Page 68 of Indiscreet

“Come here for a second.” He called over an officer to hold Melinda then climbed in the back of the ambulance with me. That was when I let go of everything I had bottled up since I’d been taken.

I let out a sob. “Thank you.”

He took my lips and pressed down on them hard. “I’ve got some things to do here, but I won’t be long.”

“I just want to go home,” I murmured.

He stroked my face. “You’re getting checked out at the hospital. They’ll need a statement too.”

I grinned. Elliott Carmichael, FBI—shocking.

“Sure, officer,” I tried to joke.

“Soon to be ex-FBI,” he said. “I enjoyed being an interior designer.”

Was he teasing? It didn’t matter right then. He’d been there when I needed him. He’d saved me, Angel, and Melinda. He’d helped Dane. “Thank you.”

He pressed his lips to my forehead. “You didn’t need much help, you ball-busting badass. I’m blown away by you.”

I giggled then winced in pain. I owed him my life.

The emergency workers moved him out and hooked up an IV then I was off to the hospital. I closed my eyes, my head spinning with everything that had happened. It was so sensational that I doubted anyone would believe me, but with the recordings, there was proof.

Once there, I was faced with an explosion of media cameras flashing as I exited from the back of the ambulance. News traveled fast. Then again, a sitting governor’s ex-wife getting kidnapped was too sensational of a story to pass up. I was sure to be hearing from Patrick. For once, I didn’t care.

After they bandaged my bruises and treated my face, I was left alone in a hospital room to rest. When I opened my eyes again, the room was full of roses, and Dane. He was sitting in a chair close to my bed. It was a version of Dane I hadn’t seen before. His shirt was creased, dark hair tousled, a day’s growth of beard on his face. In other words, he looked amazing.

“You’re awake,” he said as he touched my cheek lightly. “You were hurt. I’m sorry I wasn’t there. Vincent called me to meet him and then I was immediately ejected from the boat. I had to depend on Elliott to see you through, and then Angel, and…Melinda.”

The pain on his face made my heart turn over. I reached out and took his hand. “I’m sorry, Dane. We tried for Angel, but…how is she now? How is Melinda?”

Dane’s eyes shimmered. “Angel is in intensive care, and Melinda is here in a family room with a nurse. I caused all your suffering.” His voice cracked.

“Stop that,” I said. “You never gave up. We are safe because of you and Elliott. I’m thankful.” More than thankful—they’d saved my life.

“Still, I should have been there.” He picked up an envelope and handed it to me. “I couldn’t be there like I wanted to, but I did take the time to get this for you.”

It was a receipt for money to keep my company afloat, and a first-class ticket back to Seattle.

A flutter went through my chest. Dane had kept his promise. “Thank you.”

A knock sounded on the door. “You busy?” Elliott asked. He came over and put his hand on Dane’s shoulder. “Melinda is with the nurse.”

I swallowed hard, but I understood. Angel and Melinda needed him. “You should go.”

Dane nodded then leaned over and kissed my lips tenderly. “I should stay too, but I won’t be far.”

“Gia’s tough. She’ll be all right,” Elliott said with a wink at me.

Dane kissed me and whispered, “You never have to be tough with me.”

“Or you with me,” I whispered back.

A million things went through my head as I watched Dane leave the room. Dane’s love and care were boundless. He’d turned his world upside down for Angel. To really know him and have his heart would be something to cherish.

I sighed. They need him.

“Whatever you’re thinking now, Dane’s not gone if you want him to stay,” Elliott said to me.

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