Читать книгу Undercover Refuge - Melinda Di Lorenzo - Страница 8

She made her way down the stairs, mindful of how hard her feet hit the wood and vigilant of her surroundings.

At the bottom, she took a deep breath then started another trek, this one over rocks and dirt and the occasional wayward root. It was a steep climb, and by the time she reached the tree line, Alessandra was slightly out of breath. So she paused to pull in a few gulps of oxygen. And when she did, she realized she could hear a masculine voice. Low enough that she couldn’t discern the words. But audible enough that she recognized it.

Rush. Thank God.

Her mind quickly connected the dots. The flash she’d seen was likely his phone, and he’d probably just sneaked off to have a quiet conversation. But the relief at having an explanation was short-lived. Because as Alessandra lifted her foot to move closer again, and opened her mouth to call his name, a light bit of wind kicked up and carried his voice to her. Clearly now, so she could completely make out his words.

“I’ve really got no choice,” he growled. “I have to get rid of her.”

The two statements were rough, angry and ominous. And they made Alessandra stumble. For a few seconds after her miniature crash landing, she didn’t move. She didn’t know if she could.

Do I run? Do I pretend I never heard any of it and go for a more subtle escape? Or do I confront him? Or—

Her tumble of frightened thoughts stopped short as a new sound carried to her ears. It was the crash of a man, pushing through the bushes. Rush was headed her way.