Prince Incognito. Rachelle McCalla

he was strong and, based on the way he’d overcome the four armed men on her father’s boat, obviously a skilled fighter. If either of them had a shot at freedom, he was clearly far better equipped to make his bid. If she got left behind, she’d be at her uncle’s mercy.

       And she didn’t believe for one second the promise he’d made to her parents, that she’d be fine. Uncle David had lied through his teeth. He’d tied her up and shoved her into the stowage compartment as though she was nothing more than a piece of luggage. She was a weapon to him, valuable only as long as she was useful. If the soldier escaped without her, she’d no longer be useful to her uncle. She didn’t want to think about what might happen then.

       Just as she began to fear her zip tie was a lost cause, she felt its tight hold slacken slightly.

       “I’m making progress.” Relief filled his voice.

       “Good.” Lily didn’t want to distract him, but the whir of the rotors had lowered in pitch. They were slowing down, likely approaching their destination and preparing to land. They might not have much longer. “If you can get it loose enough, maybe I’ll be able to squeeze my hand out.”

       “Whatever happens, whether I get you free or not, I want you to follow my lead when we disembark.”

       “What’s your plan?”

       “It will depend on where we are, how many men are on the ground and what kind of weapons they’re carrying.”

       The mere thought of armed men sent a shudder rippling through Lily.

       He obviously felt it, because he quickly reassured her. “We’ll have the element of surprise on our side. They won’t be expecting us to make any sort of move. We’ll use that to our advantage.”

       “But we’re already outnumbered.”

       “True. But you said earlier they need the knowledge that’s in my head. They’re not going to risk killing me.”

       Lily swallowed. “What about me?”

       “I thought that David fellow was your uncle.”

       “Yes, but you saw how he tied me up and shoved me back here. I don’t have any critical information in my head.” As she spoke, they shifted with a hollow thump. The helicopter’s skids settled to the ground. They’d landed. And though the soldier had worked the zip tie back a few more notches, Lillian was still securely restrained. She wasn’t even sure she could stand up without help.

       “He’s not going to hurt you.”

       “How do you know that?”

       “I won’t let him.”