Page 54 of No Mistake

“I know you’ll understand that I can’t give you all the details, but the men that took Chloe are a part of something bigger. They are the reason we are involved.”

“That means these men are very dangerous. Oh God, if you don’t find her...” The rest of her words were muffled against Ryan’s chest, his strong tattooed arms holding her tight.

“Sshh. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No,” she mumbled, “I’m glad you told me.” She lifted her head to look at him. “If anyone can find her, I trust your team to do it. I’m just so tired... worried... scared. It’s like a movie playing over and over in my head and I can’t switch it off.”

Ryan stroked her hair. “I know, honey. I do.”

Suddenly, all she wanted to do was not think. She wanted to escape, if only for a few minutes. Nervously, she placed a hand on Ryan's cheek. His eyes locked on hers, but he didn’t speak or move. Summoning every bit of courage, she leaned up and kissed him gently on the lips, closing her eyes. She hesitated. Was she making a damn fool of herself again? She was about to step back when Ryan’s mouth crushed down on hers, the force taking her by surprise. His body pressed hers against the refrigerator as he devoured her mouth. Sophie kissed him back, opening her mouth and letting his tongue in. Oh dear God, it felt so good. She ran her fingers up into his hair, loving the feel of it. When he softened the kiss and finally pulled away, she groaned, greedy for more contact.

He smiled as he ran a finger down her cheek.

“You’re so fucking hot, Sophie. I love kissing you.”

She blushed, averting his gaze, but he gently turned her face back to his.

“Don't be embarrassed. You are gorgeous. You better get used to hearing that from me.”

“Ryan, come on, you don’t—”

He silenced her with another kiss, taking her breath away. This time his hands roamed over her body, and he groaned into her mouth, making her insides melt.

“Every time you doubt how gorgeous you are, I’m going to be forced to show you.” He breathed before kissing her again. She whimpered into his mouth, and he pulled away.

Sophie opened her eyes, looking at him warily. He tensed and raised a finger to his lips, indicating she should stay quiet.

“Ryan, what is it?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“It’s probably nothing. I’m just going to check outside.”

“Ryan, you’re scaring me.”

“I thought I heard something, I just want to make sure. Go into the bathroom. Stay there until I get back. I’ll just be a few minutes.”

“And if you’re not?”

“If I’m more than ten minutes, call Dex. But I will be back. Don’t open the door. OK?”

Sophie nodded, her mouth paralyzed with fear. Her feet like lead weights as she walked to the bathroom. Ryan gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

“Sit tight.”

With trembling fingers, she closed the bathroom door behind him.

Chapter 11

Ryan’s cell rang as he made his way back up the driveway, seven minutes later.

“Baxter.”

“Where are you?” Dex asked.

“I went to check on Sophie and grab food.” He wasn’t going to lie to his team leader.

“Is she OK?”

“Yeah. Why?” He didn’t like Dex’s tone.

---