Page 67 of No Mistake

“Sophie, honey, calm down.” Ryan’s tone was firm as he took her hands in his. More gently he said, “Chloe was shot in the shoulder.”

Sophie let out a strangled cry.

“Listen to me. She’s going to be OK. Tyler assessed her, it’s a through and through. She was alert and awake, and they’ve taken her to surgery.”

She bit her lip and tears spilled down her cheeks. “But she’s safe? She’s really safe?”

“Yes. She’s safe. But Ricardo is still out there.”

“I don’t care. I can’t stay here. I want to see her for myself, Ryan. I need to see her.”

“I know you do, and we’re going. My boss cleared it so she could go to Westside.”

“Really? Oh thank you!” She flung her arms around his neck and he squeezed her tight.

Releasing his grip, he smiled. “Let me grab some jeans and we’ll head out.”

Sophie leaned up, kissing him softly on the lips. “You promised me your team would get her. Thank you. I’ll never forget this.”

Ryan cupped her face. “You’re welcome.” Then he did what he’d wanted to do all fucking night. His mouth crushed over hers. She let out a small moan as her arms tightened around his neck. His whole body came alive as his tongue explored and her body softened against his. His cock was telling him to do a whole lot more than kiss, but he listened to his big head and gently separated his mouth from hers.

“You’re driving me crazy.” He smiled at her flushed face. “Come on. Let’s go see Chloe.”

Dex was waiting for them at Westside.

“Where is she?” Sophie asked.

“Dr. Wilder said she is fine. She’s still in surgery as there is some minor tissue damage. Routine he said. But you would know that better than me.”

Sophie nodded. “Yes. Thank you, Dexter. You and the team, for everything you’ve done.”

“No thanks needed.”

“Honey, why don’t you go ahead. I need to speak to Dex and the team. I’ll come and find you later.”

As much as he wanted to stay with her, he wanted to know what happened and what the plan was for taking those fuckers down, because this wasn’t over.

“Of course.”

She went to walk away, but Ryan grabbed her hand, pulling her back for a kiss. A hot, deep kiss. He didn’t give a shit that they were standing in the hospital reception where the staff were giving them curious glances. He wanted everyone to know what he already did. She was his.

“Ryan, we gotta go,” Dex said as he walked toward the door.

“I’ll see you soon,” Ryan whispered in her ear. Then he watched her walk away before following Dex out.

“Glad things are going well,” Dex commented as Ryan caught up to him.

“Want to talk about my love life, or are you going to tell me what happened?"

“I’m more concerned about where your head is at. Let’s get to the Farm. Sam and the boys are waiting.” Dex got in the SUV.

They left Westside with Ryan driving.

“Who cut the power?” Ryan asked after Dex had told him about the standoff in the bedroom. He chose to ignore Dex’s earlier comment about his head.

“Juan, we think, to try and cause a distraction. Steve had to take him out when he pulled on him. When the lights went out, two shots were fired. Neither by us. Lights were only out seconds. When they came back on, Diego was dead, and Chloe was on the floor bleeding. Tracer shot Diego, and it looks like Diego got a shot off as he went down. That’s what caught Chloe.”

Ryan cleared the security gates of the Farm and parked. The two men made their way into team headquarters.

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