Free Hellbound Warrior: (Dark Warrior Alliance Book Five) by Brenda Trim, Tami Julka

body in front of her. He edged them into the darkened corner of the alley and waited with his weapon in hand.
    “Rhys, where the fuck are you?” Dante whispered.
    Relaxing, Rhys stepped out of the shadows and greeted his friends. “Did you find her?”
    Dante stopped a few feet away and tipped his head to Illianna, “Yeah, we found her exactly where Illianna said we would. It wasn’t easy and convincing her to leave was even more difficult, but she’s waiting for us in an abandoned building a couple streets over. But first, we, um…procured some clothing and shoes for you, Illianna. They probably won’t fit just right, but it’s got to be better than walking around half-naked.”
    Rhys noticed tears that entered Illianna’s eyes as she accepted the clothing from Dante. No doubt she hadn’t been shown any form of kindness during her captivity. “I haven’t had clothing for longer than I care to remember. I can never thank you guys for what you are doing to help me.”
    She held onto his arm for leverage as she stepped into the dark linen pants. Luckily, they had a drawstring waist or they would have fallen off her slim hips. The shoes were next.
    Bouncing on her feet, she looked up at him with a smile. “They’re a little big, but both will stay on, I think. I’ve never actually worn shoes. Most angels do, but I never cared for them so this is a new experience for me.”
    Rhys returned her smile and murmured, “The first of many new experiences to come.” Needing to remain close, he twined their fingers together. They’d had a moment before Dante and Kellen had shown up and he didn’t want to lose that small connection.
    “Ready to be freed, angel?” he asked.
    “More than ready,” she answered, squeezing his hand. She was beginning to trust him and that made Rhys stand a little taller.
    *****
    Illianna glanced around the empty building. Luckily, they’d crossed the city without being noticed. It hadn’t been easy and she’d had to lift the collar of his jacket and huddle into his side to hide her distinctive slave collar and bald head. Her nerves were a wreck. She wanted to believe this person was going to help them, but it could be a trap. This woman could turn them over to Lemuel and get a huge reward. Or, use her for her own purposes. Pushing the negative thoughts aside, she had to trust that Rhys and his colleagues would keep her safe.
    The small, empty room was an odd combination of black stone and rotting wood. The building itself was in bad shape and needed repair. This particular room was filled with dust and debris and there was no furniture or appliances of any kind.
    “We’re here,” Kellen called out, his voice echoing into the dark as he turned in a circle. The voodoo practitioner was nowhere to be found. She was supposed, but perhaps she had second thoughts.
    A female stepped out from behind one of the walls and walked toward their group. She was short, couldn’t have been more than five feet and had skin dark as night. Her pallor was surprisingly healthy for a resident of the Underworld. Illianna couldn’t help but wonder if she was a prisoner and forced to do her job or if she was there of her own freewill.
    When she stopped closer to their group, Illianna noticed she was beautiful with full lips and a voluptuous body. Suddenly, Rhys’ comment about Illianna not being his type ran through her head. She’d bet this woman was his type with her long, black hair and big breasts.
    Not wanting to think about that anymore, she wondered if this was the person who had placed the collar on her in the first place. That particular incident was gone from her memory. At the time, she’d passed out from pain and never saw a face.
    “Yes, I remember this one. You didn’t tell me you wanted Lemuel’s prized angel freed. That ups the ante and will cost you,” she informed them, crushing Illianna’s hope.
    “Okay, sweetcakes, let’s talk business. What’s your price?” Rhys asked,