Page 37 of Her Steadfast Hero

“Sarah, how often were you in danger when you were in Africa?”

“That’s different?”

“Why was it different?” he asked.

“It didn’t matter if something happened to me. It matters if something happens to you. I’m in love with you,” she cried desperately. He caught her as she flung herself at his chest.

“Ah, baby. I’ve got you. I promise I will be so careful, it’ll be like I’m wrapped in cotton wool. I promise. Now that I have you in my arms again, I’m coming back, nothing is keeping me away.”

“Do you promise?” she asked desperately.

He pulled away and stared at her. “I give you my word. Coming back to you is the most important thing in this world.” She settled back.

“Oh God, did I hurt your shoulder?”

“Honey, I just worried about hurting you.”

“Just come back to me, David. I need you.”

“I need you too.” He stroked her hair, his other hand drifted down to her breast.

His phone rang.

Dammit!

“You have to get it,” she said quietly. “You know you want it to be Joaquin.” David rested his forehead against hers for one more ring, then got up.

He answered it and put it on speaker.

“Riggs and Harrison got the boys.”

David sagged with relief. “Where are they all now?”

“They’re all back at the prison. Harrison didn’t want to call, he refused to let anyone make any noise until they got back in case the escaped convicts were around.”

“Good man.”

“The SEALs arrived, what do I do with them?”

“Get out some maps,” David huffed out a quiet laugh.

“Huh?”

“They are going to be the best team you can ask for to find those convicts. Call in our search teams. We’re going to redeploy them. The SEALs don’t know Las Flores like the natives, so we’ll pair them up.”

“Make sense,” Joaquin said. “When will you be here?”

“I’m leaving the hotel now.”

“Lieutenant Tyler said to bring O’Malley with you.”

“Will do.”

Joaquin hung up, and he looked at Sarah.

“At least you’re taking a medic with you. He can help you when your wound starts bleeding or you keel over from lack of sleep.” He appreciated the ghost of a smile on her face.

“Hey, why are you putting on clothes? I like you in your underwear,” he said trying to keep things light.