Mountain Secrets by Elizabeth Goddard (good books to read for teens txt) 📕

Her clutch rested on the seat. Nick shoved it into her stomach. “I assume the item of interest is in there. Give it to me.”

Her hands were shaking as she undid the clasp. “This is what you were supposed to get back for your boss, right? What good am I to you? Why complicate things?”

Again, the toothy smile. “I have plans for you, my dear.”

His words were like mercury in her veins, spreading a deadly poison through her.

She pulled the bookmark from the purse, unfolded the protective case it was in and showed him.

“Very nice.”

What had she ever seen in this man? She was sixteen when she met him. Her mother had had a string of boyfriends. She’d never known her father. Nick had paid attention to her at first, told her she was pretty, bought her gifts, given her the affection she’d craved.

He pointed the gun at her. “Get out of the truck and go over to the stone building.”

She opened the truck door. Wind blew the snow around. Cold settled on her bare skin. Her ball gown had gotten ripped in the struggle. Her exposed arms were goose pimpled from the cold.

Nick trudged behind her, still holding the gun on her. “I have to say. You look so beautiful tonight. When I saw you, it made me think of old times. We could have been something for each other.”

Isabel paused midstride briefly but didn’t respond. Fear made it almost impossible for her to speak anyway. What was he planning?

The door to the large stone lodge had a lock and chain on it that had been cut.

“Go inside,” Nick urged.

She pushed open the door. The main meeting area had a few benches and a large fireplace.

Without a coat, Isabel was shivering.

“Do you like it here? It’s my home away from home. Why don’t you build us a nice romantic fire?”

She pressed her lips together, fighting back the words she wanted to say. How he had ruined her life. How she wanted nothing to do with him or the people he associated with.

He pulled out a phone and stepped over to a corner of the room, still watching her and holding the gun.

Wood and kindling were stacked by the fire.

Nick blocked the door, so there was no way for her to escape. Besides, he had the truck keys. She wouldn’t get far in the cold, not dressed the way she was.

She struck a match to the kindling she had stacked in the grate and tossed in more paper. Flames blackened and ate the paper and tiny pieces of wood.

Though Nick was speaking in a low tone, she gathered enough of the conversation to discern that he was talking to someone about the bookmark. At one point, he patted his chest where he’d placed it.

The fire increased in intensity, and she threw on a small log. She held her hands out to the warmth and then rubbed her arms.

Nick finished his phone call and strode toward her. The look in his eyes turned her stomach.

She rubbed her palms over her arms. “I’m really cold. Can I see if I can find a sweater or something around here?”

“I could keep you warm.” Again, that sick smile.

Repulsed, she took a step back. “I think I’ll try to find a coat or blanket. Maybe some kid left something behind.” She turned, looking for a door that might lead to storage or a closet.

She stepped across the room, swung a door open and found board games and outdoor equipment. A sweatshirt heaped in a box on the floor. She grabbed it, assessed it to be a few sizes too big and put it on. It hung down past her waist.

When she turned around, Nick was watching her. He’d put the gun away in his coat. “You sure looked beautiful tonight. You even look cute with that sweatshirt on. What do you say—join me? This isn’t small-time. We could make a fortune.”

She was struck by how pathetic and desperate he sounded. So that was why he’d dragged her here. He thought he could talk her into being with him.

She shook her head. “I just want to go home, please.”

“Come on, Isabel. Don’t you want to be rich? This isn’t petty stuff for me. I’m connected all the way to the top.”

Her senses went on high alert. Was he telling the truth? Did Nick know who was behind the smuggling, or was he just bragging to try to win her back?

He blocked the door so she couldn’t step back out into the main room. She had to play this thing to the end. “I’m happy with the arrangement I have.”

Rage flared in his eyes and he reached out and grabbed her. “You were meant to be with me.” His hands closed around her wrists.

“Nick, please, you’re hurting me.” She struggled to get away.

He pressed toward her trying to kiss her. She kicked him hard in the shins so he doubled over and got out of her way. She ran toward the door.

Nick was just recovering when she swung the door open and ran outside. She raced toward one of the far cabins hidden in the trees. The snow was of a soft enough texture that she hadn’t left clear footprints. She was glad she’d chosen to wear boots with her dress. At least her feet were warm. He’d find her sooner or later, though. Though she’d gained access to the cabin, she needed to come up with an escape plan.

What could she do? Run to the truck and lock all the doors until he agreed to take her home? No, he would never do that. She could file kidnapping charges against him.

She took out her cell phone. She could tell Jason where she was.

She heard Nick moving through the camp, opening and shutting the cabin doors. No time to make the call.

She slipped out the back door of the cabin and hid behind a tree. His footsteps reached her ears.

“Come on out, Isabel.” He