Page 84 of No Mistake

“When are we wheels up to Mexico?” Ryan asked.

“A soon as we have a game plan,” Dex answered, climbing in. Ryan got in the driver’s side. The rest of the team piled into the second SUV.

As they pulled away, Ryan said, “It’s not going to be easy taking the Vitelli Cartel.”

“I know,” Dex said solemnly. “I’m hoping Tracer calls. If he has eyes on them, it will make this job a lot easier. Luis is injured, so there is a chance he might go stay with Daddy for a bit. Mira and Kelly are working on getting eyes on the house.”

Ryan stayed quiet. The cartel had dozens of gun happy soldiers who would kill for no other reason other than they could. Raven were the best, but they were only six men. There was only so much they could do.

“How was Sophie when you left?” Dex’s question surprised him. Was he finally letting what happened go?

“Worried.” He shrugged. ‘It’s all so new, and after everything she’s been through.”

“Yeah. Timing sucks. Sorry, bro.”

“Is there ever good timing? We do what we do and I just pray that she’s on board with it, can handle it.”

“She will. Look how she handles the E.R. And she’s got Kelly. Those two are great friends, and Kelly will understand some of what she’s feeling.”

“I hope so, man.”

“This is really serious, huh?”

Ryan glanced over at his friend. “It's the real deal.”

“You love her?”

“I do.” He had absolutely no doubt in his mind what he felt was love. It felt good. Right. He never wanted it to end.

“You told her?”

“No. Hasn’t exactly been a good time. And I don’t want to freak her out. Things moved pretty quickly.”

Dex raised an eyebrow “I bet they did.” His tone teasing.

“Screw you.”

“Look, it might be quick. But if you love her, tell her. I left it way too long with Kelly and almost lost her.”

“It’s only been a few days. She has some history, an ex. I don’t want to rush it.”

“Come on Ryan. Everyone has a history. And you may have only just started sleeping together, but you’ve known her for years. I bet you know more about Sophie than any other woman you’ve bedded.”

Dex was right. Maybe it wasn't too fast. Maybe he should tell her exactly how he felt. Only now, he probably wasn’t going to see her until they got back from Mexico. That could be a week or two, maybe more. And it wasn’t something he was going to tell her over FaceTime. He sighed.

“I can’t do much about that until we get back.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t come.”

“What?” Ryan braked, bringing the SUV to a halt. “Are you benching me?”

“Are you telling me you can focus knowing Sophie is back here worrying about you? You just said it’s all new to her. And she’s just been through a rough time.”

“I am focused.”

“Women are a distraction. In all the years I’ve know you, you’ve never let a woman distract you. I’m really happy for you and Sophie, but I have to think of the team. You are my number two and I rely on you.”

Ryan struggled to keep his temper in check.

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