Page 10 of Montana Manhunt

Another moan, then the medic reluctantly sat up and stretched. “You should have nudged me to my seat, Noah. You didn’t have to hold me for six hours.”

Did she really think he’d give up the chance to hold her? “Believe me, it wasn’t a hardship.”

She smiled. “I can’t remember the last time I slept that well.” Her smile faded. “To be honest, I didn’t expect to sleep at all, so the past few hours were a gift.”

“I’m glad it helped.” He brushed a light kiss over her mouth. “I’m sorry I can’t do more.”

“You’re here with me. It’s enough.”

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Noah murmured. Although she didn’t know it yet, he’d go to the ends of the earth for Violet Trevelyan.

Jordan exited the cockpit, opened the cabin door, and lowered the steps with Grant’s aid.

Violet sighed, sadness in her eyes. “We should go, but I need a couple of minutes before we leave the jet.”

He stood and helped Violet stand. “Take your time. I’ll get our gear and check on the rental Zane arranged for us.” Zane Murphy was Fortress Security’s tech and communications guru.

After Violet headed toward the back of the jet, Grant walked down the aisle to Noah’s side. “She all right?”

“Not really.”

“How can I help?”

“Check with Zane and find out what name our vehicle reservation is under.”

With a nod, Grant returned to the front of the jet, phone pressed to his ear. After a brief conversation, he slid his phone into a pocket and glanced at Noah. “Z reserved two SUVs, one under my name, the second under yours.”

Noah and his teammate collected their bags. By the time they finished, Violet returned.

“Ready?” he asked her.

She nodded, her expression one of grim determination.

Noah handed Violet her mike bag and slung her other bags over his shoulder along with his own Go bag and duffel. Once on the tarmac, the operatives headed toward the terminal.

Inside, Noah and Grant set the bags in front of a row of seats. “We’ll get the rental paperwork, then go,” Noah said. He glanced at Rayne, who gave him a slight nod.

Satisfied that she’d monitor Violet, he walked to the rental desk. Minutes later, he and Grant returned. They hefted all but two of the bags on their shoulders, leaving the rest for the women.

Noah threaded his fingers through Violet’s as they set off for the vehicles. “You hungry?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Not really, but I know I need to eat.”

“We’ll find something light for you.”

As they walked, Noah scanned the area. No one seemed to pay attention to them. In Morrison, though, he expected a different reaction to Violet’s presence, especially if she and Camilla were identical twins, as he suspected.

They located their rides and loaded their gear into the cargo area. Grant said, “Zane reserved a suite for us at the Willow Hotel. Violet, if you’d be more comfortable, I can ask for a separate room.”

She shook her head. “Stay with us.”

“If you change your mind, just say so. No hard feelings, all right?”

Noah wrapped his arm around Violet’s shoulders. “Grant, you and Rayne lead the way. Once we check in, we’ll find a place to eat.”

“Good.” Rayne pressed a hand to her stomach. “I’m starving.” She followed Grant to their SUV and climbed into the passenger seat.

Noah opened the passenger door for Violet, picked her up, and set her on the seat. He handed her the seatbelt. Without giving time to second-guess himself, he bent and captured Violet’s mouth with his.

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