Page 26 of Protection for Nichole

“Could I get a copy of the article and let Apple read it?”

“Can you wait until it’s closer to coming out? I want it to be the complete version so he doesn’t think either of us tried to sneak something past him.”

“Sure. How about we go back to bed?”

She nodded. “Yeah. You need your beauty sleep.”

“Totally.” He grabbed her hand, tugging her with him back to the bedroom.

Being wrapped in his arms gave her comfort and strength. She rested easy with him in bed with her. No question, once her article came out, she would be on the interview circuit, which would mean a trip to New York. There were already more serious requests coming since her editor had teased her article. The teaser had been provocative, and no question, it had opened up interest in her as a journalist. The spotlight was on her, and she could see possible problems popping up. She hoped Jesse gave her a chance because she really liked him and knew what she felt could turn into love very fast.

Chapter 22

Wednesday morning,Jay arrived at the base with the final copy of Nichole’s article in hand. He’d asked the guys to show up early, and they were all going to read the article together. His stomach knotted, and the stress didn’t let up as he entered the building. He wasn’t sure what Apple’s problem was since the guy hadn’t said anything more. The tension still sat between them. He hated the feeling that something was wrong. They needed to work this out before they were called out on another mission.

“There you are,” Griz said as Jay stepped in.

“I have it. There may be a few minor changes because of spelling errors being caught at the last minute, but this is it. It will go to print on Friday.”

Shine took a copy and headed to his desk. “Thanks, man.”

The rest of the guys took a copy, heading over to their desks or standing off to the side. Jay had read the article two more times since the weekend. They’d discussed any issues that might come up, but he hadn’t seen one problem with what Nichole had written. She hadn’t mentioned once who had come in to rescue the group or any secrets she’d learned. The article focused on herperspective as a person held captive and what that had done to her.

Squat finished first. “Not bad. It’s actually good.”

Jay took back the copy of the article. “I thought so.”

Griz came over and handed him the pages. “It’s good. I don’t think she revealed anything.”

Next was Shine. He shrugged as he handed over the pages. “She did great. I liked it.”

Sharp was next. “Those hours that she doesn’t know what happened hit hard.”

Jay swallowed over the lump in his throat, not wanting to let his emotions rise. “Yeah. It sucks that she doesn’t know.”

Sharp squeezed his shoulder. “I don’t have any problems with it.”

“Thanks, Sharp.”

Apple stood, his lips thinned. “It’s not bad. There’s nothing in this that reveals our secrets. But can you really trust her? Like she could easily betray you.”

Agitation rose, but he pushed it down. “She won’t.”

Apple shook his head. “But how do you know? Like, what if she does?”

Griz crossed his arms over his chest. “Apple, what is going on? This isn’t about Nichole. What else is happening in your life?”

Apple narrowed his eyes and then shook his head. “Nothing. It’s nothing.”

They all exchanged a look, and then Sharp stepped closer to Apple and put his hand on the guy’s shoulder. “No, this isn’t nothing. Something is bothering you. What is it?”

Apple turned away from them, and Jay knew something wasn’t right. Apple’s shoulders were stiff as he clenched his hands into fists. This went beyond Nichole.

Griz moved closer and put his hand on Apple’s shoulder. “Man, we can’t help you if you don’t talk.”

A shudder rippled through Apple before he snorted. “Fuck.” Apple turned to face them. “There was someone I trusted. They were close. I thought she was the one. I sacrificed another relationship that had promise for this woman. She used me. I found out right before we were to get married.”

Griz cleared his throat when Apple didn’t continue. “What happened?”

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