Page 64 of Jameson

The monster heaved its bulk onto the bank. I lost my grip on the slimy tentacle and slid to the ground. I hit hard on my side and rolled. I retracted my combat helmet and fought back all the aches in my body.

The tentacle released Greer, and she fell to the ground beside me.

I crawled over to her. The monster was still ignoring us, sunning itself.

“Greer.” I rolled her onto her back. She wasn’t breathing. I retracted what was left of her helmet.

I couldn’t lose her.

I pushed her wet hair off her face, then checked her pulse and airway. “I’m not losing you, dammit. You’re a fighter, Greer Baird, just like your parents.”

I put my palms to her chest and started compressions. I breathed into her mouth.

“Come on.” I pumped her chest. “You’re mine, Greer. I plan to love you, spoil you, and annoy you for a really long time.” My voice cracked. “Please don’t leave me.”

Emotions boiled inside my chest. I breathed into her mouth. This woman was the one that I would love for the rest of my days. I didn’t want to do it without her.

She was still, her skin cold.

“Be mine. Make a life with me. Have my babies, because I want them to be smart and beautiful like you. I would never make you give up your job. The world needs your skills.” My voice lowered. “I need you.”

Suddenly, her body jerked. She sat up with a hacking cough.

“There you go.” Relief like I’d never known rocked into me. I helped her to the side as she coughed up a bunch of water. My hand was shaking as I rubbed her back. “I’ve got you.”

“Jameson—” her voice was hoarse. Her gaze met mine. “You didn’t leave me.”

“Never. I’ll never leave you.”

She leaned against me, and I hugged her tight.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

I realized that it wasn’t only my hand shaking. My entire body was shaking. “Thank you for not leaving me.”

“You saved me.” She pressed her face to my neck.

I touched the small pack on my belt and pulled off a tiny bottle of water. She took it from me and gulped some down, then spat the dam water taste out of her mouth.

Reaching up, I touched my earpiece. As I did, water oozed from it.Shit. They were built tough, but they weren’t indestructible.

“Sasha, are you there?”

No response.

“Sasha? Colbie? Kai? Is anyone picking this up?”

Silence.

My jaw worked.

“They can’t hear you?” Greer asked.

I shook my head. “Either the earpiece is too waterlogged or they’re out of range.” I saw her shift and then grimace. “Are you hurt?”

“Just sore.” She lifted the bottom of her shirt up, at the bottom of her chest armor.

I saw the mottled bruises on her skin. “Damn.” My fingers brushed over them gently.

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