Page 29 of Trapped Truth

“You’re serious.” The disbelief I feel is clear in my tone.

“I’ve lied, Warner!”

“And I don’t care.”

“But I didn’t tell you about my seizures, the full truth of what happened in Mexico… All of it. I put the team in jeopardy on multiple occasions, and now, you’re in the fight of your lives because of me. Yes, I’m fucking serious.”

From the acceptance that paints her oval face in shades of sadness, I can see she believes every word. It’s ludicrous. My anger flares white-hot as I seize her chin, ensnaring her with a hard stare.

“Ember Lawson, you are the most stubborn, infuriating, self-deprecating yet wonderfully fearless creature I’ve ever met. I don’t give a good goddamn what you’ve put our team through because you’re ours. Mind, body and soul.”

“Look at us,” she whispers harshly. “We’re a mess!”

“I don’t care. I’d do it all over again to end up right here in this shitty place with you in my arms. You’re my heart and soul, woman.”

When she wriggles as if to slip away from me, I cling on tighter, clutching her face hard enough to sting. I won’t let her run away from me. I’ve lost her once, and we’ve come too far to risk throwing away the glimmer of hope we’ve found amidst all this chaos.

I didn’t intend to kiss her, but I don’t know how else to make her understand. Words aren’t enough. Not this time. If it takes teeth and tongue to convince her of my commitment, I’ll bruise every inch of her stunning body then kiss the pain away, one mark at a time.

Our exposed position in the open air is an insignificant distraction compared to how her body feels cradled against mine. Every glorious curve and supple angle fits with tailor-made perfection.

After so many years of painful longing, burying my feelings in a deep dark hole where they couldn’t hurt my relationship with her brother, denying myself the one thing I wanted… seizing her lips isn’t just a triumph. This is a homecoming, and I never intend to leave again.

“Warner.” She breaks the kiss, causing me to grumble. “Hey, focus up.”

“Mmm,” I groan.

“Behind you on the left… The dark-blue truck. I think the driver’s recording us.”

“Shit, how far away?”

“I’m not sure, a couple hundred metres maybe. Close enough. I can see a red light behind the wheel and someone moving inside. Can’t tell how many perps.”

My heart slams up against my ribs, vying to break free. “It could be a coincidence.”

“You trying to jump my bones in public probably doesn’t help.”

“Heat of the moment,” I chuff. “Memorise the plate. Where are the others?”

Ember peeks around from under her lashes, keeping still against the wall to avoid rousing suspicion. I release her enough to give us both room to move while fighting the urge to look over my shoulder at the truck.

“Still inside,” she frets.

Somewhere behind me, an engine flares to life. Every hair on my body stands to attention with a heady burst of alarm.

“Is that the truck?”

“Yeah, they’re getting ready to leave. Perhaps it’s a false alarm.”

This is my fault for being so reckless. If she didn’t scramble my common sense with those doe eyes and little whispers that slice across my heart with an invisible dagger, I wouldn’t lose control like this.

“Let’s refuel and get out of here.” I check my side holster, testing the weight of my weapon secured inside.

“Good plan.”

We quickly move the SUV to an available fuel pump then begin filling up while the others are still inside the shop. The blue truck leaves without a fuss. I watch its rear bumper grow smaller until it vanishes altogether, allowing myself a relieved exhale.

By the time Hyland emerges with the two troublemakers in tow and enough snacks to fuel a small army, we’re all paid up and ready to move. No coffee, but I’ll make my peace with it. I want us back on the road.