Page 56 of No Mistake

“Are you OK?”

She shook her head.

“I’m sorry. I know that was scary.” He tugged her into him, giving her the comfort she needed. He looked down, brushing the hair off her face. “I won’t let anything happen to you, I swear.”

“I know. You are a Navy SEAL. What more could a girl ask for?”

“Is that sarcasm, young lady?” he said, amused she was being funny at a time like this.

“Yeah, I guess nerves bring it out in me.”

“I like it.” He grinned.

“So what do we do now?” she said, more serious.

“We get out of here and I call my team.”

“What about your car? You love that car.”

Seriously? She was worried about his car.

“The boys will pick it up for me. Getting you to safety is more important. Come on.”

There had been no movement and no signs of headlights, and sirens blared in the distance. Someone must have reported gunshots. Hopefully, that would deter whoever was coming after them, but he wasn't risking going back. They moved forward until they reached the other side of the park and a small parking lot. A minivan had been parked in the corner. Checking no one was in sight, he tried the door but, of course, it was locked. He smashed the rear passenger window with the butt of his gun, then leaned in to unlock it.

“You’re stealing a car?” Sophie whispered, sounding horrified.

“Borrowing it. I’ll make sure it gets returned in one piece. I promise. Get in.”

Ryan’s phone buzzed. “Hey, boss.”

“About fucking time.”

“Yeah, we ran into a little problem.” Ryan had the phone to his ear as he hot-wired the minivan. Thank God, it was an old model.

“What happened?”

Ryan gave him the highlights as the engine roared to life. He winked at Sophie and squeezed her hand before heading out of the parking lot, keeping the lights off.

“Jesus Christ. How’s Sophie?”

Ryan glanced over at her. Even in the darkness he could see how white her face was.

“She’s doing great, considering.”

Sophie turned to face him, and he gave her an encouraging smile.

“So what can you tell me?” he asked Dex.

“Tracer tipped me off. He’s not behind this. I’m going to see if there's an FBI safe house you can take her to.”

Ryan cruised along quietly, continually checking his mirrors.

“No. I’m staying with her. She’s safer with me.” Yeah, he was pushing his luck, but the fewer people who knew where Sophie was the better. He trusted his team and would much rather keep this inside Onyx.

“Not your call, Ryan,” Dex said. A couple of tense seconds passed, then he asked, “What are you thinking?”

“Just me. No FBI, no police. Keep this in-house. She’s one of us and no one is getting through me.” Ryan gripped the steering wheel. No fucking way was he handing her off to someone else.

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