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Rick ran after Steph, then drew to a halt and placed his hands on his hips. ‘Bloody mongrel. Hope it gets hit by a truck.’
Fear clogged Ana’s throat, but she quickly swallowed it. Steph would be okay. If it’d been Louis, she’d be terrified, but Liam had always said Steph had no interest in herding cars. Just like he said never to tie her up because she chews through leads.
Bloody smart dog.
Rick raked his fingers through his hair as he turned back to Ana. ‘Be grateful I’m not going to kill the bloody thing in front of you.’
Ana was grateful, but she didn’t say so.
‘As for you though ...’ He strolled towards her. Paused.
Ana swallowed.
Rick considered her for a moment, then reached for the rope at her waist. ‘I think I might untie you.’
Ana blinked. ‘What?’
‘You’re boring to push around when tied to a tree.’
A spark of hope filled her chest. This was her chance to escape too.
Except Rick pulled a piece of rope from his pocket and tied it around her wrist. Then he grabbed the other one and pulled her arm across her body. An involuntary cry shuddered from her throat as the rope holding her down burned across her skin.
Wincing, she pressed her teeth into her bottom lip and concentrated on her breathing as he untied the rope around her waist. He lifted her with one hand under her arm. She complied and stood. Rick shoved her. Unable to use her hands to break her fall, Ana landed with a groan. Pain shot through her hip. She closed her eyes and breathed, inhaling the scent of the earth as tears ran loose, streamed down her face, and into the dirt.
There was no hope. None. And if they didn’t find her soon, wherever she was, she’d prefer to die. Liam would understand. It had to be better than this torture.
‘Don’t think you can run, Ana,’ Rick said as the rope around her feet loosened. He stood near her head, so he hadn’t done that on purpose. ‘There’s no escape for you.’
She wouldn’t satisfy him with a response. The cut on her cheek stung, rocks pressed into her arms and pain throbbed in her knee.
Rick’s boot collided with her stomach. Ana cried out, curling into herself. She might even throw up.
Then Rick was on his knees. He flipped her over, pinned her down by her shoulders, and screamed. ‘Look at me! Look at me, you bitch!’
She did as she was told, opening her eyes to meet his murderous face. He’d kill her and kill her soon. It didn’t seem like he wanted to drag it out. Not now that he didn’t have Steph to torture first. And Liam ...
No, Liam wouldn’t understand. She’d just let Rick kill her? Like hell.
‘Get off me, you bastard.’ Using her fused hands, Ana whacked Rick in the guts and dislodged her legs from beneath his. The rope around her ankles loosened as the one behind her knees slipped. The stick moved. But it didn’t do her much good. Rick’s strength didn’t waver. Ana struggled as he pulled her to her feet and tilted her head back until her eyes watered.
Ana stopped fighting.
‘You’re no match for me, Ana. No matter how strong you think you are.’
He pushed her into the tree before kicking her feet from under her. Ana crashed back to the ground and pain shot through her shoulder. Her arm scraped a rock and tore the sleeve of her blouse. Blood drenched the fabric. The rope around her ankles moved. She was almost free.
Rick grabbed her head and pushed her forward. The bark scratched her face as he held her. Ana tried to catch her breath, her chest heaving.
‘Don’t struggle.’ He pulled at her bra and snapped it hard against her spine. She flinched. ‘I’m going to have you first.’
* * *
‘There!’ Adam cried, jolting Liam out of his dizziness. He leaned forward to peer out the windscreen. The red Subaru was parked on the side of the road. ‘And is that ... it’s Steph!’
Cade slammed on the brakes. He pulled over and Liam leapt from the car. Steph crept towards him, whining as she rose to place her paws on his hips. Liam gathered her in his arms and held her tight. Steph’s body softened as she whimpered.
‘It’s okay, girl. I’ve got you.’
He kissed her head, relieved to see her. Ana couldn’t be far.
Cade radioed in their location as Liam glanced out over Kelly Coffee Plantation. They weren’t near the coffee trees, more on the border in unused bushland.
His vision blurred as he glanced at Steph. ‘Where’s Ana, girl?’
Steph whined. He dropped his cheek to where her snout rested on his shoulder. Poor girl, she must have gotten such a fright.
‘There’s a set of footprints identical to those left on Shadow Creek,’ Adam called, glancing at the ground.
‘Dad’s on his way.’ Cade shut the drivers’ door and strode around the cruiser to join Liam. ‘How’s Steph?’
‘Not good. Hopefully only frightened.’
‘Put her with Louis, she’ll be okay.’
Cade opened the back door where Louis eagerly awaited Steph. Her ears perked as Liam placed her on the seat, but she showed little excitement. His vision fuzzed and he clutched the top of the door.
‘You ’right, mate?’
Liam blinked. ‘Yeah. I just ...’
The world swam before him, and Liam’s knees buckled. Cade gripped his arm and helped him to the ground.
‘Easy, mate.’
Liam let out a deep breath and pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes. He had to get a grip. Had to get to Ana. She couldn’t be far.
‘Oi, you guys coming?’ Adam called. ‘These tracks lead straight into the bushland.’
‘Be right there!’ Cade called over his shoulder before glancing back at Liam. ‘Come on, mate. I can’t wait—’
Liam pushed himself into a crouched position, but could barely see straight, let alone stand. It was so bright. His head pounded. He could hardly breathe.
He was bloody useless. He needed to get to Ana, but he couldn’t move. There was only one thing he could do.
So, heart breaking, he shoved Cade in the shoulder. ‘Go. I’ll be right behind you.’
Liam sank back against the car as the blurred images of his best mates raced into the bushland.
* * *
Rick slapped her again as Ana fought back, wriggling her feet and legs free. Her heart hammered until she feared her ribs would crack. She could hardly use her hands, but she kept her legs kicking as Rick held her down.
She’d fight until the very end. No matter how many times he hit her, she hit back. Not well, but that didn’t matter. The pain intensified. By now, her face must be one massive bruise. Her right eye was already swollen, but Ana didn’t care. The rope around her ankles loosened and she finally kicked it free. The knot around her knees slid down.
‘Get off me!’ she cried, her knees colliding with his back as he straddled her. Rick didn’t seem to notice—or care—that her legs were moving. It had no effect anyway, no matter how many times she kicked him. ‘Get your fucking hands off me!’
Rick wasn’t backing down. He gripped one of her tied wrists to hold them still and grabbed her blouse at the throat. The ripping sound shot further fear through her. She wouldn’t take this. He could hit her all he wanted. She’d hit him back. But rape? She’d prefer he kill her now.
‘Stop wriggling!’ He slapped her again, but it didn’t faze Ana. She might never feel her cheeks again, but she wouldn’t let him violate her in that way.
‘No!’ She freed her legs and went for the straight kick. Her shin collided with the back of his head. Her leg burned and she cried out. Rick grunted, but he didn’t stop.
He tore her shirt open all the way and squeezed her breasts. Hard.
Ana screamed. She kicked and prayed. She tried to roll or push him away. Doing everything she could, she landed another good blow against his ribs. But it only made him hit her harder.
It was time for bargaining. ‘Rick, please. Let me go. Run and I won’t make them come after you. Just live your life.’
‘Not going to happen.’ Hatred filled his voice. Ana shrieked and resumed kicking, even though it was hopeless.
Her bra strap ripped.
Footsteps crunched over leaves. Then the unmistakable venomous voice of Constable Cade Wilson cut through the air. ‘Hands where I can see them. Stand up and step away from the lady.’
Ana collapsed. Her vision blurred and chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath. Rick glanced over her head at Cade, his face thunderous. She doubted he’d do anything stupid when there was undoubtedly a gun pointed at him, but it didn’t stop his detestable mouth from moving.
‘What, Officer? You going to shoot me?’
‘Try me.’
Rick’s lip curled, then his dark gaze dropped towards Ana. ‘Should have stabbed you back in the kitchen.’
Ana’s heart couldn’t possibly pound any faster.
‘I said step away!’
In one last vengeful move, Rick pressed his hand to her bruised stomach. She winced. ‘Next time, bitch. They can’t hold me forever.’
Rick stood.
‘Take five steps to your left and get down on your knees with your hands behind your head.’
Rick moved out of her line of vision. Ana closed her eyes and tried to stop the tears that threatened. Cade continued to talk, but she tuned him out.
‘Ana.’
Gasping, her eyes flew open to find Adam kneeling beside her.
‘Hey, it’s okay,’ he said, his face gentle. ‘You’re okay.’
Exhausted, Ana blew out her breath. Tears slipped down her cheeks.
‘Adam, I’m taking Rick back to the car. Dad shouldn’t be far away. Follow with Ana when she’s ready. How is she?’
‘She’ll be fine,’ he replied as Ana broke into sobs. Cade and Rick’s footsteps soon faded.
Adam placed his hand over hers. ‘Come on, Ana. Sit up for me, hey?’
His other hand went to her back as he helped her into a seated position. Touching the rope around her wrists, he pulled a pocketknife from his boot. She didn’t ask why he had one, just let him cut the rope and toss it over his shoulder.
Then his dark gaze rested on her face. ‘Oh, cuz, we better get you to Doctor Brennan.’
Ana nodded, barely flinching as Adam gently drew her blouse together. Watching his hands, they didn’t frighten her anymore. There was nothing aggressive about Adam. Nothing hateful.
She swallowed. ‘Where’s Liam? Is he okay?’
‘He took a knock to the head, but he’s okay. Left him at the car but he might ...’
Adam trailed off at the sound of racing footsteps. ‘Ana!’
‘Liam!’
Gum leaves rustled as Liam slid to his knees beside her. ‘Anastasia, thank God!’
Ana burst into tears. She reached for him and Liam gathered her close. He almost squeezed the remaining oxygen from her lungs, but she didn’t care. Mustering all her strength, she squeezed him back.
‘I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, baby.’
She cried uncontrollably, unable to breathe as she clung to him. She nestled her face against his chest in a position that didn’t make her ache and let it all out.
Liam stroked her hair. ‘You’re okay. We’ve got him now and you’ll be okay. I’m so sorry.’
Ana struggled to inhale, the pain excruciating in her raw throat. When she could, she gathered herself and pulled away. Liam gently wiped her tears.
‘Oh, baby ...’
‘How bad is it?’
He smiled kindly. ‘You’re beautiful, Ana. But we’ll get you to the doctor and have her check you out.’
‘Perhaps we should get you back to the roadside,’ Adam agreed, moving towards them. ‘Brett should be there by now, so you won’t need to see that fuckhead, Ana.’ He offered her his hand. ‘Come on.’
Liam struggled to his feet and they both helped Ana up. She glanced down at the mess that were her clothes. Her bra still held, but a rip split her singlet and her shirt had fallen open again to reveal a dark bruise forming on her belly. Self-consciously, she pulled her blouse across her exposed body.
‘Here.’ Adam pulled his shirt off over his head, revealing a dark blue singlet. ‘Put this on. It might smell, but at least it’ll cover you.’
‘Thanks, mate.’ Liam helped slip it over her head and Ana lifted her arms through, wincing at the ache in her shoulders. Liam stumbled.
‘You okay?’ she asked.
‘Bloody dizzy.’
‘Cade told him to stay at the house, but he wouldn’t listen,’ Adam said. ‘And it doesn’t look like you’re in any shape to walk either.’
‘I hurt my ankle when they were tied together.’
‘You can lean on me,’ Liam offered, wrapping his arm around her waist, but Adam shook his head.
‘You’ll both fall over. I’ll carry Ana and you can lean on me. Don’t argue.’
Ana nodded, too exhausted to do anything but agree. Liam released her hand so she could wrap her arm around Adam’s neck as he carefully scooped her into his arms. She hurt all over, but as Liam placed one hand on her shoulder and the other on Adam’s, she’d never felt safer.
‘Okay. Let’s get out of here,’ Adam said. ‘Liam, don’t fall over.’
‘I’m ’right, mate.’
Awkwardly, they made their way out of the trees. It felt strange being in Adam’s arms, but he’d been right in that she was in no state to walk. Neither, it seemed, was Liam. He stumbled, grunted, and shook his head, but managed to stay upright. Exhaling, she gave into her exhaustion and closed her eyes. The sun filtered through the trees and Adam started to sweat, but Ana didn’t care. She held on, grateful he’d been there to help her. She’d never met anyone who could be so naughty, charming, and incredibly kind.
‘Thank you, Adam.’
‘No worries. Anyone with a conscience would have helped you. No need to thank me.’
‘But I do.’
Liam nodded. ‘Me too, mate. You were bloody great today.’
‘You’re a nice guy, Adam. If there’s anything I can do for you one day, let me know.’
Adam laughed, the sound so much like Liam’s it made Ana want to smile. ‘You don’t owe me anything. I’m just glad I could help and that you’re okay because seeing the two of you together ...’
Adam paused long enough to make Ana lift her head. She’d frown if it didn’t hurt. ‘Adam?’
He exhaled. ‘Never mind. Crazy thoughts. I just want you two to be happy. That’s all.’