives off.

In the foyer, my mother awaits me. She takes my hand and pulls me toward the kitchen. "Come on, luv. Let's get ice on your face and a nice cup of tea, shall we?"

I tug back but not overly hard. "Sounds heavenly but honestly, I just want to crawl into my own bed and sleep."

My mother ignores my reticence. "You can sleep in one of the guest rooms here. I'll stay with you," she insists, her Irish field eyes sparkling with unshed tears of worry. I can't disappoint her need to care for me.

"Okay, Mom. That sounds good."

I let my mother fuss over me as everyone settles into the kitchen to listen as Ethan explains how the entire thing went down. Marcie sits beside me, patting my leg periodically. I downplay what happened to me to keep further worry to a minimum, but the entire time, I'm fretting on the inside about Gabe. He had the guts to tell my family we were together when he didn't have to include any of them in this. He could have brought the bourbon, secured my release and it would've been our secret. But he told my family. They had the right to weigh in on how the entire situation would be handled and I appreciate that more than he'll ever know.

Without a doubt, he's at least secured Ethan's complete respect. My brother told me as much as I sipped my tea and held a bag of frozen peas to my cheek.

But Gabe left without giving any credence to what we've rebuilt together. The stubborn part of me says I'll fight to keep Gabe and I'll hound him until he relents.

However, the part of me that still remembers the first time he hurt me feels very tired and unsure. That part is telling me to let this go and move on.

It's telling me to remember that Mardraggons and Blackburns do not mix.