Page 55 of Claimed

Stefan straightened under the direct question but kept his manner easy. “You’re my countryman, and you’ve endured a lot. That’s reason enough. There are many people who will be happy to have you back.”

“There was…” the man hesitated, then lifted his gaze to the starry night. “There was a crash. I was in a crash. A plane crash. That’s all I know. The rest—” he waved his hand in front of his face. “The rest is a blur. I try to remember and there’s only pain.” He pointed at Nicki. “Then you show up singing songs I didn’t realize I knew, and you…” He swung to Stefan. “You come with your fists and keys and—” he spread his hands. “Now we’re here.”

“The men were sedated every night, we suspect,” Stefan said. “Some had been on meds which they had no access to, others were picked up as drunks or vagrants.”

That was exactly the story the squatters had told them, and Nicki nodded, trying to keep her voice steady, natural.

“And now we’re going back to Oûros,” she said to Ari. “Where your family is.”

“Yes,” Ari said uncertainly. “That…” he turned as a car’s lights swept up the road, and Nicki gradually became aware of sirens wailing in the distance. Her eyes widened.

“The warehouse,” she breathed.

“I didn’t have time to shut down the lights,” Stefan said. “There was a guard I left behind who I suspect has awakened and sounded the alarm. The men have fled, though. I suspect they won’t be hunted.”

Ari straightened, squinting back at the building. He took a half-staggering step forward. “The police…they’ll find more than they expect there. It’s too dangerous. We have to?—”

“I contained the other threats,” Stefan cut him off. He held up the keys and rattled them, which made Ari flinch. “There’s no more danger. Everyone will be safe.”

“Safe…” Ari muttered, still staring at the warehouse with wide eyes.

The long car slowed in front of them and Stefan turned to her. “How are you feeling?”

The sudden realization of what had happened hit her with a rush. “I blacked out, didn’t I?” she blurted. “I momentarily got dizzy—I think I might have fallen and cracked my head. My pants are pretty wrecked anyway.” She scowled down at her tights, the knees practically ripped out of them and a long snag down one side. “There were all those men.”

Stefan bit out a tight curse. “I’m aware. When I hit the console for the garage door lift, I didn’t realize it was next to the controls for the men’s cages. I tripped those too. I should’ve realized—both units were new to the building. But I didn’t. I put you in danger.”

“I was fine—I must have gotten light-headed, then you were there to help me up. You both were,” she shook her head, but Stefan didn’t appear any less pained. “I was fine. Iamfine. Really.”

“Ambassador.” Tamas stood at the door to the limo, and Stefan helped Nicki up, treating her too carefully. She did feel woozy, though, so she didn’t argue, allowing him to fold her into the car without protest.

Ari followed, awkwardly getting into the limo and taking the opposite seat, facing them. “I—I’m not exactly fit company for a car such as this,” he said, peering around the enclosed space.

Nicki snorted. “Tell me about it.”

Stefan remained outside a few moments more, speaking rapidly—but once again, Nicki could follow every word. Was he speaking in English for her benefit? That was nice. It was so, so nice of him.

Why did she feel so tired?

Tamas closed the doors after Stefan joined them, and within moments the car headed out deeper up the ridge.

“We’ve charted a circuitous course to the yacht. I’ve taken the liberty of having us checked out of the hotel,” Stefan said. He turned to Ari. “There’s no one locally you’ll need to notify?”

“What? No,” Ari seemed to be having a hard time in his seat. He’d begun to tremble. “No one knows I’m here. I don’t remember—I don’t remember much beyond that.” He frowned, staring out the window. “I don’t enjoy being in enclosed spaces, I’m afraid.”

Stefan hit a button and all the windows of the limo smoothly sank into their slots, the car filling with the redolent air of Alaçati’s lush vegetation. That seemed to calm Ari, and he nodded with appreciation.

“There’s a spare change of clothes in the bag next to you,” Stefan said, and Ari blinked down at the crisp cloth bag. “We guessed on the fit, but if you’d like to change, you can.”

“I’ll close my eyes,” Nicki supplied, and immediately snapped her lids closed.

As she heard Ari open the bag, Nicki relaxed too, leaning against the cushions. Man, that was close. She’d almost fainted back there at the warehouse, almost…

Wait. Shehadfainted.

She blinked open her eyes to find Stefan staring at her.

“Just how sick are you?” he asked.