Page 52 of Protected from Malice
Since then, the hotel suite has been a flurry of activity. Tyler’s been checking out the security system Rafe installed and making tweaks to it, muttering to himself about all the supplies he needs to buy to make the placeimpenetrable, in his words. Webb is quizzing Rafe about his bounty hunter jobs, wanting to know if any of the fugitives were on the most wanted list and what his most dangerous capture was.
Ace came with a stockpile of bomb-detecting equipment, which I’m not sure how he got through airport security. He’s already making a plan to check the entire hotel on a daily basis, though he was quick to reassure me, “It’s not that I think anyone will try to set off a bomb here, Eden. But better safe than sorry; that’s my motto.”
Indy’s been bouncing between talking to his friends, giving Rafe a hard time for not calling him right away, and coming over to me to ask if I’mreallysure I’m okay. All of which are better than the flat, disinterested tone I used to hear whenever I talked to him.
And Rafe.
If I weren’t looking carefully, I’d think he’s occupied with his friends. Talking to them. Quietly filling them in on the situation. Conferring with Tyler about security and how soon he can hack into the hotel’s surveillance system.
But I haven’t missed how his gaze keeps returning to me, carefully assessing.
Or how he’ll come over to me every so often to ask if I’m hungry. Thirsty. Tired. If I need a break.
The last time he came by, he even touched my hand—just a tiny brush of contact, but it made me feel less alone even though I’m in a room filled with people.
I know the time of reckoning is coming soon. When we all sit down to have our first official meeting, I won’t be able to sit in the corner of the couch, quietly observing. Instead, I’ll be the focus of everyone’s attention.
It’s necessary. And I have no right to complain, even if it’s silently in my head.
I asked for this. I put it all in motion the minute I called Rafe for help. And I’m thankful, really. Most women in my situation wouldn’t be nearly as lucky. Five former soldiers—no, not just soldiers, former Special Forces—just dropped everything to come help me.
I’m thankful. Really.
Just…
I don’t want to tell Indy the worst part of it.
I don’t want him to feel guilty for not being here.
And I’m scared I’ll end up hurting him even worse than he’s already been.
“Eden.” Rafe’s voice rumbles beside me. He rests his hand on my shoulder for a second as he continues, “Now that everyone’s gotten settled in somewhat, we’re going to get started. Is that okay with you? Or do you need more time?”
I lift my gaze to meet his. There’s something in his eyes—those intoxicating, mysterious two-toned eyes—that makes my breath catch. It’s not just concern, which I’m used to seeing by now, but something deeper than that. Protectiveness. Affection. Maybe even… something more.
“No, I’m okay,” I reply. Pushing up from the couch, I take a step towards the dining table, where six chairs are crowded around it. Rafe touches the small of my back, his fingers searing into my skin and melting some of the chill I can’t seem to get rid of.
He lets his hand linger there for a few seconds, and out of the corner of my eye, I notice Ace’s attention on us.
On Rafe’s hand, really.
A beat later, he smiles. Just a small one, tossed in my direction, not meant for anyone else to see.
What he thinks he sees, I’m not sure.
But I think he approves of it.
As Indy starts to turn in my direction, Ace swiftly intervenes, drawing Indy’s attention to him with a question.
Rafe doesn’t drop his hand from my back. And I’m glad.
I also get the feeling that, although I’ve only just met Ace, I like him.
We arrive at the table and drop into our seats. Rafe ends up on my left, and Indy on my right. Tyler flips open his laptop and immediately starts typing, more focused on what’s on the screen than the people seated around him.
Of the three men I’ve just met, Tyler intrigues me the most. Not because of his prosthetic leg, although I am interested in the details of it. He’s wearing pants, so I can’t tell what kind it is, but after spending hours researching prosthetics, plus all my years of science in college and grad school, I can’t help but wonder about it.
But it’s what he’s been through that’s really caught my attention.
