Primal Elements (16 page)

Jenna could tell despite his smile he was dead serious. She didn’t want to push her luck, not until she knew she had a way out of this mess first.

“Who is your guy?” She needed to stall. Getting as much information as she could would help.

Rick’s lopsided grin looked slightly charming. “Oh, I believe you are well acquainted. Why don’t you go say hi?”

The guards at the door stepped aside, clearing the way for Jenna to leave the room.

She eyed Rick warily before standing up and striding quickly out into the next room.

She took note of her surroundings, which looked to be a warehouse. That meant she was somewhere on the lower east side of town. Ahead of her was a makeshift lab where several people scurried about.

“Where the fuck is the equipment?”

Jenna’s mouth dropped. “Roger?”

When he spun around, he had the decency to blush. “Hi, Jenna.”

“What the hell are you doing here?” She couldn’t believe he’d set her up, betrayed her like this.

For his part, Roger couldn’t look her in the eyes and choose to inspect the Geiger counter on the table in front of him.

“I’m glad you’re okay. I told them not to hurt you, but you never know with these guys.”

“Roger?” Jenna marched over, getting right in his face. “What’s going on?”

He looked up and she could tell he’d lost control of the situation. Whatever that happened to be, she wasn’t sure. And it was very unlikely he’d ever had control in the first place. Roger sucked at reading people and what their true intentions were. He always had.

“Would you believe they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse?” he said and offered a weak smile.

“Actually, I would. Do you know how dangerous these people are?” she whispered and looked back over her shoulder.

“Yeah, I figured that out. They offered me a shitload of cash to make their half of the device work. I pulled that off and got them set up with Perfect Match. Then they offered me another wad get them access to the second half of the device. That quickly turned into me getting out of this with my life intact if I agreed to help them.”

“You did this for money?”

“No, not
just
for money. I’ve been working my ass off for ten years and I can’t even land more than a research grant at the university. You boyfriend didn’t even bother to interview me when a job came up at CalCorp. I took the next best offer.”

Jenna felt her disappointment like a sick taste in her mouth. She’d worked side by 118

side with Roger for years and never had any indication he was capable of something like this. She hadn’t seen his anger and bitterness. In fact, she thought he liked working in the background. How could she misjudge someone this badly?

“If they have you, then why do they need me? You know as much about these things as I do. Probably more based on what you’ve just told me,” she asked and tried to ignore the three men who entered from the side door, each carrying large laser rifles.

“I need you to confirm a theory I have.” Roger’s gaze flitted from her to Rick, who was now watching them very closely. “I want to make sure I’m right before I say anything.”

“You told him about me and…?” She didn’t want to say Ben’s name out loud just in case.

“I know exactly who you are fucking, Miss Robins,” Rick said in a voice loud enough to set Jenna’s heart racing. “And let’s say once you’re done helping your friend, you’ll be assisting me with a little payback.”

“He has good ears,” Roger turned his back to Rick and mouthed, “and he reads lips.”

“I’ll have to remember that.” Jenna sighed and picked up a datapad. “So what can I help with?”

“Come here.”

Roger led her over to the section of the warehouse where the three men with the rifles stood. She tried to ignore the heavy stares and leers the brutes gave her as she passed. Her skin began to itch where their gaze landed and she had to fight the urge to tighten her jacket around her tighter, protecting her body from their looks. Once they were inside the small closed-off room, Jenna felt the air rush out of her body in surprise.

There in the middle of the room was the second half of the device. It was much larger than the section they’d found back at the dig site. The smooth metal was disrupted by several medium-size control panels that displayed readings in a language she didn’t understand.

“Gareth would go nuts over this,” she said in a hushed voice and approached it cautiously.

“It doesn’t do anything when I touch it. But I know you had some sort of reaction to the other half.”

She knew nothing would happen this time with Ben not here. “I doubt anything will happen.”

“Humor me. Go and touch it and tell me if anything happens.”

Jenna was about to argue when Rick appeared in the doorway behind Roger. He leaned against the doorjamb, blocking the only exit from the room. His grin was a cross between charming and terrifying. She was trapped and they both knew it.

“Anything to help a
friend
.”

As she approached the device, Jenna’s body began to react. She could feel a low-119

level electrical charge like tiny fingers begin to gnaw at her skin. She tried to take a deep breath, but the air didn’t want to come. Her nipples hardened, pressing hard against the thin fabric of her bra. Without thinking, she brought her hand to her throat and caressed the skin along her collarbone. Her body seemed to remember what it was like the last time she was near it.

Not wanting to reach out and touch it, Jenna had to fight against her own body, against her hand that seemed to rise up on its own. As she moved closer, her fingers began to tingle, the sensation traveling up her arm and across her chest. Desire rolled through her body like a powerful wave and she grew damp.

Where is she!

Jenna sucked in a breath. “Did you hear that?”

“What? What are you hearing?” Roger was at her side, looking at her, wide-eyed.

I need you!

“A man. He’s looking for…someone?”

“Is it Ben? Is he looking for you?”

Jenna closed her eyes and could hear an angry cry, one of pure frustration. Then silence.

“He’s gone,” she whispered.

“Who?” Roger sighed. “Tell me what you’re hearing.”

She wanted to reach out and comfort whoever it was. But how? Unable to fight the pull of the device, Jenna reached out. Upon contact with the metal, her eyes closed.

Invisible hands caressed her body, touching her breasts, her clit. This time when she sucked in a shaky breath, she could smell Ben. That unmistakable combination of musk and soap mingled with a scent that could only be described as him. Jenna sighed and felt her body being pulled closer.

Closer to what?

“Jenna.”

“Ben?”

“Tell me what you’re feeling.”

She couldn’t open her eyes to look at him. Her body reacted to him as his touch tugged her shirt away and slipped underneath to caress her skin. Tipping her head backward, she pressed her body against his. His swollen cock pressed hard against the back of her thigh.

“I want you,” she said and ground back against him.

“I could so fuck you right now.”

Harsh fingers dug into her hips and pulled her back. It was enough of a jerk for her fingers to break contact with the device. The fog that had covered her brain lifted and she realized Rick was behind her, his lips against her ear. Roger was standing off to the side, looking like a frightened child. Jenna felt sick, the sting of it climbing up her 120

throat.

“No wonder Ben likes to have you around.”

“Let me go,” she whispered.

“Oh, I don’t think so. I have plans for you,” he said and licked her cheek.

Jenna tried to pull away, but Rick held her still. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was sure Rick heard it. His fingers gripped her tight to the point her skin was sore.

She tried to fight back the tears, refusing to show him what he was doing to her.

“Did it work?” Rick asked in a loud voice.

“It did. This half of the device seems to not only pull opposite elements together, but it is able to pull energy from a living source. The readings went off the scale when she touched it. I think if we hooked her up, we could build a bomb big enough to take out half the environment shield,” Roger grinned.

Rick licked Jenna’s earlobe before releasing her and making his way over to where Roger stood.

“So your idea will work?”

“Without a doubt.”

Jenna couldn’t believe the look of glee on Roger’s face. “That’s why you did it. You wanted to prove to everyone your ideas were right? And you’re going to use me to kill…” She couldn’t finish her thought.

Roger pushed past Rick and got right in Jenna’s face. “You’re fucking right I am. I don’t need to be second to you or anyone else anymore. I solved the puzzle. Me! And when this guy pays me what I’m worth, I’m going to find a nice little colony somewhere far from here and buy a nice—”

Jenna took a step back just as a loud hissing noise exploded around her. The smell of burning flesh hit her half a second before Roger slumped to the floor. Jenna gasped wide-eyed at Roger’s lifeless body before looking at Rick.

“I don’t know how you worked with him for all those years. I would have killed him ages ago,” he said with a grin and walked out of the room.

121

Ben accepted the coffee from Matt as they stood outside the Perfect Match building waiting for Kyle to emerge. They’d come directly here from the dig site at his request so he could use his secured line to his boss. Ben didn’t want to wait. He didn’t give a shit about getting the proper authorities on board to stop Rick. All he needed was a laser pistol, a car and he’d look after the rest on his own.

Gods help them if anything happened to Jenna. Ben closed his eyes and enjoyed the sting against his hand as the hot coffee’s heat seeped through the thin cup.

“He better get his ass out here in the next minute or I’m leaving,” he grumbled and took a sip.

The sour expression on Matt’s face deepened as he shot Ben a look.

“If you leave without the right backup, things could explode around you and you’ll have no way of stopping it. You have more than yourself to think of here.”

“I have Jenna. And right now, Rick’s doing gods know what to her.”

“Rick’s not doing a thing. He wants you and you know it,” Matt said and sipped his own drink.

Both men turned to see Kyle emerge from the building. Shoved into a shoulder holster that peeked out from beneath his leather jacket was a RX7 laser gun. At least they were well armed for their encounter.

“Well?” Ben tried to keep the impatience out of his voice, but it wasn’t any good.

“They can’t send anyone for backup,” Kyle’s jaw tightened as he spoke. “They don’t feel the information is strong enough to risk it.”

Ben threw the coffee cup to the ground and pushed past Matt to slide behind the wheel of the car. Matt hopped into the passenger seat.

“Where are you going?” Kyle asked, sounding more than a little pissed off as he hopped into the backseat.

“I don’t give a shit about your boss’s opinion. Rick has Jenna and I’m going to get her. Now.”

“Well, the three of us can’t just burst in there. We need a plan,” Matt said quietly.

Ben threw the car into drive, barely noticing the traffic around him. “I never go anywhere without a plan. Kyle, where the hell is this place?”

“Lower east side. Trader district. He’s got a place near the dome wall, which scares the crap out of me. How the government ever let that one get by, I’m not sure.”

A tremor of recognition surged through Ben. Ten years ago, he’d helped Rick buy a little place on the east end. It hadn’t been much, but it would have given him a foot in 122

the door. A means of buying and selling until he could acquire a larger spot.

“He’s had a spot there for years. They would have grandfathered his place and monitored his building,” Ben said as he slammed the car into top gear and pressed the accelerator to the floor.

“Take it easy now. Not your car, remember,” Matt teased, but gripped the door handle tightly.

“I’ll buy you a new one.”

“So what’s the plan?” Kyle leaned forward between the seats. “I’m assuming you’re both armed.”

Matt reached under his front seat and pulled out two older laser guns, ones Ben knew to be deadly accurate, and handed one to him. Not that he’d have much use for a weapon, but it was still good to know that his backup would be there for him.

“Matt, you and Kyle are going to get out about a block from Rick’s place. Circle around and find a way in. I’m assuming he’s got a small army on staff, so be careful. I’ll signal you for a distraction once I have Jenna. They we’ll get the hell out of there.”

“Well, that’s a fucking stupid plan,” Kyle snorted and sat back in his seat. “What are you going to do, go through the front fucking door?”

“Pretty much.”

One look at Matt and Ben knew he wasn’t happy.

“You’re walking into a trap. He’ll kill you.”

Ben slowed the car down to a stop at a red light. Of course he was walking into trap. That’s what Rick wanted—his head on a stick. Sure, he’d be suspicious of why he’d arrived, but he wouldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“He won’t kill me right away. Not when he thinks he’ll be able to get something out of me first. And he won’t hesitate to use Jenna against me, so we’ll have to move fast before he tries anything.”

They drove the rest of the way in silence, with Kyle making the occasional comment about what they drove past. A block away from the address Kyle had provided, both he and Matt hopped out.

“We can do this another way. Take him by surprise,” Matt said, though not looking very convinced.

“We don’t have time and you know it. I’ll drive around for five minutes to give you a chance to get close. Then I’ll throw myself on his doorstep.”

“Be careful.” Matt slapped him on the shoulder.

“You too.”

He waited until they disappeared into the shadows of the buildings. Midafternoon was a strange time to be engaging in shady deals with terrorists, but such was life. He’d improvise and turn things around to his favor, just as he always had.

He was about to pull the car out into traffic again when he suddenly felt as if a 123

lightning bolt had hit him. His skin seemed charged, the fabric of his clothing rubbing against it, sending jolts of pleasure through him.

“Fuck.”

His eyes flew closed and when he sucked in a deep breath, all he could smell was Jenna. His cock recognized her and instantly sprang to life.
What the hell was going on
here?
Ben tried to open his eyes, but they wouldn’t cooperate. He could practically feel her body pressing up against his. Her ass rubbing against his shaft, teasing it through his clothing.

As suddenly as the feeling hit him, it was gone again. Ben was left shaking, his body on the edge of orgasm. All it would take would be a stroke or two to push him over the edge. It took him a few minutes to get his breathing under control and for his heart rate to slow down enough that he was sure he wouldn’t have a heart attack.

The passenger side door was suddenly jerked open and a tall, bald man fell into the chair. Tattoos crawled out from the collar of his shirt and covered most of his neck. He grinned as someone else yanked open the driver’s side door.

“Well, I think you’ve just earned me a bonus, Mr. Hawthorn,” he said, the smell of stale booze filled the room.

“So happy to help.”

That was all he managed to say before the tattooed man rammed his fist into Ben’s face, knocking him out.

* * * * *

Jenna was happy to be back in her makeshift prison. She could still smell Rick’s scent all around her like a brand. Gods, she’d sworn she’d been with Ben. The idea that Rick had turned her on at all made her sick.

A chorus of voices echoed in the hall outside her locked door. The sound made her heart ache. She’d had a happy life for the most part. So what if she didn’t see much of her parents these days? She had Rhonda and the girls to keep her company.

Ben’s face popped into her head and she couldn’t help but sigh. She was lonely, and as infuriating as Ben had been over the past few weeks, she’d grown quite used to him being there for her. She’d even grown used to his interfering ways. No, it wasn’t interfering, but his attempt to help.

Gods, she missed him.

Jenna curled up in the chair, tucking her knees under her chin, and closed her eyes.

She’d been running on adrenaline for hours now and it was starting to take its toll on her.

She must have drifted off, because she jumped when she heard the slamming of the door down the hall from where they kept her. Thunderous footsteps marched down the hall until they came to a stop in front of her cell. She straightened and stood ready to face whatever Rick was going to throw at her. But she was shocked when they threw a 124

beaten and bleeding man at her feet. It took her a second to recognize him.

“Ben!”

“Yes, your boyfriend was driving in the wrong part of town.”

Rick was standing in the doorway, a cocky grin on his face.

“What the hell did you do to him?” She tried to wipe the blood from his cheek, but he fought her.

“Jen, I’m fine.” His voice cracked as he spoke, but he looked at her with very determined eyes. “Are you okay?”

She wanted to laugh. Here he was beat to a pulp and he wanted to know how she was. Instead, she leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

“I’m fine, sweetheart. Roger’s dead.”

It still hurt to think of it. He may have been misguided, but she’d always believed Roger had meant well—fool that she was. Her throat tightened and she had to fight to stop the tears. There’d be plenty of time for that later.

Ben frowned, the motion causing the cut on the side of his mouth to split again.

“I’m sorry. I know how close you were.”

“This is all very touching, but we don’t have time for a lengthy reunion. I have a job for you, Dr. Robins.”

Ben stiffened as Rick spoke and Jenna could see the barely restrained hate flash in his eyes.

“She’s not doing anything for you.”

“I don’t think you’re in much of a position to stop me,
Mr.
Hawthorn,” Rick practically hissed and kicked Ben in the stomach.

“Stop it! I’ll do what you want, but you have to promise to leave Ben alone.”

“Jen, no, the device is dangerous.” Ben grabbed her arm. “Gareth said it was going to explode.”

“Of course it’s going to explode. You never were very bright, were you, Ben? Dr.

Robins is going to be the one who blows it up. We discovered she’s a supercharged reactor.”

Jenna looked up and really looked at Rick and what she saw made her shiver. The smile on his face didn’t make it to his eyes. His teeth gleamed in the dim light and she had the distinct feeling he would eat her alive if he could. If he didn’t need her to blow up the device, she’d probably be dead already. She was dead either way, it seemed.

“I don’t see a lot of options here,” she said quietly to Ben, making sure to smile at him with as much love as she could muster.

Her heart broke. She’d just figured out how much she loved him and now they were both going to die. Stupid, shitty luck.

Ben reached up and caressed her cheek. Instead of dismay, he looked more determined than ever. “Don’t give up on me yet,” he said and winked.

125

She tried not to react and only nodded. Matt! She hadn’t thought of him until that second. There’s no way he’d let Ben come in here without some plan to get him out. To get them both out. She knew it was going to be rough, but they’d make it.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” And she leaned in to kiss him.

Ben winced as she brushed the corner of his mouth that was hurt, but he didn’t pull away. He wrapped his fingers around her wrist, squeezing gently and he returned her kiss. She could tell something had changed with him. The way he touched her made her feel protected and loved. He’d be willing to rip Rick apart right now if he thought it would save her. His lips were hungry, demanding, but loving.

Jenna pulled back and looked into his eyes. He would never be able to say it here, but she needed to see it. See if he really did love her.

“Enough of that shit.” Rick grabbed Jenna by the shoulder and yanked her to a standing position. He pulled her tight against his chest and Jenna had to fight the impulse to pull away. “Here’s how this is going to work,
Dr.
Robins. You’re going to finish what your friend started and build me a bomb big enough to blow the environment shield back to Earth. If you can find a way to blow it without strapping yourself to the device, then I’ll let you go. If you move too slowly, I’ll take our friend Ben here apart bit by bit and I’ll strap you to the device myself, turn it on and walk away.”

“Jenna, don’t worry about me,” Ben said quietly from the floor.

She could almost hear his silent
I’m dead either way
.

“He’s not going to pass up the opportunity to torture me. Are you, Rick?”

Rick shrugged, never breaking eye contact with Jenna. “True. But I’ll promise to make it a painless death if you cooperate, Dr. Robins. Otherwise, I’ll take my time.

Days. Weeks maybe. And then I’ll blow you up.”

Jenna felt her stomach sicken from fear. Ben better damn well have a plan or they were both dead sooner rather than later.

“I’ll do it. But only if you promise not to hurt him.”

Rick regarded her carefully for a second before he smiled. “Of course. Now let’s get you to your lab, Doctor.”

“Wait, I’ll need Ben to come too.” Her heart was pounding, scared of what Rick would do to her. But she knew if she didn’t keep Ben with her, he
was
dead. “I’ll need help and he knows the device almost as well as I do.”

“If you think for a second—”

“Look, you can keep guards on us the whole time if you want. I can’t do this alone.

Had you kept Roger alive, he would have said the same thing. Why do you think he wanted me here in the first place?”

Rick instantly slapped Jenna. Pain shot up her cheek and numbed her face. The next thing she knew, Ben was on his feet, his fist slamming into Rick’s face. The two guards who were flanking Rick were struck motionless, momentarily stunned by the swiftness 126

of Ben’s attack. It took them a second to jump to their boss’s aid. But a second was all Jenna needed. When the guard closest to her began to punch Ben in an attempt to get him off Rick, she grabbed his laser gun from his holster. Without hesitating, she pointed it at the man and fired. The shot rang out, quick and deafening in the small room. The smell of burned skin was almost as sickening as the sound of burning skin. The man fell in a lump on the floor, crying out and clutching his side where the laser had connected.