Page 92 of Rescuing Mia

“You’ll never fall. Not when you’re with me.” Rigel’s gaze is steady, his expression fierce with determination.

But before he can move, Blake steps forward, shaking his head. “Rigel, you’re in no condition for that.”

“Mia is mine to protect. I’ll carry her. I’ll keep her safe.” Rigel looks like he wants to argue, his jaw tightening.

Blake’s expression softens, but his tone remains firm. “Not in your current state. You’re cold and shivering.” He gestures to his own tactical gear, which includes a wetsuit. “I’ll take good care of her. Help me fashion a Swiss seat out of rope, and we’ll tie her to my back.”

“Blake’s right, Rigel.” Ethan, the team leader, nods his agreement. “You can stand below and spot them in case anything happens.”

Rigel hesitates for a moment, his eyes locked on mine. The struggle in his gaze is impossible to miss, the fierce desire to protect warring with the knowledge that Blake is better equipped for the task.

Finally, he nods, his shoulders sagging slightly.

Under Ethan’s guidance, I bend over Blake’s back, wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist like a monkey. Rigel and Ethan work together to tie me securely to Blake, their hands deft and sure.

As Blake begins to climb, I bury my face against his shoulder, my eyes squeezed shut. The rope ladder sways and shifts beneath us, the RIB’s movement and the roll of the waves makes it feel like the world is tilting on its axis.

With each step Blake takes, the ladder lurches and shudders. I cling to him desperately, my arms locked around his neck in a chokehold of terror.

Up and down we go, rising and falling with the heave of the sea.

Every time the ladder slips or jerks, a fresh wave of panic crashes over me, stealing my breath and making my heart race. Isqueeze my eyes shut tighter, trying to block out the dizzying sensation of the void beneath us.

Halfway up, Blake lets out a strained chuckle. “If you keep choking me like that,” he says, his voice tight with effort, “I’m gonna pass out, and we’re both gonna fall.”

My eyes fly open, a gasp of horror escaping my lips. Immediately, I loosen my grip, trying to find a balance between holding on tight enough to feel secure and not strangling my rescuer in the process.

Blake reaches back and pats my leg reassuringly. “Just hold on steady,” he says, his voice calm and even. “We’re almost there.”

I nod against his shoulder, not trusting myself to speak. I try to focus on his words, on the solid strength of his body beneath mine, rather than the yawning void below.

Step by step, Blake continues his climb, his movements sure and steady despite the added weight of my body on his back. I feel the strain in his muscles, the coiled power that propels us upward, and I’m struck by a fierce surge of gratitude for his strength and skill.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, we reach the top of the ladder. Hands reach out to pull us onto the deck, and I’m hit by a rush of relief so intense it leaves me dizzy.

I’m vaguely aware of two women—one with psychedelic, multicolored hair cut short in a pixie cut, the other with long brown hair, a kind smile, and warm eyes. They help untie me from Blake’s back.

But my attention is drawn to the other figures on the deck—a formidable giant of a man with a shock of white-blond hair and a physique that reminds me of the Norse god Thor, and several other men with the same imposing stature as those in the RIB, all of them towering over me, their muscles straining against their clothes.

I shrink back instinctively, my heart hammering in my chest, but then Rigel is there, pulling me into his arms, his warmth and strength enveloping me like a shield.

“You’re safe now,” he murmurs, his voice fierce with conviction. “I’ve got you.”

Rigel’s embrace is fierce and protective. Over his shoulder, Icatch a glimpse of Blake, his face shining with sweat and a grin of triumph.

“Told you we’d make it,” he says, winking at me.

I manage a weak smile in return, my heart swelling with gratitude.

I’m safe.

I can catch my breath.

I need that.

Chapter Thirty-Four

RIGEL

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