OK, guys and girls, here's the latest of "Dare Me". Sorry for the delay, I've had a few issues pop up around here and had to make sure it was a go with submitting it. Hopefully, as I cross my fingers and close my eyes, you all will like it. As always, please send me feedback, comments and yes, even the not so good comments. All of what you all say to me helps me to become a better writer. With that said, hope to hear from you all soon! ~~honeywldcat~~
Dare Me
By: honeywldcat
Β©2010 all rights reserved
Chapter Five
That stupid bitch is hiding in the house and I know it. I heard the guy tell her to get inside. She won't get away from me this time. If I don't get her to him tonight, he'll kill my family. Running her off the road hadn't worked, neither had the snake, but if I have to, I'll burn the bitch alive. At least if I can't get her to him and he hurts what's mine, he won't have her.
That dumbass better have kept the guy busy long enough in the woods so I can get to her, or he'll be next on my list. This stupid whore is the only thing he wants and the only ticket I have to get my wife and son back.
Fuck! The key doesn't work! Fine, I'll bust the damn door down!
Finally! Shit! Who is that coming? Fuck, fuck, fuck, stupid cunt! I'll be back later...I will get you one way or the other!
**
Stephanie couldn't stop fidgeting as she waited for Daren to come back inside. She needed to see him, feel him, to know he was ok. The way he took off without a moment's hesitation scared her. Is this the way she'll feel when he has to go back to base? The thought of not knowing what type of mission he would be on and not knowing if he was ok or when he'd be back damn near caused her to go into a panic attack.
She reminded herself to breath, to calm down. Sitting down on the floor, she picked up B.B., her puppy, and stroked his fur to soothe the trembling pup as well as herself. She almost laughed at herself. What business was it of hers to worry about Daren once he left? He wasn't really engaged to her, it was all a sham. She dropped her head back against the wall in disgust. It didn't matter, she admitted. No matter what happened, she loved him and always would.
When she had rushed in the house a few minutes ago at Daren's command, she'd locked the back door and hid behind it. She knew Daren didn't want her answering the door unless it was him or one of his friends and he had assured her that if it was one of them, they'd make sure she knew somehow. So, when she heard someone trying to open the front door, she froze.
She looked from where she was sitting towards the front of the house and wondered what to do. If it was one of the guys, they had a key and the alarm pass code to get in. Setting the puppy behind her, she looked to the alarm key pad that was beside the front door and debated on hitting the 'panic' button. It was that or open the back door and try to find help that way. What if Daren was hurt and someone was coming for her next?
Daren's voice rang through her head, "No matter what, don't you dare leave the safety of this house, unless one of us is with you."
Chewing on her bottom lip, she remembered how he and his guys had explained that they had safe guarded the house and that they would get to her no matter what if someone tried anything here. Decision made, she ran across the room and flinched as whoever was outside began to pound against the door, as if trying to break it down. She pressed the 'panic' button and grabbed her cell phone off the table beside the alarm. Running towards the back door, she grabbed her puppy and then ran as if the hounds of hell were on her heels up the stairs.
Making a bee line to the extra bedroom, she ran straight to the closet and closed herself and the puppy inside it. She slid the sliding lock that one of the guys had installed and waited. Her whole body was shaking and tears were filling her eyes at the thought of not seeing Daren again. Stephanie gasped for breath, begging and pleading with every God she could think of to keep Daren safe and unharmed.
Closing her eyes, she concentrated on calming her breathing. She took a deep breath in, then out. Over and over she repeated the exercise, trying to think of what to do next. When her cell phone vibrated in her hand she jumped as if it electrocuted her.
Flipping it open, she answered barely above a whisper, "Yeah?"
"Shorty, we are less than three minutes from you," Chase's voice was calm and soothing.
Stephanie's voice shook, "Where's Daren? He took off through the woods. Is he ok?"
"We're not sure, yet. Just stay put. You did good, sweet pea. Once we secure the area, I'll come get you. Don't answer the door for anyone else but me or Daren. You understand?"
She begged, "Please find him, Chase! I need to..."
Chase shushed her, "I'm right outside. Calm down, I know. I'll come get you as soon as I can."
**
Daren ran around the house and almost stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the door barely hanging on the hinges. Gun in hand he took the steps one at a time as quietly as he could. He felt like his heart was going to explode.
If Stephanie wasn't ok...no! She had to be alright, he wouldn't allow any other option. He cleared the bottom floor. No one was down there. Nothing was out of place, so he crept up the stairs. He thought he heard someone enter the house and turned to find Cougar nod at him. Daren gave him the signal to stay put while he checked upstairs.
It seemed to take him an hour to make the short journey. He took a left at the top of the stairs and headed towards Stephanie's room. After clearing it, he headed to the bathroom, then to the next bedroom. All clear, so far at least. He peered around the corner to the 'safe room' they had created for emergency situations and cleared the room.
He placed his hand on the closet door and hoped like hell she was in there. He knocked on the door gently and thought he heard B.B. growl.
Daren's heart was in his throat as he said, "Stephanie, open the door. It's all clear out here."
He took the seconds for her to open the door to switch the safety back on his gun and slide it in the waist of his jeans at the center of his back. Tears were streaming down her face as she jumped into his arms.
Daren clutched her to him. He never wanted to let her go. He felt her tears on his neck where she buried her head against him and he tried to soothe her. Running his hands up and down her back, he had no idea what he was saying to her, but she seemed to be calming down some. After a moment, he tried to set her down in front of him, but she tightened her hold on his neck and her legs squeezed him tighter around his waist.
He groaned, "Baby, I have to let the guys know you are ok."
Chase stuck his head in the room, "We're going to take care of the door, Dare."
He looked up to meet Chase's concerned look, "Thanks, we'll be down in a little bit."