Read Run to Me for Free Online

training ensured her survival. What this man intended to do with her was of no consequence. As soon as he gave her leeway, she would take him out and return to the compound.
    As she bounced upon her abductor’s shoulder, she paid little attention to the discomfort and pain. Such things were controllable. Her eyes stayed focused on her surroundings. Once she took care of her abductor, she would need to find her way out of the jungle. Her training hadn’t included jungle survival methods, but she was confident she would find her way out. Giving up was alien to her.
    “Shea, you’re awfully quiet. Either you’re unconscious or you’re plotting something.”
    She remained silent and still. This name Shea he continued to use was not a name she was familiar with. Was it a term for something? Was he using a mind game on her, trying to trick her? She would wait and watch. When the time came, she would be ready.
    Without permission, discomfort seeped into her thoughts. Nausea from hanging upside down and having her stomach pummeled against a hard, muscular shoulder caused physical reactions she could no longer ignore. As bile rushed up toward her throat, she began to gag.
    “Okay. Hold on.”
    The voice sounded oddly soothing, as if he knew what she was going through. He slowed and headed to a small clearing. Sliding her off his shoulder, he dropped her on the ground. Big hands lifted her slightly to scoot her back against a tree and then pulled the gag from her mouth.
    “No screams or I’ll gag you again and ignore the fact that you’re throwing up. Understand?”
    Harsh breaths wheezed from her as she nodded her understanding. She would remain quiet and do as she was told until she was able to free herself. Then she would dispatch the assassin.
    He’d been injured. She’d caught the scent of blood earlier. The hands that pulled her gag away were crusted with the evidence. Would he die from his injury? If so, she needed to free herself prior to his death. If he didn’t die, his injury would make killing him easier.
    Her head stayed down, her eyes focused on the dark green covering of the jungle floor. She’d been trained to never look into the face of her enemies. Had been taught that it weakened the warrior inside if she allowed eye contact. She could afford no weaknesses. This man was stronger and much more skilled than the others. All her training and resources had to be used.
    “Here.”
    The gruff voice almost brought her head up, but she caught herself in time. When a canteen of water pressed against her mouth, she tilted her head back and drank, eyes closed to avoid seeing the man in front of her.
    “We won’t be able to stay here long. Rosemount’s men are probably combing the jungle for us.”
    Her eyes focused on his boots, but she could feel his gaze on her.
    “Dammit, Shea, are you going to just sit there? The least you can do is speak to me … tell me why you shot me. What the hell’s the matter with you?”
    When in a hostage situation, remain silent, keep your abductor off guard and wary. Do not allow him to see a weakness, as he will take advantage of it. She bit her lip, somewhat surprised that she did want to speak. She wanted to ask him why he had taken her, why he hadn’t killed her when he had the chance. And why did he keep calling her Shea?
    The man blew out a curse as she watched his booted feet move a few feet away from her. His blood-encrusted hands opened a pack and pulled bandages and antiseptic wipes from it. He was tending his wound. Until he’d confirmed it, she hadn’t realized her shot had found its mark.
    He expelled another harsh curse, then went silent as he treated the wound. Her eyes flashed upward briefly and caught sight of his injury, a bloody crease across his side. Her bullet had only grazed him.
    She tugged at her bindings, testing their strength: no give. This would be an excellent chance to run. Unfortunately, until he at least untied her feet, she would remain his