Page 32 of Rami

CHAPTER 10

Rami rubbed his eyes as he woke in the brightly lit motel room. He lay on his side, one hand resting on top of the blanket, over Ivy’s ribs. She lay on her back, her face turned toward him and her eyes closed peacefully. Probably the only moment of peace she’d had all night.

Several times he’d woken to her little moans of discomfort, and more than once she’d cried out “No!” The only thing that had settled her was the touch of his hand on her shoulder. He hadn’t spoken, hadn’t tried to wake her, but it seemed that her nightmares dissipated once she realized she wasn’t alone.

Her hair was strewn over the white pillowcase, the dark locks shiny compared to the matted mess they’d been before she showered. There was a little bit of color in her cheeks, either from warmth or, hopefully, nourishment. Her dry lips were still cracked, but at least they were a normal pink rather than deathly white. So soft and pretty. Ivy was everything feminine, her petite frame and delicate features a sharp contrast to his build.

Slowly, he peeled his palm away from her midsection. He must have moved closer to her while sleeping because he’d been careful to leave distance between them before going to sleep. Now, his knees were touching her legs and his face was snuggled a little too close to hers.

He inched away and rolled on his back. The muscles in his neck and lower back pinched, either from the tension of the drive or the shitty mattress. Taschen’s and August’s low voices carried from the room next door.

He rolled out of bed and scooped up his phone. For Ivy’s comfort, he’d stayed dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt—more than he normally wore to bed. He padded to the open door and walked into the adjoining room.

Food containers were spread on the table and the bags were packed. “How’s she doing?” August asked, as he fitted a shirt over his head.

“Sleeping.” Rami went to the food, the scent of cheese and bacon calling him. He unwrapped a breakfast sandwich and took a bite. Grease filled his mouth, and he groaned as he took another. Swallowing, he nodded at Taschen. “I hope you got her something lighter. She might puke if she eats this.”

“I figured. I grabbed a bagel, a fruit cup, and a yogurt parfait. There’s juice as well.”

“That sounds delicious,” Ivy purred.

Rami turned to see her standing in the doorway, a tube still dangling from her arm, stopping her from coming farther into the room.

Taschen cleared his throat and tipped his head. “Morning. I don’t think we met. I’m Taschen, the errand boy.”

A smile warmed her lips. “Then I have you to thank for the clothes and crackers.”

“He was also our getaway driver,” Rami clarified.

Her expression turned somber, and he mentally gave himself a kick in the ass.

“Here, let me get that thing out of you.” August led her back to the other room, and a minute later she returned without the bulky tubing. Only a small bandage covered the area.

The Henley shirt she wore was loose on her frame, but her nipples still poked the material. The pants hung loosely from her hips. If her physique was anything like her twin sister’s, then she’d probably lost a good fifteen pounds that she didn’t have to lose.

Rami motioned her to the table. “Help yourself.”

Her eyes were big in her face. “I’m starving. The crackers and banana created a beast.” She picked up the parfait and spoon and went to town. “What time is it?” she asked, between bites.

Taschen picked up a bag and went to the door. “Just after noon. I’m going to start packing up the van.”

Energy lit her eyes. “Are we leaving soon?”

“Soon as you’re ready.” August scooped up a few other bags and followed Taschen outside. Rami popped the last of the breakfast sandwich in his mouth and wiped the grease from his lips with a napkin.

“How long’s the drive?” she asked.

He made a face. “Twenty hours.”

“Oh god,” she mouthed.

“We’ll drive in shifts. You can rest in the back. It’ll go quick.” Everyone wanted to get home, but surely Ivy more than anyone.

“I wish we could fly,” she said hopefully.

“That’s out of the question, unfortunately. We’ve gotta get the van back to Seattle, and you don’t have any identification. Plus, we have to lie low. We don’t know how far the cartel will go to find us. They’ll be pissed that you escaped but even more pissed at us for stealing something they considered theirs—you.”

The color drained from her face. “Do you think they’ll try to find me?”

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