Taken: A Kept Novella by Sally Bradley

hotel near Sophie’s hospital and booked a room for Anna and the kids. Jordan convinced him to let her pull her car into the empty side of his garage so she could hide Anna, her kids, and their belongings in her car, then take them to their hotel. Cam would watch to see if anyone followed her.
    She half-hoped someone would. Then they might get a visual on who they were dealing with.
    “What about Dillan?” Cam asked suddenly.
    “What about him?”
    “Can he meet you there? At the hotel? I don’t like you four alone, without someone to protect you.”
    “You want me to see what he’s doing? He’s probably with Miska.”
    Cam hesitated.
    “Are you ready to tell him about this?”
    His eyes searched hers. “He and Miska still have their own issues with that trial they’re involved in. I hate to put more on him.”
    “Cam, he’s your friend. You’re in his wedding. Let him help.”
    He pressed his fingertips against closed eyelids, as if the weight of so many lay on his shoulders. “I envy you all, Jordan. I envy your parents’ love, the way you take care of each other…” His shoulders shook once—twice.
    The motion jerked tears to her own eyes. She pulled her chair next to his and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
    How long had he been carrying this alone? And none of them had even known. “Call Dillan,” she whispered. “Let him help, Cam. Please don’t deal with this by yourself.”
    He sniffed deeply and pulled himself out of her embrace. “Sorry.”
    “What do you have to be sorry for? All I see is how tough you are. How strong and dependable.”
    He cast a heartbroken gaze her way.
    “Seriously, Cam. I think I’ve fallen more in love with you these last few minutes than in the whole month before.”
    He closed the inches between them and planted a firm kiss on her lips.
    Jordan closed her eyes.
    He kissed her again, his lips slow and gentle this time, saying everything she’d hoped he felt about her. His hand caressed her cheek a moment before he pulled back. “Jordan.” His eyes searched hers. “Can we get married?”
    She laughed.
    He chuckled with her. “I’m halfway not kidding.”
    “I know.” She eased back in her seat and held his hands in hers, hoping he could see how she felt about him too. “I love hearing you say that.”
    “Yeah. But…”
    “There’s no but . I like that you’re thinking that way.”
    “Good.” He smiled, the heaviness gone from his eyes but his cheeks a bit pink. He sniffed again. “I’ll call Dillan.”
    “I’ll see if Anna needs any help.”
    Jordan headed up the stairs, past the spot where she’d seen that teddy bear and toy car two days earlier, which all made sense now.
    Voices came from the first bedroom on the right.
    Jordan knocked on the open door. “Need any help?”
    Anna looked up from the open suitcase on the bed. Beside her, little Avery held purple pajamas and a stuffed blue beaver, her eyes somber. “I’m not sure,” Anna said. “What’s Cameron decided?”
    Jordan entered the room and ruffled Avery’s fine brown hair. “I’m going to drive you guys to the hotel.”
    “You are?”
    “Cam’s going to follow. A little later.”
    Anna nodded, clearly catching everything she hadn’t said. “Thank you, Jordan.”
    “You’re very welcome.”
    Avery watched her intently.
    Jordan flashed her a smile. “Are you excited about staying in a hotel?”
    Avery glanced at her mom, as if she didn’t know herself.
    “You’re bringing your swimsuit, right? This one has a pool.”
    Her eyes lit up. “Can we, Mommy?”
    Anna laughed. “We’ll do it.”
    Avery flew to her dresser, pulled out the bottom drawer, and rummaged through it.
    The look Anna shot her was filled with gratitude. “I was a little nervous how you’d take all of this. But look at you. Rolling with the punches.”
    Jordan shrugged. “You guys don’t have much of a choice, do you?”
    “Well, I don’t.” Anna sighed. “I’m really sorry how all