AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Very.”
Butterflies exploded into flight in her stomach. Oh, wow. Maybe she’d been dead wrong about Cal’s interest. If she was very lucky, she’d have a chance to spend more time with him. “In that case, I’ll expect delivery of said hug upon your arrival.”
“As soon as it’s safe.”
“I’ll hold you to that promise. I need that hug in the worst way.”
“Soon. Rest for a while. I’ll be here if you need me.”
She gave a watery laugh. “I already do,” she said softly.
Cal groaned. “You’re killing me.”
“Since I want that hug, I’ll behave.” Rachelle glanced at Amy. “You thirsty, Amy?”
She straightened. “I hope you’re not kidding. I’d kill for a drink of water right now.”
Rachelle set the phone on the floor beside her and shrugged off her pack for the first time in hours. She dug into the depths, grabbed a bottle of water, and handed it to Amy. “I don’t know how long we’ll be here. Might be best to drink half and save the rest.” If Cal and his teammates were delayed in reaching them, they would be in for a hot, stressful day of waiting. If their luck didn’t hold, she and Amy would be on the run with a little water and protein bars to sustain them until help arrived.
“You packed water?”
“And protein bars. Want one?”
Amy held out her hand. “I don’t like them much, but I’m hungry.”
She laid a wrapped bar on her friend’s hand. “Gourmet cuisine at its finest.”
“Not even close, girl.”
“Think of it as an appetizer.”
Amy grinned and bit into the bar, making a face at the taste.
They each ate a protein bar and drank some water. When they finished, Rachelle said, “Sleep, Amy. We’ll be out of here soon.”
“I want to return to Eric. He’s alone in the hospital. Who’s going to protect him?”
Rachelle stared at Amy. “You can’t do it. You don’t have training or weapons. More important, you’re a target. You’re the one the terrorists would love to capture. You’ll put his life in danger if you stay. He wouldn’t want you to be in danger to protect him.”
“I love him. I can’t leave him here alone.”
She wrapped her hand around Amy’s. “We’ll talk to the operatives when they arrive. Maybe they’ll have a solution to help Eric.”
Amy lifted her chin. “If they don’t, I’ll refuse to leave.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Cal pressed his phone to his ear, scanning the darkened airstrip with two large SUVs waiting for them. The second Fortress team had gathered near the lead vehicle, weapons within easy reach. “Rachelle?”
A thumping noise, then, “Yes, Cal?”
“We’re outside of town. I need both hands free so I’m ending our call for now. If you need me, text. I’ll contact you as soon as I can.”
“Be safe.”
“Always.” Especially now that he knew his interest in her might be reciprocated. “I don’t know how much resistance we’ll encounter, so don’t let down your guard. If you have to run, find another place to hide and wait for us. No matter what, remember that I’m coming for you. Nothing and no one will stop me from finding you.”
Rachelle drew in a shaky breath. “All right.”
