Page 109 of No Mistake

“Well, that’s what happens when you get kidnapped.” Sam’s sardonic tone washed over him.

“Jeez, can I not get any sympathy from anyone?”

“So, no brain damage?” Sam glanced at Dex.

“Jury’s still out on that one.” Dex grinned.

“Fuck you.” Ryan grinned back, relieved to see him smiling.

Sam chuckled. “Seriously, Ryan. Despite you abandoning your team previously and pissing me off, you saved Sophie’s life today, and it almost cost you yours.”

Was he still mad at him? He couldn’t tell. He didn’t sound mad, in fact, it sounded like a hint of admiration in his voice.

“Does that mean I’m forgiven?”

“Not by a long shot.” Sam folded his arms with a small smile. “As I already told Dex, you guys are the best. You just proved yet again why I made the right decision bringing you into Onyx.”

Ryan wasn’t sure what to say. Praise like that wasn't something they were accustomed to in the Navy. Lucky if you got a “Good job guys.”

“Just doing the job you hired us for, boss.”

Sam nodded, before changing the subject. “So, anything else you can tell us?”

“Ali reported back to whoever is leading Reborn now. They’re pissed. He’d given Vitelli Cartel twenty-four hours to either return their money or the weapons, or they were going to put a bounty on their heads.”

“As both Vitellis are dead, they’re a bit late.”

“Yeah, but they know we have their brothers, that it was our team. I don’t think we’ve heard the last of Reborn,” Ryan said.

The door opened again. Ryan turned hoping it was Sophie, but Kelly stepped in. “Am I interrupting?”

“No, we’re good. I gotta head out. Ryan, it’s good to have you back with us.” Sam said. He looked at Dex, then turned his attention to Kelly. “You both need to rest, especially him.” He waved his hand in Dex’s direction.

“I’ll make sure he sleeps.”

“Er, I’m standing right here?” Dex glared at them.

“Yeah, but you’re more likely to listen to Kelly than to me.” Sam’s sarcasm made Kelly and Ryan smile.

“So, that’s why you wanted me to join your team?” Kelly grinned.

Sam laughed as he left the room. Kelly moved to the bed, leaning down to give Ryan a gentle hug.

“Hey, handsome. How are you feeling?”

“Like I got stabbed.” He half-smiled at her.

“You scared the shit out of us.”

“So I hear. Sorry.” Kelly was his sister as much as Dex was his brother.

“I can’t believe neither of you brought me grapes.”

“I brought you something better.” Kelly squeezed his hand before walking to the door. Ryan held his breath as she opened it. When Sophie stepped in, despite the pain, his mouth broke into a broad smile at seeing her.

Dex squeezed his shoulder. “If you need anything, call me.”

Ryan absently nodded, not taking his eyes off Sophie. Dex and Kelly left the room as Sophie moved slowly toward him, tears streaming down her face.

---