Chapter 28 The escape plan

Chapter 28 The escape plan
They rode Dane's motorcycle to the cookout, which was held a couple of miles from the main house on the shore of a lake. Dane assured her that it wasn't Lake Summer----which didn't make her feel any less uncomfortable.
In the dark, it was impossible to see the water, but Dane said it was only a short distance away. "I'll take you for a walk along the shore later," he offered.
Tessa shook her head. Her fear of water had seemed to magnify with each passing nightmare of Matt Michaels's lifeless body. Being anywhere near water held little appeal for her.
Besides, she was still furious with Dane for marking her neck. Just before they had left the cabin, he pulled her into his arms and started kissing her. Tender, maddening kisses, as if she were the most precious thing on earth. Tessa had melted on the spot, powerless against his touch, the feel of his lips nuzzling her throat. Then she'd felt a slight sting, felt his teeth graze and nip. Twice.
One look in the bathroom mirror confirmed her suspicion. He'd given her two unsightly love bites, right in the middle of her neck.
"How dare you!" she accused, embarrassed to have once again lost her reasoning while in his embrace.
"It's insurance. Everyone will look for signs of my ownership. They'll challenge any perceived weakness. I don't intend to show any."

Well, she didn't either. Self-conscious, Tessa fought the urge to put her hand on her neck as they walked through the woods towards the party. Light from a fire flickered through the trees.
Dane looked at her. "You okay?"
She nodded. No, she wasn't okay, but she didn't feel like discussing it.
"You're awfully quiet," he said.
"So was Daniel when they led him to the lions."
He chuckled. "I'll keep you safe. Trust me."
Trust him? After his little hickey episode? Right!
Actually, she was still deciding how to handle his questions about Matt Michaels. She'd spent the afternoon debating the pros and cons. One minute, she would decide to confide in him. Next, she worried it wasn't prudent and that it might jeopardize her own situation if word got out to Bogen.

Only one thing seemed clear: Dane didn't know all the details about Michaels's disappearance, and he wanted her help in filling in the blanks. But why question her? Why not just ask Bogen or Snake?
Unless Dane didn't want them to know that he knew.
Oddly enough, she found that she wanted to trust him, but for reasons she didn't want to discuss too closely. The more she explored her feelings for Dane, well, the less clear everything seemed. Too often lately, she found herself wondering what it could have been like to meet him under different circumstances. She shook her head. That train of thought was insane. And dangerous. Which only proved that now, more than ever, she needed to escape.

They had reached the perimeter of the fire. It was apparent that the group used the spot regularly. Downed trees ringed one side of the blazing bonfire. On the other side, two picnic tables were butted together ear a row of rusted barbecue grills. Open bags of potato chips and several coolers filled one table.
It seemed like everyone talked at once, yelling to be heard over the music blaring from a portable stereo. She recognized Eddie's voice when he yelled, "Look who's here."
All talk ceased. Tessa became painfully aware of their stares, their blatant disregard for her person. To them, she was an object. A sexual commodity.
She looked away. Several women hovered near the food. Judging by their scowls, she guessed these women to be the ones Dane mentioned before. If they were here by choice, they certainly wouldn't feel any sympathy for Tessa's plight.
One woman stepped free, yelling back at Eddie. "What's the matter? Never seen blonde hair and big tits before?"
Another woman lifted her shirt, exposing her breasts briefly to a round of applause. Tessa hunched her shoulders forward.
"Jealous, Liz?" someone shouted, touching off peals of laughter. The conversations started back, more frenzied than before.

Tessa glanced away. So that was Liz. Snake's girlfriend. She had jet-black hair dyed the exact shade of her leather jacket and sported an equally dark bruise on her cheek. If that was a souvenier of her life with Snake, Tessa felt sorry for the woman.
Dane led her to a secluded spot on the far side of the campfire, keeping one arm slung casually around her neck. He ran a hand down her side, squeezed her bottom.
"Easy," he hissed when her eyes widened. "They're watching." He squeezed again, then patted possessively.
"Sit there." He pointed to one of the logs circling the fire, then leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "I'll be right back."
Whether he meant to reassure or warn her, she wasn't certain. But with everyone watching, she'd be a fool to attempt to leave.

The blaze generated welcome heat. She nervously scanned the crowd, recognizing several of the men from the night she'd been abducted. There were also a few new faces. She noticed that Snake was conspicuously absent. She looked away, and then she spotted Bogen huddled in a dark corner, hoping to avoid his attention.
A small group of men gathered at the far side of the fire, one of them pointing at her, another making an obscene gesture. She covered her neck with her hand, which only made them laugh. Growing increasingly uncomfortable with their attention, she tried to watch Dane's broad shoulders as he circled the picnic table, filling a plate, willing him to return.
Liz came up behind Dane, wrapping her arm around his waist. The sudden flash of irritation Tessa felt puzzled her. And pricked her temper. She didn't care what Dane did and with whom. Or did she?

Unable to look away, Tessa watched as Liz rubbed herself suggestively against Dane's butt, crooning loudly. "How about sharing a tent with me tonight? Let Eddie and the boys have a go at her?"
Several catcalls of encouragement arose from the crowd. Dane set his plate down long enough to unhook Liz's arms. "I don't think Snake would appreciate your offer."
Liz plainly took Dane's refusal as an insult and turned to cast a malicious look at Tessa. A look that spoke a thousand words----all of them bad.
To Tessa, the problem was instantly apparent. Did Dane realize that Liz hada thing for him? Did Snake? Tessa stood as Dane approached, taking the beers from his outstretched hand.
"I can't do this," she whispered. "Please get me out of here."
With one free hand, Dane grasped her head and caught her lips in a lusty kiss. For show. Someone hooted in approval. "You're fine. And the worst is over."
Moving behind her, Dane sat on the log. Grasping her hand, he pulled her down between his legs, giving her no choice but to sit on the ground at his feet. Yet another part of the show.

Tessa drew her legs close and huddled closer between Dane's legs.
"Cold?" Without waiting for her response, he began rubbing her upper arms.
She nodded, suppressing a yawn. Beer made her sleepy. And worse, made a trip to the bathroom an unwanted necessity. Which perhaps presented an opportunity for escape.
She had watched several of the men disappear into the woods, no doubt relieving themselves. If she could just get enough of a head start and find a good hiding place until morning.... Tonight's full moon would serve her well, but it would also help her captors.
"Dane, un, I need to use the bathroom."
"Come on. We'll head back." Pulling her to her feet, he led the way towards the picnic tables.
She tugged his arm to get his attention. "I don't think I can wait."
Dane frowned. "That only leaves the woods, and I'll have to go with you."

Liz appeared out of nowhere, resting a hand on Dane's shoulder. "I can take her. Besides, Bogen wants to see you."
Dane shook his head and was about to say something when Tessa interrupted. "Actually, I'll be more comfortable with female company."
And her chances of escaping Liz in the woods were probably better than getting away from him. It could gain her several precious minutes. For a moment, she thought Dane would refuse. Then he nodded, turning to Liz. "I'll meet you back here in five minutes. Don't let her out of your sight."