Page 47 of Grave Peril

Despite her threat to stay in bed, Lela stretched then slipped out of the covers. She stood and rubbed her eyes. “I need a shower.”

Rip stared at her a bit too long, unable to take his eyes off her shapely legs and bare feet. She padded across the carpet. “I’ll go get presentable. Is there food?”

“I’ll take care of it.” While Lela was in the bathroom, Rip called room service and ordered the works. He wasn’t sure what she preferred, so he chose a little of everything.

While waiting, he checked messages and perused a few things online. Lela was in the bathroom for a long time. At one point, he heard the hairdryer humming. Room service delivered the food before she was out, so he poured coffee.

Rip was on his second cup when Lela emerged. “This is my last semi-clean set of clothes.”

“After you eat, I’ll take care of that.” Rip poured her some coffee, and she sat in a chair close to the food cart.

“Wow, you got a lot. It looks delicious.” Lela took in a slow breath. “And it smells great. I’m so hungry.”

After helping herself to eggs, bacon, toast, and yogurt, Lela settled back in her chair and started eating. Her delight over the food caused Rip to become aroused. He imagined the purring sounds she’d make in bed. The soft moans of satisfaction over the breakfast really had him going.

Rip looked at his food and took another bite of ham. He needed to eat too, and that was what he should pay attention to. But Lela was so close that he could smell her shampoo, and dreamed the warmth of her body was against his skin.

Being cooped up in the same hotel room was a challenge. Rip was losing his cool. He was a red-blooded male, bodyguard or not. Even he had his limits. He needed to get into action; a distraction would be welcomed.

Fortunately, Lela started talking, bringing Rip back to reality. “I’ve been thinking about my mother. And I’m worried.” She furrowed her brow. “It’s good that you have protection for her, but…”

Rip raised his brows, then stuffed a bit of waffle in his mouth.

“My mother must be frantic over what’s happened to me. It’s been so long since I disappeared. I have to get a message to her.”

The idea of another personal encounter was out of the question. Rip couldn’t allow her to go to see her mother—not now.

“I’ll tell you what,” Rip said. “I’ll have Stealth let her know that you are unharmed, and are just staying out of sight. Travis will handle it. He can deliver a message through one of the guys he has keeping eyes on your mom.”

Lela poured some orange juice and leaned back with her hand on her belly. “I’m stuffed.” She took a sip, and seemed to consider his offer.

Rip was relieved that she didn’t fight him on that. Once she got something into her head, it was hell convincing her otherwise.

“I think that will be best,” Lela said. “I don’t want to bring danger to my mother’s doorstep. A message will have to do for now.”

Rip called his boss before Lela had a chance to change her mind. He made the arrangements. Travis didn’t think it would be difficult.

“It’s all set,” Rip said. “Your mother doesn’t need to know any details. That will only put her in harm’s way. But she will be reassured.”

“I miss her so much. I hope it’s not too much longer until I can go home.”

Rip did too, but there was no way to predict when that would be. If he had his way, he’d have her back to her family very soon.

Lela agreed to stay in the room with the door locked, so Rip could go out on errands. “We’re low on cash, so I have to make a stop at the bank. You can’t make any withdrawals, because that could be traced.”

Rip looked at her. “Don’t forget, the feds are after you too. It’s your good luck that they haven’t found you so far.”

“Okay. I don’t want to be found any more than you want them to find me.” Lela walked over to him. “And get comfortable clothes for me, ones I can move in. I need to be able to fight. So no girl stuff.”

Rip grinned. “That’s probably all I’ll be able to pick out anyway.” Lela told him her sizes in pants and shirts, then he left on his supply run.

Rip was back quickly. The less he left Lela alone, the better. She approved of her new wardrobe, as limited as it was, then packed up to leave.

“It’s better for you to move around,” Rip said. “As safe as you’ve been here in this fancy hotel, it won’t last. I’m just glad it hasn’t been found out yet.”

Lela put the strap of her bag over her shoulder. “Where to now?”

Rip opened the door then bent into a little bow. With a sweep of his arm, he said, “You’ll see.”

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