The window’s glass was shattered, letting in just enough of the frigid night air to cut through the warehouse’s stifling stench.
A sliver of moonlight slipped through the jagged opening, painting pale streaks across the damp floor. That meant it was still the dead of night outside.
Niamh guessed she hadn’t been unconscious for long since Daniel drugged her.
She stared at the tiny, high window, gnawing her lower lip in frustration.
It was hopeless.
The window was too small, set far too high up on the wall. Even if she could reach it, she’d never fit through.
She needed another plan.
Drawing a shaky breath, Niamh forced herself to think. The air was thick and damp, and she could hear the distant crash of waves against the docks.
Daniel must be planning to escape by sea, she reasoned, which meant he’d locked her in a warehouse by the harbor.
She wasn’t alone. There was someone else in here–a guard, hired muscle. He was foreign, with a jagged scar across his cheek and tattoos snaking down his hands. He looked every bit the criminal.
Niamh considered another angle. Maybe she could talk her way out. Maybe if she offered him enough money, he’d let her go.
“How much did Daniel promise you?” she asked, switching to his language. “I’ll pay you double.”
He shot her a glare and replied in rough English, “Say another word, and I’ll cut your tongue out.”
Her heart hammered in her chest. So much for bribery. She’d have to try something
else.
Keeping low to the ground, Niamh shifted upright, never taking her eyes off Daniel’s henchman. With a furtive movement, she slipped her diamond ring from her left hand.
Princess–cut, hollowed setting, sharp edges–she could use it to saw through the rope binding her wrists.
Her hands shook so badly she nearly dropped the ring. Diamond was hard, but it wasn’t a blade. She’d need patience.
She forced herself to focus, every nerve stretched to its limit.
Suddenly, the warehouse door screeched open, the sound of rusted metal grating on her nerves. The ring nearly slipped from her grasp.
Daniel swaggered in.
Niamh froze, clutching the ring tight.
“Well, look who’s awake,” Daniel jeered, crouching in front of her. He reached out and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.
Niamh recoiled, skin crawling. She twisted away, desperate to escape his touch.
Daniel clicked his tongue and, without warning, slapped her hard across the face.
Her ears rang. For a moment, she couldn’t hear anything but the dull roar inside her skull. Her cheek blazed with pain.
“What are you squirming for, huh? Can’t handle a little attention?” His face twisted into a grotesque, leering smile. If he weren’t so pressed for time, he’d have taken what he wanted the moment she passed out.
He hadn’t planned for any of this. All he wanted was to skip bail and sneak into a country without extradition.
He never expected Marina to track him down–offering money, a boat, and even
extra men.
Sure, kidnapping Niamh was risky, but Marina’s plan was straightforward: take Niamh with him.
That way, he’d get the cash and a beautiful woman. Why not?
“Once we’re on that boat,” Daniel sneered, “I’m going to enjoy every inch of you.”
He stood, glancing at his phone to check the time.
Niamh’s face went ghostly pale.
She’d assumed the kidnapping was about extorting Jonathan for ransom. But Daniel planned to take her with him?
She felt like she’d plunged into an icy lake. Her whole body went numb, fingers tingling, scalp prickling with fear.
14:27
Chapter 324
Daniel noticed her white–knuckled terror and grinned, savoring her panic.
“Don’t blame me–blame yourself. Jonathan gets himself into a little trouble and you just can’t help running to his rescue. But do you even know what Jonathan‘ doing right now?”
