Page 25 of Guarded from Treachery

Matt gets this adorably flustered look on his face as he says somewhat desperately, “Don’t cry. It’s going to be okay. Please don’t cry. It’ll be alright.”

And as he pulls me into another hug, for the first time since this all started, I let myself believe he might be right.

6

MATT

“So, how is she holding up?”

Dante looks at me from the right corner of my screen, one of five video feeds displaying my fellow teammates. Beside him are Xavier and Rhiannon, and just beneath, Niall and Erik. They all wear matching expressions of concern as they wait for my answer.

“As best she can,” I reply, making sure to pitch my voice low. Isla’s in her bedroom napping, but the door is half-open, and I don’t want to risk waking her. It would be quieter if I closed her door while I meet with the team, but security-wise, it’s not the best option. This way I can hear if there’s a problem, and from my position at the dining room table, if I crane my head the right way, I can see into her room to make sure she’s okay.

“Do you think she needs to see a doctor?” Dante asks. “Given that she’s pregnant, and with all the stress…”

Catching a slight movement from the bedroom out of the corner of my eye, I hold up one finger to the camera before getting up from my chair to check on her. Once I get to the doorway and peer inside, the knot of worry in my chest unclenches. She’s still fast asleep, sheets tangled between her legs, her hair spilling across one pillow while she clutches another to her chest. As I’m watching, she hugs the pillow tighter and makes a low moaning sound, but she doesn’t wake up.

My chest squeezes. I can only imagine what she’s dreaming about. Nothing good, I’m sure. Just one terrible event after another. And that’s not even counting the things she may not remember.

I watch her for another few seconds before returning to my computer. “Sorry. I saw something in Isla’s bedroom and wanted to check on her. But she’s fine. Just napping. I finally convinced her to get some sleep once Hawk left.”

From the left top corner, Rhiannon stiffens. “Is he doing alright? Hawk?” She pauses, her brows pulling into a V. “Last time I heard from him, he was still risking his life on that fishing boat in Alaska.”

“He’s on a month-long break,” I answer. “He just flew in to Dallas two days ago to visit his sister. So it was a lucky break he was available to help.”

“Definitely,” Xavier says. He scowls as he adds, “Especially considering how useless the police have been.”

I lift my chin at him. “I’d agree. From what Hawk said about the visit last night, they were worse than useless. Condescending, dismissive… the same treatment she got before.” As anger bubbles up, I take a steadying breath to settle it. “But to answer your question about a doctor, Isla said she feels okay and doesn't want to go.”

Dante frowns. “What doyouthink?”

I cast another quick glance at her bedroom door. “I think she should see a doctor. But I’m not going to push her today. It’s too soon. Unless there’s something really alarming, and then I’ll take her to the hospital whether she wants to go or not.”

“Regarding Isla’s condition,” Dante says. “I’m thinking it would be best to have myself or Rhiannon come to Dallas to help. With our medical training, if there is a problem, we’ll be right there to assess.”

“Nothing against you, Dante,” Rhiannon interjects, “But I think it might be better if I go. I don’t know Isla, but she may feel more comfortable talking to a woman. Especially about pregnancy-related issues.”

Dante nods. “I agree. If you don’t mind going, Rhi? I know you’re due some days off once you get back tomorrow.”

“No, I don’t mind at all.” Compassion softens her features. “I can’t even imagine how scared Isla must be. So if I can help in any way, I will.”

“She’s scared, but honestly, I’m shocked at how well she’s handling things,” I say. “I mean, she made that drive by herself, both ways, when she had to be terrified to do it. She kept it together last night, did just what I asked her to without panicking. And if you talk to her… you’d be amazed. With everything that’s going on, she’s still thoughtful and nice and funny…”

Trailing off, I notice more than a few raised eyebrows on the screen. “What?” I ask, a hint of defense in my tone. “She’s a really interesting person. That’s all I’m saying.”

Niall coughs quietly.

“Well.” Dante lifts his chin. “Now that we’ve settled that. Since Rhi can’t make it there for another two days, that leaves Erik or myself to come out today to join you. I can?—”

“I can go,” Erik offers quickly. “Dante. You just got back. I’m sure Sarah would like to spend some time with you. I don’t mind going to Dallas to help.”

“Are you sure, Erik?”

“Absolutely. I have to stop at the community center for an hour or so this afternoon, but I can leave right after. So I should get into Dallas around six or seven, depending on the traffic.”

Dante shoots Erik a grateful smile. “Thanks. I owe you one.”

Erik waves his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it.”

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