Page 28 of Unloaded
“What happened?” he demands, turning to face me. “And don’t lie by saying nothing. You were pale as a ghost and that man had a death grip on you when I found you.”
How do I answer? How do I tell him I’m running from the fucking mob?
Rosco isn’t the kind of man to sit back and do nothing. If he knows what’s really going on, he’ll be hell bent on keeping me and the boys safe. Which means I’ll be putting him at risk by telling him the truth. However I’m going to need all the help I can get if I’m to keep the boys safe and get out of this situation alive.
“It’s complicated.” I sigh heavily, receiving a glare in return. “Th-these people are dangerous. They’ll kill us in a heartbeat, if we give them a reason.” Shock and worry cover his handsome face briefly, which increases my own. I’m shaking so hard I can barely remain on my feet.
Suddenly I’m surrounded by Rosco. His arms pulling me against him, caging me in, making me feel safe. My trembling slowly fades, the warmth of his body seeping into me. Sucking in a deep breath, I pull back and gaze up at him. Questions are swirling in his eyes, but he doesn’t say anything, just stares into my eyes, like he can see into my soul.
“I promise I’ll tell you everything as soon as we are away from here, but right now, we have to keep playing the part.” Rosco’s kissable lips are pressed into a hard, narrow line.
“All right,” he concedes. His arms draped loosely around me. “As soon as we are packed up and out of here, you will tell me everything.” His tone is firm, accepting no argument.
“I will,” I whisper. He pulls me to him, again, and I let him. I hold onto him, soaking up his strength. His hand goes to my head, holding me to him. The other is securely around my waist.
“Everything will be all right, angel. You’re safe with me. I promise.” I bob my head up and down against his broad firm chest. His lips press a kiss to the top of my head, drawing a shiver from me. “Let’s get this done, yeah?”
I pull back, meeting his gaze. This tender side of him is unexpected and more tempting than ever. My heart soaking up his care and concern. I can see the resolve in his eyes. He will protect me from these bad men; of that, I have no doubt.But what is going to protect me from him?
12
ROSCO
Holding Rachel soothes some of the fear that has been consuming me since I’d realized she was missing. I’d searched for over fifteen minutes before finding her. The longest fifteen minutes of my life. I’d been both relieved and pissed when I’d found Rachel being manhandled by that thug in the hallway.
She’d looked terrified until she saw me. Relief had washed over her. She’d known I’d protect her. An unexpected warmth had flashed through me at the trust she has in me, despite our turbulent relationship. If I didn’t know better, I’d believe the ice around my heart cracked a little.
The ditzy-female act she’d been putting on had been confusing, but I’d played along. Instinct told me her life depended on it. I’d seen the fear in her eyes. I’d fought the urge to throat punch the asshole who was manhandling her. I’d clocked the gun he had holstered inside his jacket. While I, too, am packing, it wouldn’t do to have a shoot-out at a client’s home, unless there was no other option.
Something is terribly wrong here. I’d felt it the moment we’d arrived. Seeing Rachel freaking out and being dragged by a hulking brute has only solidified my worries. I need to contactKelvin, see if he’s been able to find out anything about our hostess, but Rachel needs me. It can wait until my angel is no longer shaking like a leaf.
My angel?I suppress an eye roll and derisive snort. She isn’t my anything.But do I want her to be?
I have to admit she fits perfectly in my arms. Her head lands in the center of my chest, just right to comfortably rest my head on top of hers. Her body molds to mine in perfect harmony. I can’t remember ever having a woman in my arms that felt this right.
I’m so screwed. I hate to admit it, but I’m beginning to think I’m the next of my brothers to fall victim to the love bug that’s bitten Luke and Bo. Enos had warned me, when Bo fell that I was next, but I never thought it possible.
I suspect Enos has been bitten, too, judging by the way he acts around Kristen. I don’t want to think about him with her though. I have enough problems without dealing with his. If I’d be honest with myself, I’d admit I’ve already taken the hit and fallen hard, but I can’t be honest with myself, not about this.
It’s not that I enjoy being single or that I don’t want a love like Luke and Bo have found. I do. I want it, more now than ever, but I don’t deserve it, not after what happened to 1Lt. Montgomery. She’s dead. Gone. She’ll never have the chance to have a life, love, children.How can I think I should have those things?
My biggest fear is letting Rachel down by failing to protecting her. The sound of Cindy and other staff entering the tent startles me and pulls me from my morose thoughts.Focus. Rachel’s life could depend on it.
I release my hold on her. “You okay, for now?” I ask, staring into her expressive eyes. I’ll know if she’s bullshitting me. While she is very good at schooling her expressions, her eyes tell me everything I need to know.
She gives me a slight nod, without speaking. Her body is no longer trembling and color has returned to her cheeks. Satisfied that she’s as good as she can be, in the moment, I step back, putting a little distance between us. She moves to greet Cindy.
Pulling my cell out, I call Kelvin, who picks up on the second ring.
“Yo, what’s up?” Kelvin answers.
“Where are you at?” I ask, not bothering with pleasantries.
“We just parked. We’re heading toward the big tent,” he answers. “What’s got your knickers in a wad?”
“You all were supposed to be here hours ago,” I accuse. “We needed more manpower on this one.”
“I’m sorry, man.” Kelvin’s apology sounding sincere. “My car is in the shop. I had to wait for Enos to pick me up, or I would have been here. You know that.” I did know that. I’d known Enos was the reason they hadn’t shown up. Ever since Kristen came on the scene, he’s been less than reliable.
