AllFreeNovel
Share Us
An hour later, Rafe took the exit for Maple Valley. They wound deep into the countryside and finally turned left into a long, meandering driveway.
When the driveway ended, Rafe, Cal, and Eli parked in front of a large two-story house. Max stepped out on the porch and came down the stairs. He came around to Cal’s door. “Need help?”
“Grab my gear while I carry Rachelle inside.” Cal opened the back door as his teammates gathered their gear and transferred everything to the house.
He scooped Rachelle into his arms and straightened. When she jerked into wakefulness, Cal said, “You’re safe. We’re at the safe house, and I’m carrying you inside.”
“I can walk,” she murmured as she snuggled close.
He tightened his grip. “Not a chance. I like holding you.” When she kissed the side of his neck, Cal shivered. “You’re a serious distraction,” he muttered.
“Just reminding you of your promise.”
“I haven’t forgotten.” He’d hardly been able to think of anything else during the past three hours of driving. After her injury, though, he might have to wait to feel her mouth under his.
Cal angled Rachelle through the doorway and walked into the large living room filled with two recliners and a sectional sofa.
Jesse walked into the room, concern in his eyes when he saw Cal carrying Rachelle. “Is she worse?”
“I’m fine,” Rachelle insisted. “Cal is spoiling me.”
“Ah.” Texas team’s medic sent him a knowing glance before returning his attention to Rachelle. “How’s the head?”
“Hurts. I’ll live.”
Max descended the stairs. “Brody called. He and the others will be here in 30 minutes.”
Cal sat beside Rachelle on the sectional. “What did Jon learn from our attacker?”
“Brody said Jon wanted to talk to you and Rachelle in person.”
“That’s not a good sign, is it?” Rachelle turned her worried gaze toward him.
Unable to help himself, Cal wrapped his arm around her shoulders and tucked her closer. “We’ll handle it.” He’d shield her from anyone and anything intent on harming her.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“How’s Eric?” Cal asked Jesse. He wanted to insist that Rachelle go to bed, but that would be a futile battle. She’d want to know every scrap of information about Eric and Amy. He didn’t blame her. Besides, if she fell asleep in his arms, he’d have an excuse to hold her, a definite win in his estimation. His body heat might lessen her pain from the accident.
“Holding his own. He’ll sleep for a few more hours.”
“What about Amy?” Rachelle asked.
“Sleeping in the room next to his. Eric’s in a suite. The doors to both sides of the bathroom are open so she can hear what’s happening in his room.”
He understood. Cal would sleep tonight with his door open to hear if Rachelle needed him, too.
“How did you transport Eric to the house?” Rachelle asked.
“The county sheriff arranged transport and provided protection until we were set up here.”
Cal frowned. “He left?”
“He was called to a murder scene. He volunteered to leave a deputy until the rest of the team arrived, but we didn’t want him short-handed. The crime scene is two miles away. If we had a problem, backup was two minutes away.”
Eli sat on a recliner as Rafe kept watch out the front window. “Time to call the boss. We need to report in.”
“He has news?” Cal asked.
