Page 22 of Ace

“Maybe not.” He held his phone to his ear. Then he pocketed it. “That is not good news.”

“What?” She followed him down onto the floor.

“Hug up against the side of the boat. Lie flat.”

Her training kicked in, and she felt her heart rate and her breathing slow. The thumping came closer.

“They’ve got lights. They’re searching the water.”

“For us?”

“I don’t know. My guys left a message. They’re sending a boat.”

Lights shone down on the water close enough that she saw the tip of the boat she faced clear as day. She held her breath.

The bird moved on. They waited until the sounds of the blades faded away, and then Dex sat up. “The other islands are up ahead. Many miles up ahead.”

“Are they disputed territory now too?”

“I’m not sure.”

“We got off of Panau without discovery. They can’t be looking for us, can they?”

“I doubt it. But who knows? They don’t post stuff like this on the local news.”

She nodded. And hoped that they would be on a larger boat in American hands, soon. Though, as she studied Dex’s calm and calculating face, she smiled.

“What?”

“I’m just happy that if this had to happen, you’re here.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “Me too.”

Chapter 8

Dex’s heart kept up a steady race. That helicopter had been too close. Gi didn’t think they were looking for him or her, but he wasn’t so certain. If the incident was escalating, their capture would be the perfect ignition to a greater problem in the Pacific Islands. And not only did he not wish for a stint in a foreign prison, he did not want to be the cause of any international problems. His partners would kill him. Who was he kidding? His father would kill him.

Because he had to do something with his new pent-up energy, he picked up a paddle.

“Good call.” Gianna started digging in like her life depended on it, so he upped his intensity. And for a solid thirty minutes, they pumped through the water until sweat dripped from his face.

“Uncle.” He pulled up his paddle. “I can’t anymore.”

She laughed. “Maybe the civilian life is making you soft.”

“You’re in great shape. What do you do, paddle every morning?”

“Heh. No. I think I’m just used to the climate, the thick air. And I run.”

He reached his hand into the water and splashed his face and his hair until the cool water ran down and wet his shirt.

The sky started to light, a glow rising in the east as a boat came speeding toward them. His phone buzzed. “This is us.”

Gi picked up her rucksack and their supply gear. She was a soldier, a beautiful soldier. His gaze travelled over her in appreciation. If he was lucky, they could make something work, they could start up again.

Within a few moments, the boat slowed. It was the size of a small yacht, but it seemed to tear through the ocean like they were on a lake. And then Colton stepped out on deck.

“Flyboy.” Dex grinned.

---