Page 113 of Shadow Redemption

That brought a laugh from Maddox. “Oh, you bet I would. That’s the price you pay for being injured on a mission. Enjoy your time in Sorenson’s tender care. Nico, make sure I get that update on Ben and Quinn.”

“Yes, sir.”

Maddox ended the call.

“Who’s Sorenson?” Ruth asked.

“A man who loves pain,” Ben groused.

Nico laughed. “Don’t let him fool you, Ruth. Ted Sorenson is one of the best trauma surgeons in the country and he works for Fortress as one of our on-staff doctors.”

“He’s also a vet.” Ben’s lips curved at the corners. “As in he treats animals, too. That’s the only thing I enjoy about my visits with him.”

“That’s because you don’t see him unless you’re banged up,” his team leader pointed out.

“Yeah, yeah. Rub it in. Just wait until you’re the reason we have to stop in to see Sorenson. I won’t let you forget this.”

It took Ruth a while to figure out that Nico ragged on Ben to keep his mind off the pain. The Mexican government didn’t waste money on road repairs and the potholes had to feel like craters at the speed they were traveling. Nico and the other SUVs moved at a fast clip down the rutted road.

Sooner than she anticipated, Nico turned off the main road onto a side road that was in even worse shape. Watching Ben, Ruth asked Nico, “How much longer? Ben’s in a lot of pain.”

“Two minutes. Hold on, Ben.”

“I’m fine.”

He wasn’t. Sweat beaded on his face and every rut made Ben flinch. His hand was clenched so tight, his knuckles showed white against his sun-darkened skin.

Finally, Nico skidded around a corner and raced to the Fortress jet. “Go, Ben. Get Ruth inside. I’ll take care of the bags.” He slid from the SUV and hurried to the cargo area as Ben opened the back door and tugged Ruth out.

“Straight to the back of the jet. Sam will want to start working on me as soon as she’s inside.”

They sped up the stairs as the other SUVs screeched to a stop. Operatives spilled out and retrieved bags. Just before Ruth walked inside the cabin, she glanced over her shoulder to see Nate rushing Maren toward the stairs. Good. Now Ben wouldn’t worry about his mother.

Ben led Ruth to the back of the jet and into a bedroom. He stopped just over the threshold, wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her against his chest. His mouth captured hers for one hot, deep kiss after another.

“Get a room,” Rio teased as he walked inside with his medical bag. Sam followed with her own bag.

“I did,” Ben said. “You walked in uninvited.”

“We need to get your shirt off.” Sam slid her bag from her shoulder and came up behind Ben.

“You don’t have to stay for this, sunshine.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm. “You’re been through enough already.”

“You need someone to hold your hand when Sam and Rio come at you with needles.”

He flashed her a grin despite the pallor of his face.

Together, Sam and Rio worked Ben’s shirt loose from the wound on his back. Sam scowled when she saw the extent of the damage in the lighted cabin.

At that moment, the jets powered up.

“Cover the bed, Rio.” Sam unzipped her bag as the other medic draped the bed with a plastic cover.

That done, Rio motioned for Ben to the bed. “On your right side, buddy. We’ll work on the rest of you after we take care of the stitches.” When Ben eased down and stretched out as directed, the medic glanced at Ruth. “Sit where he can see you. Ben needs a distraction while Sam and I work our magic.”

As she settled on the bed, the jet began to move. Soon, they were in the air.

“Ben, you don’t have to worry about Ruth’s safety for a few hours. I’m starting an IV with antibiotics and pain meds.” When Ben started to protest, Rio pointed a finger at him. “Can it. Buckner did a number on you and the repair will be painful. There’s no need to distress your lady. Let go and let us do our job.”

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