Page 53 of No Mistake

“I know. I can keep Chloe safe, but you need to protect the sister.”

“From Perez?” Dex asked.

“Look his orders are to leave her alone. There’s already been too many bodies. But I don’t trust him. I’ll do my best to watch him, but I’m giving you a heads up.”

Tracer didn’t give Dex a chance to respond as he walked away.

RYAN SPENT THE AFTERNOON at the farm. He wanted to go back to Sophie’s but was smart enough to know he needed to toe the line. Dex had gone to meet a merc they knew. Although it had been a few years since they’d spoken to him. Ryan had wanted to go, too, but Dex had taken Tyler and Mackie instead. Seems he wasn’t out of the doghouse yet.

He’d apologized to the rest of the team, and they’d accepted it and already moved on. After resting for a bit, the team assisted Kelly and Mira in poring through intel. The more eyes, the better, and Sam had agreed since there were no ops, they could assist the FBI. He hated this grunt work, but if it helped find Chloe, he’d do it.

It was around seven when Ryan offered to go grab food for everyone. It was going to be a long night. He also wanted to check in on Sophie. There was a pizza place right by her house. He would pay her a quick visit, pick up pizza, and come back. He texted her.

Ryan: Hey honey, can’t stop thinking about you. Can I swing by?

The response was quick.

Sophie: Of course. Can’t stop thinking about you either. Is there anything you can tell me?

Ryan: No. Stay strong. I’ll be there soon. xx

He pictured her sitting there biting her lip in worry and pressed down harder on the gas.

SOPHIE’S STOMACH WAS churning. Partly because her sister was missing, but also because Ryan was on his way. The man was seriously making her crazy.

She watched him pull onto her driveway and went to open the door, her heart skipping as he got out the car in his faded jeans and black t-shirt, showing off those muscular, tattooed arms. Realizing she was staring, she swallowed and moved her eyes to his face; he was smiling.

“Hey gorgeous, how are you doing?” He reached her and leaned down, kissing her softly on the lips.

“I’m OK. Glad you’re here, though.”

She stepped aside to let him in and closed the door.

“I can’t stay too long, we’re pulling an all-nighter. I just stepped out to pick up pizza. I hope that place down the street is good.”

“It is.”

They stood facing each other. As much as she wanted to see him, now she felt awkward. Damn, she was so not used to this. Moving past him she said, “Do you want a drink or anything?” Reaching the kitchen she opened the fridge, then sensed him right behind her. He shut the door and she turned, looking up at him. He was almost a foot taller and she was reminded once again of all the tall glamorous women she’d seen with him. She hung her head, looking at her bare feet. She was wearing yoga pants and a fitted t-shirt. Suddenly, she wished she’d changed and made more of an effort.

A finger under her chin sent a rolling heatwave through her body. He lifted her chin, and she looked into his eyes.

“I want to tell you something,” he said quietly. “I’m not meant to tell you this, but I trust you, and I want you to understand why I can’t stay here and why I have to go back.”

“You don’t need to explain anything.” She didn’t want him to go, but she did understand what his job entailed.

“Remember when I said I’m not regular Navy anymore?”

“Yes.”

“My team took a new assignment. It’s a more specialized unit. Different kinds of missions. We can operate on US soil.”

“Oh... I... well... I don’t know what to say. Congratulations?”

Ryan smiled. He hadn't moved. She was still backed up against the refrigerator, very, very close to him.

He smiled. “Thank you. I’m telling you because I want you to know that my team, Dex, Kelly, all of us are working with the FBI to find Chloe and the people that took her. I’m hoping that helps, makes you feel a little better?”

It did. But she was still confused. Sophie had worked at the base long enough to know specialized unit meant black ops. As much as she loved her sister, and was grateful they were involved, it seemed extreme.

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