Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus)

Chapter 182

These days, kidnappers were getting ridiculous-not only did they want money, now they wanted to force you into impossible choices.

"So, who are you going to ransom?" Gideon asked quietly.

Magnus gripped his phone, refusing to answer.

"Elise is so fragile she must be terrified. Isadora's tougher, she can hang on longer. Let's get Elise out first, then we'll go back for Isadora," Gideon pressed.

Magnus's jaw clenched, his face like stone. “Neither of them is going to get hurt. I won't allow it."

"Magnus, the kidnappers are making the rules. If you don't pick, you could lose them both. Don't hesitate-choose Elise!" Gideon urged.

Memories of Isadora's past kidnapping flashed through Magnus's mind. He hadn't believed her then-and he'd nearly lost her because of it. He swore he'd never let go of her again.

But then there was Elise...

For a moment, Magnus found himself paralyzed, unable to choose.

"I'll give them five million," he said at last, his voice low and hard. "I want both women back. I'll arrange security to be stationed nearby, ready to intervene."

Without so much as a flicker of emotion, Gideon sent an audio recording from his phone to a number he'd prepared.

***

The next morning.

in the back seat. Following the kidnappers' instructions, they drove out of

Magnus's phone buzzed

this area—now, with the switch, his

around, heading for

Gideon said, voice tight. "If you can save them both, do it. But if it comes

base of a rocky ridge—the kidnappers' final

to drive up. The two men abandoned the car

***

mountain, the kidnappers had gagged both Isadora and Elise with strips of cloth. Each woman was dragged by a different kidnapper up the winding trail toward the cliff's

to the breaking point—just as the kidnappers emerged, hauling their hostages to

jagged scar, sneered. "Mr. Wainwright, both your precious ladies are here. Knew you

was thunderous as he glared at the men holding Elise and Isadora captive. He tossed the heavy bag across the ground, each word deliberate. "There's

of the sum, avarice flickered in the kidnapper's eyes, his throat bobbing as he

his head, almost regretful. "We only want two million. But you have to choose which one

pulsed at Magnus's temple. "You're insane to cross me like this. Let them go, and I'll let

made the kidnappers falter for a split

cash. Choose now. If you don't, both of

in the dark

gag had slipped off, leaving her looking

scared... please save

still sealed tight, unable to