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long-ass time. If we help her escape, she might give us a chance, though I think even that could be wishful thinking.”
    Wolfe nodded as he watched Hamilton twist the end of the blanket around in his hands. There was obviously something about this girl that had gotten to the man, and more than just idle concern. Hamilton seemed distracted. Edgy. And not because they were locked in a cell. Hell, they’d faced far worse than this and never blinked an eye. Yet Hamilton’s unease was palpable. And that usually only happened when it was someone else’s ass on the line.
    He gave the man a light tap with his foot. “You okay?”
    Ham scowled. “Of course I am. What makes you think otherwise?”
    Wolfe shrugged. “Maybe the fact you’re about to strangle that blanket.” He leaned forward, thankful when the room only dipped once. “There something more you want to tell us?”
    “There’s nothing else to tell.”
    “Other than you’ve got it bad for this girl.”
    Ham’s head jerked around. “Why the hell would you say that? Because I didn’t want her to get raped? I don’t even know her.”
    “No, because you only get this uptight when someone you care about is in trouble. And seeing as Gunner and I are sitting right here, it’s got to be someone else.” He relaxed back again. “Wouldn’t blame you, buddy. It’s been a long time since we gave a damn about someone other than each other. And this girl obviously grabbed you by the balls with nothing more than a smile.”
    Hamilton swatted at Wolfe’s shoulder before pushing to his feet and pacing away. “It’s not that, it’s just… Fuck. The way she looked at me when I let Beau take her. Damn, it’s like I’d let her down. Betrayed her.” He palmed the door. “I should have kicked the bastard’s ass then and there.”
    “And risked having her get hit in the crossfire? That wasn’t the time or the place for us to make a stand. We all knew it. I think she did, too.”
    “Well, she sure as shit didn’t look like she understood.” He turned, leaning against the wall as if he was suddenly about to fall down. “All I know is that she made my chest get all tight and achy. Like being underwater with all the increased pressure—it’s hard to breathe.”
    Wolfe groaned. “Damn. It’s worse than I thought.”
    Hamilton flipped him off.
    Wolfe chuckled. “Fine. So we find a way to save the girl and convince her we aren’t like Beau and the guys here. Sounds simple enough.”
    “Yeah, until Beau decides it’s her turn again.” Hamilton spun and looked out through the bars. “Those bastards have taken two other women out so far. Neither has come back.”
    Gunner moved in beside him. “Maybe they decided to give up resisting? Play along until an opportunity opens up for them to run. Like your little spitfire did last night.”
    Ham grinned. “Oh, she wasn’t waiting for an opportunity. She was making her own.”
    “Even better.” Gunner huffed. “Fuck this shit. I really don’t give a damn what other secrets Beau might be hiding. We’ve got our answer. No chance in hell he or any of his men would ever make it past the council. Not that I’d ever be willing to let this group get within a hundred miles of the place. God, can you imagine what Emersyn alone would do to the guy? Never mind Hunter or Colby if any of them thought they could ‘share’ their girl.”
    Ham nudged Gunner. “Emersyn isn’t Hunter’s girl, yet.”
    “The hell she isn’t. One way or another, they’ll find a way to make it work, trust me.” He smiled, nodding at Ham. “Let’s get the hell out of here. I’ll keep watch while you work your magic. Just try to be as quiet as you can be. We need to be out of this cell before we confront anyone.”
    Wolfe cleared his throat. “And what am I supposed to do?”
    “Try not to pass out.”
    Wolfe glared at Gunner, hating the fact the man had a point. Though Wolfe had no doubt he could hold his own if he needed, the