Page 96 of Nuclear Option (Owens Protective Services)

“Actually, she rides with me where I can keep her safe.”

“The cab would be the safest place for her.”

Cash smirked slightly, glancing off into the distance. “No offense, ma’am, but she’s safer surrounded by four ex-military that are armed than shoved between two civilians.”

“Just because you’re ex-military doesn’t mean you can protect her better than me.”

“My sniper record says otherwise.”

I flushed, nearly laughing at the pissing contest they had going on. My aunt was never very confrontational, but it seemed the years apart had hardened her. I wondered what I was in for when we were finally alone.

“Fine, have it your way.”

Aunt Gayle shot me one last look of warning before yanking open the passenger door and hopping inside. Cash walked me around to the back of the truck and lifted me up onto the tailgate. Fox and Cash sandwiched me in against the back window, while Rae and Jones sat by the tailgate. Mole sat in the middle, completely oblivious to everything going on around him. The drive didn’t last long, and when we arrived, all I saw was an overgrowth of trees.

“Where are we?” I asked as Cash helped me down from the truck.

“This way,” Noah said, slamming his door and heading into the trees. We trekked through the small wooded area until he stopped and glanced around before bending over and pulling up a hatch. I nearly rolled my eyes. Why was it all these people had secret doors everywhere? And why didn’t normal people do that? We never thought of having secret tunnels and doors hidden in a forest.

Looking down into the hatch, I sighed, wondering how I was going to get down the long, steel ladder with only one arm.

“I’ll go first and you come right behind me,” Cash said, gripping my waist with his large hand. I noticed he liked to do that. I wasn’t sure if it was to reassure me or him, but either way I liked it.

I waited for him to climb in, then he stopped as I did my best to maneuver my body inside.

“Hold onto the side of the ladder, not the rungs. Just slide your hand down.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath as I made the mistake of looking down over my shoulder. It was a long drop, one that would hurt a lot if I fell.

“I’ve got you,” Cash said, his hand coming up to grip my waist. “Just take it one step at a time.”

Slowly, we made our way down the ladder. It wasn’t the most terrifying experience of my life, or even of the last few weeks, but it came close. When my feet finally touched the ground, Cash pulled me into his arms, comforting me in an instant.

“You did good.”

I chuckled into his arm pit, finding it funny that going down a ladder was such a monumental achievement.

“Let’s keep moving,” Noah scowled as he watched me with Cash.

I took his hand, refusing to let my aunt or Noah think for even a moment that Cash wasn’t on my side. I had no doubt in his abilities or where his loyalty lay. I may have had my reservations at first…okay, for a while, but things had changed. He’d protected me, loved me, and proven time and time again that he was unwavering.

We followed Noah through a large tunnel that looked like it was made out of a huge PVC pipe. When we stepped into what appeared to be the living area, Noah stood with his arms crossed, waiting for us to all gather around.

“What is this place?” Cash asked.

Noah’s eyes narrowed slightly. “It’s a hide out. When Eva sent us that information on the cloud, I knew I had to get Gayle to safety. I’m surprised you’re still alive,” he said ruthlessly.

“She’s a survivor,” Cash cut in before I could say anything.

“So, I know who you are, but who’s everyone else?” he nodded at the rest of the room.

“This is Jones,” Cash pointed beside me. “I served with him. And this is Rae, my computer specialist, and Fox.”

“And he does what?” Noah asked curiously.

“He…”

“I kill people,” Fox grinned in that way that said just how crazy he was. “And I like it.”

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