Page 33 of No Mistake

“I know. It’s just the waiting, not knowing...” When she trailed off, Ryan instinctively moved nearer, but she waved him away. He didn’t push it. Not the time.

“Why don’t we go back to the hotel?” he offered.

Sophie shook her head, not looking at him. “I’d like to go home. If that’s OK?” She directed her question at Agent Adams.

Adams nodded. “Yes, that’s fine. We have your number and can keep you informed. I can arrange for a car or—”

Ryan interrupted, “I’ll drive her.”

Sophie finally turned to look at him. “You don’t need to. You’ve done enough. Thank you.”

“Sophie, I live on Coronado, too. It’s ridiculous for us both to drive separately. I have my car. I’m taking you home.” He held her gaze, waiting for her to challenge him, but she didn’t. Instead she stood up.

“Fine.”

She walked out the room without looking back, leaving him staring after her.

“THE DOCTOR, WHO SAW you with her at the club?”

Perez looked up as Tracer stormed into the kitchen. He was about ready to snap this little fucker’s neck.

“Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?” Perez barked.

“I’m talking to the man whose picture is in the hands of the FBI right now, because a witness from the club identified him.”

Tracer watched his face pale.

“I’ll handle it.”

“How? Do you know who it is? My contact said someone came forward with a very clear description of you, and then they pulled footage at the club. This person has tied you to the doctor. Do you have any idea the heat you have brought down? A dead cop, a dead FBI agent, and now a witness that puts you with a missing woman.”

“I said I’ll handle it.”

“The damage is done, Perez. They have you on camera. Don’t go fucking things up even more.”

“Back off, Tracer. The boss might have put you in charge of this deal, but I am still the Vitelli’s enforcer.” Perez stormed past him.

Tracer watched him leave. The man was becoming a serious liability.

AN AWKWARD SILENCE filled the car as Ryan drove back to Coronado. Sophie stared out the window, fighting back tears. She knew she should say something, but she didn’t know what to say. And she was so damn scared and worried about Chloe.

She was relieved to be going home, desperate to be back in her own bed, with her own things. Alone. Her safe place.

A string of emotions played havoc with her brain. She felt guilty about telling Ryan to go home, when he’d been nothing but good to her. Everything he’d done, she owed him, but her feelings around him were messing with her rational mind.

The kisses they’d shared had affected her way more than she wanted to admit. She thought she’d been so brave to kiss him, initiating it. Thought it was what he wanted. Him stopping hadn’t been what she’d expected. That little insecure voice had become a roar in her ears. She could hear Mark’s words loud in her head.

You’re lucky a man like me wants you.

What must Ryan think of her? Her sister had been kidnapped and she was making a move on him. Sophie tried to discreetly swipe away a stray tear.

“Sophie?” Ryan spoke softly.

Ignoring him, she continued to stare out of the window, but his hand on her arm, made her finally look toward him. He held out a tissue as he looked between the road and her. His face worried.

“Thank you,” she said, taking the tissue.

“Sophie, I’m sorry if I upset you, I never meant to.”

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