Chapter 7

Each breath seemed to linger in her chest for much longer than usual before puffing out through her mouth. Was this what death felt like? Time slowed down to a crawl and each sense hyper-engaged all at the same time. But then, Jozef jerked the gun away from her head and time sped back up. The warm sunshine filtered through the leaves high above their heads. The flutter of a bird's wings sounded as it took flight.

Jozef stalked away from her, his shoes rustling in the dead leaves and grass. He grasped his head as indecision warred in his brain. Shaun stayed crouched on the ground, watching warily. Then he turned and grabbed her again, yanking her to her feet. Shaun swayed and thought she would go back down until he steadied her, sliding his gun hand around her back. She gasped and jerked in his arms as she felt the metal press against her spine.

He growled in frustration and set her away from him. As she stumbled back, he put his gun underneath his jacket and back into its holster. The air left Shaun's lungs in a whoosh, and her knees gave out. Once more, he lunged toward her as she fell. This time when he caught her, she allowed his touch. It was that or fall in a painful heap to the ground.

He held her upright, looking down at her with a frown. He waited for a few minutes as she filled her lungs slowly with air and breathed out, over and over until her heart wasn't racing and her panic subsided. Their eyes locked and a kind of energy seemed to pass between them, as though he was giving her some of his strength while she sorted herself out. They breathed together, in and out, until she was calmer. Finally, when she was in control of herself, he righted her and, gripping her arm, walked her back to the van.

As they walked, the full impact of what almost happened hit her and Shaun began shaking uncontrollably. She had come within seconds of losing her life. Maybe it was her decision to keep her eyes open that saved her. Or maybe it was her plea that he tell her mother where to find her body. Whatever it was, it might only be temporary. She would have to find out what he planned on doing with her, since it looked like shooting her in the head and leaving her body in the woods was no longer on the table.

When they reached the van, Shaun grabbed the door handle, about to open it, but Jozef's hand came down on her shoulder. He turned her around to face him and then took a step back. She looked at him in confusion, her adrenalin rising again. Had he changed his mind? Did he want to kill her outside of the van so he wouldn't have to worry about bloodstains inside it?

Most people who used sign language used a combination of facial cues, body language, and hand signs to express themselves. Facial expressions were often vital in order to communicate mood and intent. Jozef was completely different. His facial expressions were mostly closed, and his body language was stiff and uncompromising, which left her with only hand signals for communication.

He lifted his hands and began signing, I'm not going to kill you.

Relief slammed into her with the intensity of a freight train, stealing her breath for a moment. He wasn't going to kill her!

"Thank you," she blurted.

I can't let you go; you're a witness.

"I promise I won't say anything."

He shook his head. You're a liability now. You must stay with me. Permanently.

"But how can I do that? Eventually I have to go home." She understood what he was saying, but she wanted to deny it.

If she wanted to live, then she would have to become his captive. Forever. But how could she possibly do that? Never see her mother again? Never go back to her surgery at the hospital? What kind of life was that? She couldn't wrap her mind around it.

He reached out and shook her arm, regaining her attention. Choose now, dead witness, or stay with me and stay alive.

She was still shaking her head, but reality was sinking in. She wasn't going to choose death. So she would have to choose life... as his captive. Or at least until she could either convince him to let her go or escape. She stopped shaking her head and bowed it instead.

"Okay, I'll stay with you," she whispered.

He tipped her chin up and signed, you must marry me.

Dread swept through her. She shook her head. "No."

Yes, you will become my wife.

"Or die?" she demanded.

Yes.

She pressed herself back against the van. It was too much. He could keep her with him, he didn't have to marry her. To make it so... official. Shaun had never given marriage much consideration. She'd dated a little, but never anything serious. Work consumed her every waking moment until the men just drifted away and she forgot they were ever there. Somehow, she couldn't imagine Jozef ever drifting out of her line of notice. He was too commanding, too electric and powerful.

"Why do I have to marry you?" she asked, clinging desperately to the hope that she could convince him otherwise. She wasn't ready to commit herself to him, a man she suspected was mob affiliated.

He narrowed his eyes at her, his gaze flicking down her body. She was wearing her basic sky-blue scrubs, nothing enticing. He seemed to debate with himself on what to say to her, or maybe how much to say to her. Then he gave a sharp nod. My uncle will not allow you to live. You are a witness and witnesses don't stay alive.

"Your uncle makes decisions like that?" Her throat was dry, and she had to swallow. She was definitely dealing with the mob, which took things to an even scarier level.

Jozef nodded, my uncle is head of the family.

If the head of the family was Jozef's uncle, then Jozef was probably his enforcer. The muscle behind the man at the top. Though Jozef seemed high up in the organization, his uncle would have final say. Including over her life. If the old man gave the word, her life would end, and probably by Jozef's hands. But if she were Jozef's wife, then maybe the uncle would allow her to live.

Jozef watched her as she worked it out in her head. She was going to have to marry the man who'd kidnapped her, threatened and hit her, and then almost shot her. The man who went against every ethical belief she held as a doctor. She would essentially become his property. Nausea nearly sent her back to her knees. She gripped the doorframe.

He slapped her arm again, and when she looked at him, he signed, answer.

She shivered and whispered, "Okay, I'll marry you."