Page 42 of Second Chances

“He dead?” the leader who’d told me to stand down asks.

I nod.

“She ok?”

The girl finally realizes she’s safe and buries herself into my chest. I wrap my arms around her and pull her close.

“She’s ok. No physical injuries.”

“Let’s get you both out of here,” my superior orders, and I follow him back through the warehouse and outside into the fresh air of a new dawn breaking over the sandy countryside surrounding us.

It’s not just a new dawn here, though. It’s the start of a new life for me. I’m done with the undercover work, the investigation…and the death. This was who I was before, not who I am now. As Farooq said, I have a heart now, and I’m not going to waste another moment doing something I no longer love.

Chapter Nineteen

Elena

Freedom to move around—it’s bliss after weeks of needing help just to go to the bathroom. Ok, I’ve still got a plaster cast on my leg, but with crutches, I’m a speed demon. Yesterday I finally returned to my apartment despite Miranda and Pete insisting I could stay longer with them. I just wanted my own space.

A young girl arrived at the North’s house a couple of days ago. She was something to do with Ryan’s mission and had been brought there for her protection. Apparently, Miranda and Pete are to be rushed through as the girl’s adoptive parents with James’ help. I don’t really understand it all, but I’m sure Ryan will explain when he gets back. I’ve been told he’s due home in a few more days. I’m just relieved he’s alive and well, and in the debriefing stage of his operation. I long for him to be home. I feel as though I’m missing a part of me.

I take two painkillers and wash them down with water. Pushing up from the sofa, I reach for my crutches and hobble into the kitchen. My stomach is telling me I’m hungry, and despite the fact I’ve already put on a few pounds through no exercise, I give in and find the chocolate cake Miranda sent home with me. It’s rich, gooey and delicious—everything I want in a calorific treat. I waste little time shoveling it into my mouth while balancing on one leg. By the time I’ve finished, I’m pretty certain I’ve cake all over my mouth.

“Was that good?” The deep masculine voice coming from my kitchen door makes me jump out of my skin. I wobble on my one good leg and fall down on the floor. Ryan runs over from where he surprised me and scoops me up into his arms. “Shit! Are you okay? I didn’t mean to scare you. You looked so cute demolishing the cake.”

“I’m fine,” I mumble in embarrassment. Ryan sits down and settles me on his lap. He takes his finger and runs it around my mouth picking up crumbs. “I didn’t expect you back so soon. Matthew said a few more days. You needed to debrief.”

“I got it done quicker than I thought I would, so I rushed back to debrief you instead.”

He tucks a finger into the cut-off leggings I’m wearing and pushes his hand into my panties.

“Ryan.” I try to squirm off his lap, but he has me held tightly.

“What? I’m horny. It’s been a long time, and you’re gorgeous.”

“I wouldn’t say that. I’ve got chocolate all over my face. I haven’t had a decent bath or shower in a few weeks, because I can’t get my cast wet, and I’ve got no make-up on.”

I’d had this elaborate plan of getting the girls around to help me dress up, for when Ryan returned. Put on full make-up, shave the hair on my working leg, and that sort of thing. I wanted to make everything perfect to welcome him back, but instead, he gets the slob version of me. I wouldn’t say it was all that attractive.

“Elena, you may be a bit crusty around the edges.” He laughs and raises a mischievous eyebrow at his comment. “But you’re still sexy as fuck, and I can’t wait to bury myself deep inside you.”

“So I’m only good for sex now?” I pout, my mood has soured, having been caught totally off guard by his return. I know I shouldn’t be this grumpy.

Ryan sits me upright and removes his hand from my leggings.

“Okay, spill it. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I reply quickly.

“Elena do you want a spanking for lying?”

“No.”

“Then answer me.”

“I wanted to look perfect for you when you returned not a slob.”

“You don’t look like a slob. Believe me, I’ve been stuck in the desert for days. Before I had a shower this morning, I was completely disgusting. I’m just glad to be back here with you. I really don’t care what you look like in your head, because in mine, you’re a goddess.”

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