Then Lacie had fallen asleep, and how perfect was that? Originally he’d tampered with the engine so that she’d need a ride home. Lacie was always the last one out of the building; he’d counted on the fact that few, if any, would be around to offer assistance. He’d conveniently be driving by, stop to help, and bam – she’d have no other choice but to talk to him. And if she balked and tried to blow him off again, well, he had that pre-loaded syringe in his pocket. Craig believed in being prepared, and he had it all planned out.
He would never have wished anything bad to happen, but again, he saw it as a sign.
Really, this was so much better. He was not just the guy who would have given her a ride, he’d actually rescued her. God, the way she’d clung to him like he was some kind of hero! He would remember that feeling forever. And when she had spoken his name, had practically melted in relief to discover it was him who held her, who carried her into the warmth and safety of his truck – fuck! It was better than anything he could have hoped for.
He probably hadn’t even needed the sedative, but why take the chance?
Now he had her all to himself, far away from everyone who would try to keep them apart. No one would ever think to look for them here; no one else knew about this place. Roger used to talk about it all the time when they were in-country and had some downtime, how he used to come here to get away from it all.
And Lacie needed him. She was injured and sick, and he would take care of her. What better way was there to make her see the truth? They belonged together. That was the truth he had to make her see. He knew her, understood her. No one could care for her better than he could.
After some consideration of the best course of action, Craig stripped down to his skivvies and carried her into the tub with him, hissing at the feel of her bare flesh against his. Lacie never even flinched, remaining limp and pliant in his arms. He hadn’t planned to get this intimate so quickly, but it was the best way to care for her while she was unconscious. He stepped carefully into the tub and rested her across his legs and torso. The setup allowed him to wash her and keep a careful hold on her at the same time, ensuring she didn’t slip into the water or exacerbate the injuries she already had.
He washed her with reverence, taking his time, his attentions thorough. She was soft in all the right places, just like he knew she would be. Not skinny, not hard-bodied, but feminine and yielding with just enough to squeeze.
Afterward, when every inch of her was cleaned and warmed, he dried her with soft, fluffy towels. Taped her ankle and wrist. Gently rubbed mineral oils into her bruises. Bandaged her cuts and scrapes. Dressed her in his soft flannels. When he was finished, he sat back and admired her.
Beautiful. She was so damned beautiful. She was a precious gift to be treasured. He would never hurt Lacie, not ever. Not like that bastard Callaghan.
Cold fury began to flow through his veins when he thought about what Callaghan had done to his Lacie. If he hadn’t seen it for himself, he wouldn’t have believed it. The bastard had been so rough with her, almost brutal when he had taken her over and over again. The tiny security camera Craig had installed in her bedroom all those months ago had shown him the horrific truth. Callaghan was nothing less than an animal, completely undeserving of one as innocent as Lacie. Once things settled down, he was going to put Callaghan down like the rabid dog he was.
Craig threw on some pajama bottoms and crawled into bed beside her. He would make himself get up and out of the bed long before she awoke, but for now, he would hold her to him, protect her, keep her safe and warm as only he could.
Chapter Sixteen
Shane slammed his fist through the drywall with a strangled curse. His brothers exchanged glances, but no one said a word. It was shocking to see the unfettered rage coming from the quiet, soft-spoken Callaghan, yet they understood what had driven him to this point. Each of them had faced similar crises. The love they felt for their mates and the fear they felt when they were in danger greatly surpassed any physical pain, stretched all limits of control.
And when they had needed him, Shane had been there for them, without question, without fail. With a sense of profound empathy, they would do the same for him. They would rectify the situation and bring his woman back to him. As Shane had claimed her, so Lacie had become part of their family. In this they were united.
The search in and around the school had been extensive. The Pine Ridge police had been called in out of necessity. They combed every inch of the building and grounds, even brought in the canine unit. It all added up to the same thing: Lacie had been on the grounds, then she wasn’t.