Page 36 of Protective Assignment
“I hope you’re right.What about you?”she asked, turning the conversation to him once more.
“I’m going to help out with the squad, I think,” he replied.
“The squad?”
“The one that Lawson runs,” he explained.“It’s a way for the guys who come here to get back on their feet and out into the field.They’re helping out with the Feds’ investigation into the Shepards right now.”
“You think that’s safe?”she asked, sounding fearful.
He squeezed her a little closer.“I know it is,” he replied.“I can handle myself.And if it means taking down the group that has been causing you so much pain, it’s not even something I have to think twice about.”
She nodded but didn’t reply.He knew she was worried and afraid, but it was something that he needed to do.He’d been trying to find his place, his new start since his injury, and this was the right fit for him.A way to keep his mind, body, and skills acquired through the years sharp.He also wanted her to know he meant what he said about her being safe and protected.And if he could use his skills and knowledge to help bring down the Shepards, that would be a bonus for them both.
Lying here with her in bed, he felt content for the first time in a long time.Even when he had been at peace before, he had always felt a hole inside him that never seemed to go away.He had been sure it was just because of his job—because of the life he’d left behind.
But when he was with her, all of that seemed to just fall away.Maybe it wasn’t his work that he had needed, but a purpose.Something to drive him forward, even whenthings seemed impossible.And she was that purpose.Protecting her, making sure she had the life she needed and would never to have to fear for her safety or that of her family ever again.
Everything he had been looking and waiting for, it was lying in his arms at that moment.He couldn’t imagine anything better, anything that would make him happier.His whole life had changed when he had suffered that injury, and he had thought it would be an uphill battle trying to get back to the point where he felt like a person again.But now, when he was with her, he had a purpose.He had a reason.
And it was River.
“I guess we should go talk to Lawson, huh?”River sighed.
Cade let out a groan.“No, let’s just stay here,” he replied.“I need to rest.And so do you.I’ll talk to him in the morning.”
She grinned and closed her eyes, hooking her leg over his.It was as though she couldn’t get close enough to him.
He knew how she felt.
Even with their bodies pressed tightly against each other, he still wished they could be closer.
“I have to go to town with Hannah tomorrow,” she murmured, smoothing a hand over his chest.“We have some supplies to pick up.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.You think that’ll be safe?”he asked.He could already feel himself starting to doze off, but he wanted to make sure she wasn’t about to walk into the middle of a mess by heading off by herself.
“I hope so,” she replied, and he ran his fingers throughher hair, pushing it back from her face.“We didn’t have any problems and there’s been no sighting in the town, right?”
“As far as I know, no, there hasn’t.You’ll be extra careful?”he asked her, and she nodded.
“I promise I will,” she swore to him.“And Hannah too.We only have a few places to go, so it should quick.I don’t think they’d try anything with a town full of people.There’ll be plenty of people around while we’re there.”
“Stay close to populated areas, and don’t go off on your own for any reason.It’s not going to be long until we have Ryker and his gang behind bars,” he promised her.“Soon you won’t have to worry at all.”
“I hope so.”
“You don’t have to hope,” he replied.“I’ll make it happen, River.Just watch me.”
She smiled as her eyes drifted shut.
He stayed awake until he was sure she had dozed off to sleep, and then let himself drift off as well.When he fell asleep with her in his arms, he was even more sure than ever of what he had to do next.
Whatever it took to keep her safe.And whatever she needed to have the future she deserved.
Chapter Twenty-Two
River glanced around as she and Hannah stepped out of the truck, suddenly feeling like eyes were on her.She knew she was being paranoid after everything that had happened and how close the Shepards seemed to be.She couldn’t help it, though.She was second-guessing everything about being here without Cade, or even one of the other men from the lodge.She’d had a large knot in her stomach since she’d gotten up this morning.
Hannah knew what was happening, but didn’t seem to let it be diminishing her normal bright and cheerful disposition.Or maybe she was just trying to help River feel more comfortable.Either way, River just wanted to try to enjoy spending time with her friend.
