Page 44 of Stone
Fear had a strange effect on people. I’d read about people who’d been abducted and suddenly rescued from their captors. They often felt almost euphoric until the rush of adrenaline came crashing down.
My muscles were already tingling and I knew it was only a matter of time before my mind processed the latest round of danger Stone and his friends had faced.
Without hesitation.
I took a deep breath, blinking the horizon into focus. Meanwhile, Stone remained rigid, constantly checking the instruments. When his phone rang again, I studied his pensive profile. He’d been irritated since before we’d left for the airport.
“You’ve ignored two phone calls in the last two hours,” I said quietly as I looked out the windshield. I’d finally gotten over the heavy dose of acrophobia from being in a smaller plane.
As he’d done the majority of the time, he remained silent. The fact we were having difficulty talking to each other was a testament to the fact we were different people.
“Please tell me at least you know that Kage and Maddox are okay as well as that odd Frenchman.”
He snickered. “All three made it through just fine. After cleaning up the debris, they went out for a drink afterwards.”
“You have some interesting if not scary friends. Very colorful.” At least I could laugh. All in a day’s work.
His grin widened. “Colorful. I’ll let them know.”
“So why not answer the phone?”
“Because I don’t want to hear what they have to say.” Stone was adamant.
“You mean my dad?”
“Him and my old commander. He was the one who asked me to come to Paris and rescue you.”
“Why?”
“That I’m unsure of.”
I shifted in my seat. We’d stopped for fuel once and spent the night somewhere in Texas or New Mexico. I still had no clue where we were going. But as long as it wasn’t to Washington, I was fine. I wasn’t going to tell Stone about the way I felt, but I’d go anywhere with him.
My thoughts drifted to the wee morning hours when we’d remained under the warm covers. An ache remained in my heart.
We’d hadthattalk, the one where we agreed that what had happened the night before couldn’t happen again. My life was in Paris and after this crisis was over, I had every intention of returning home.
Home.
I’d made France my home even though I’d continued to feel like a transplant. There’d been no real life other than my painting. My dream. Only things hadn’t gone according to plans.
Still, that didn’t mean I was ready to upend everything for my father or anyone else. I knew the man worried about me and I did love him since he was my dad, but he’d pushed too hard and, in the end, had driven me away.
“Are you going to get into trouble for not bringing me to DC?”
His snort was followed by a roll of his eyes. “I retired from the military years ago and I certainly will never work for your father. They can’t do shit. Plus, you’re a free woman. You can go anywhere you want.”
“As long as it’s with your permission. Right?”
“Did you happen to notice the SUV that was blown up yesterday?” His grin was wry.
“Oh, that. Just a little danger.”
“Do you live recklessly in Paris? Do you enjoy a shot of danger with your espresso?”
“I live a quiet, simple life. Now, you have me curious. Why did you agree to risk your life for me? That’s living dangerously,” I threw out.
“You’re really asking me that?”
