Page 26 of No Mistake

No sooner had the video call ended, Ryan’s cell rang. Dex.

“Hey. You OK?”

“Yeah. Just can’t believe this shit. Of all the people Chloe could have danced with.” Ryan left the room, making his way back down the hall to Sophie.

“I hear you. How’s Sophie doing?”

“Scared shitless.”

“Sophie’s tough. And she’s got you to lean on. If you need us to come there we will.”

Ryan smiled. That was the team. Always there for each other.

“Thanks, brother, let’s stay in touch.”

“Always.”

Ryan ended the call and opened the door. Sophie looked at him, relief spreading across her face.

“How we doing in here?”

“We’re all done.” The artist stood up. “I’ll go give this to Agent Adams.”

Ryan closed the door behind him, giving them some privacy.

Sophie got up and paced. “I’m worried sick, Ryan. She could be laying in a ditch somewhere, or being tortured, or worse...” Her voice broke.

Awe, baby. He walked around the table and reached for her hands to stop her pacing. She looked at him, those blue eyes so full of fear. And dammit, he was about to make it worse. Pulling her into his arms, he held her tight. He could give her a few minutes of comfort before breaking the news. She melted into him, putting her arms around his waist and resting her cheek on his chest. Savoring the feel of her, he kissed the top of her head and nuzzled her hair. Thank God, he’d insisted on driving her here. He couldn’t bear the thought of her facing this alone. Damn, she felt good. Soft in all the right places. His dick rose to attention.

“Is there any more news?” Her question brought him back to reality.

“Some. Let’s sit, and I’ll tell you.”

Ryan told her what he could without mentioning the cartel.

“You’re telling me she was kidnapped because she’s a doctor?” Her eyes widened in horror.

“Yes. A man was hurt and because of who they are, they couldn’t take him to a hospital.”

“Because hospitals have to report gunshot wounds.”

“Exactly.”

“But who is this Ricardo?”

Ryan sighed. He hated not being able to tell her everything. Although, in this case it might be better she didn’t know the whole truth.

“From what I understand, the FBI know of him.”

“I don’t understand. I didn’t think FBI looked into kidnappings?” Her puzzled look made him smile. Reaching up he pushed a strand of hair off her face.

“They do sometimes. I can’t share all the details. But you need to listen when I say you’re family. There are a lot of people that care about you and want to help. And we have a lot of friends.” He wasn’t lying.

Sophie shook her head like she didn’t believe it. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything.” He squeezed her hand.

She tilted her head back, looking up at him. “Thank you for being here. For everything you’ve done.”

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