Page 87 of Last Chance

“What happens to them now?” she asked. Honestly, she didn’t care as long as they weren’t turned loose to cause more trouble. Getting rid of these two or putting them on ice was the simple part. The hard part was handling the other 10,000 members who could be sent after her.

She scowled. This was ridiculous. Why were the Vatos Locos going to so much trouble to acquire her? Was it money? Her inheritance from her grandmother wouldn’t hold a candle to the coffers of the gang since Sawyer said they were into everything, including human trafficking. Her money was a pittance compared to the illegal activities in which they were involved.

“The team will take the De La Cruz brothers to a black site where they’ll uncover every bit of information the men have on the gang and why they’re determined to take you again.” Sawyer swung around to face her. “They won’t get their hands on you, Janie. We won’t let them take you again.”

He would try, but what were the odds he would always succeed? The last thing she wanted was for Sawyer and his friends to suffer injuries while protecting her against a constant stream of opponents. As good as the Texas Team was, the odds were against them being successful in defeating every member of the gang without injuries on the side of the good guys.

Sawyer cupped her nape and drew her against him. “Trust me. Trust my team.”

“I want you safe,” she whispered. “I don’t want to lose you or your friends.”

“We’re well trained, careful, and have great incentives to survive firefights.” He bent his head and brushed his lips over hers. “You’ve added to the many reasons I have to live, sweetheart. I don’t take that lightly.”

Beside the SUV, Max whistled. “Let’s go. Clock’s ticking.”

They joined Max and Brody in the SUV and resumed their journey to the safe house. This time, the drive was peaceful, although the operatives remained alert. Several detours later, Brody parked behind the safe house.

Used to the routine by now, Janie waited in the vehicle for the Max and Brody to return after clearing the house. Three minutes later, Brody appeared at the back door and signaled to Sawyer.

“We’re clear.” He climbed out and reached back to help Janie from the vehicle. After escorting her to the safe house, Sawyer locked the door and reset the alarm. “Are you hungry?”

She stared. Hungry? The way she felt at the moment, Janie might never eat again.

His lips curved. “I’ll take that as a no.”

“Just the thought of eating makes me nauseated.”

“Your body needs fuel, whether or not you feel hungry. I’ll prepare dinner. I think at least one item on the menu will be easy on your stomach.”

She’d see. “I thought you didn’t cook.”

“I don’t. I grill.” He winked at her, then nudged her toward a stool at the breakfast bar. “Have a seat. You can be the straw boss.”

“What’s that?”

“The person who tells everyone else what to do on a job.”

“The supervisor?”

“You’re the most beautiful supervisor I’ve ever had.” He walked to the refrigerator and pulled out three large packages of meat, set them on the counter and opened the pantry door. He perused the contents and bent to grab several large potatoes and aluminum foil.

Sawyer dumped the lot on the counter. “What do you think?”

“I think you’re feeding a starving army. Good grief, Sawyer. Do you guys eat this much all the time?”

He shrugged. “Fast metabolism and intense workouts plus missions where we might not get to eat more than one fast meal a day mean we burn calories.”

“Must be nice,” she muttered.

“You’re perfect.”

“I’m carrying too much weight.”

“Not from where I’m standing.”

“It doesn’t bother you that I’m rounder in places than I should be?”

“You’re perfect,” he repeated. “If anything, I think you’d look good with another pound or two.”

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