He returned minutes later holding a pair of worn shoes. “From Alsu,” he said, kneeling at her feet.
“I can put them on myself,” she said, not liking the thoughts that ran through her head with him crouched like that. Her body remembered, too, because it tightened and tingled in all the right places.
“Just put your foot in the shoe.”
With a huff, she put her hand on his broad shoulder, using him as leverage as she lifted one foot, then the other. He worked quickly so she wasn’t standing on her injured foot for long. She bit her lip when sharp needles shot through her foot and up her leg. Not quite healed. She wouldn’t be walking unassisted yet. But nothing was stopping her from going to that waterfall and washing the dirt and grime from her body. One thing about being in A-Stan. Dirt and dust. Honestly, she wasn’t going to miss this country at all. Yosef, Alsu, and some other locals she’s befriended maybe, but not this filthy place.
Kell slid an arm around her waist, serving as a crutch as she limped out of the hut. The air was warm, heavy. Not as dusty after the rain so she wasn’t breathing in dirt.
“This way,” Kell said, guiding her between the houses and around clothes hanging on makeshift clotheslines.
A goat darted out in front of them, a bell dangling around it’s neck. Followed by another. A small boy ran across their path, chasing the goats. He stopped briefly to stare at them, then waved and took off.
Shea couldn’t help but smile, even as her heart shredded. The people here had no idea what was happening in the cities throughout the country. Up here they lived in their own little world. Away from death and war. Living off what they raised or farmed. It was a hard life but one she respected. If not for these people and Kell she would still be fighting for her life.
Gratitude filled her, choking her with emotion. Not just for Alsu and her family, but to Kell for dropping everything to come rescue her. Risking his own life to keep her safe. He was the real deal. No facades, no lies, no pretense. What she saw was what she got. And she did nothing but lie to him and hide secrets. Secrets she hadn’t shared with anyone. Not even Dan who was the closest thing she had to a father since hers died.
She hadn’t even told Alsu, although she suspected the woman knew because she fed her bigger meals and tea that tasted awful but she drank anyway. It had a way of soothing her she couldn’t argue with.
The pregnancy and miscarriage were the only two things Dan didn’t know about her. The only things he couldn’t use against her. She thanked God for that because she didn’t think she could handle her baby being a weapon to destroy her. It was her weakness. The one thing that would bring her to her knees.
And she had to figure out a way to tell Kell and give him the power to annihilate her. God help her, he deserved to know, but she was terrified of what he would do when he found out. If he walked away from her she didn’t think she could handle it. Not now. Even then, she’d been the one to walk away. Before he could. It was easier to be the one leaving than to have someone leave you. Been there, done that, not a fan. Matters of the heart were sticky and she’d just as soon leave them alone.
Normally she’d throw herself into her work. That couldn’t happen now that she’d lost her career.
Her stomach churned. What was she supposed to do now?
The only thing she knew was that Dan Peters needed to be held accountable for what he’d done. Traitors didn’t deserve to go free.
She couldn’t think of that now. Important now was getting out of this country and back to the States where she could focus on her investigation into a traitor.
“Almost there,” Kell said, leading her down a narrow footpath through lush trees. Only in the water areas did they grow so tall and thick.
Minutes later she heard the low roar of the waterfall. They broke free of the path and trees and stumbled into an opening that took her breath away. In front of her a rocky ledge jutted out of the trees. Water cascades over the edge, falling to a aquamarine pool below.
Heaven. In this war-torn country she’d found a slice of heaven.
Kell led her to the edge of the pond, the water much louder now. “Got this?”
She nodded, letting go of him to start removing her clothes. She didn’t care that Kell saw her naked. He’d seen her in the nude more than once. Had kissed every inch of her body with those sculpted lips. Modest wasn’t her anyway.
Although, when she looked down at herself after she’d removed all of her clothes she wanted to cringe. Bruises marred her skin. Welts. Marks. Her ankle was grotesque with the bruising and swelling. Oh my God, were her ribs showing?
Suddenly self-conscious for the first time in her life, she waded into the water, holding tree branches for support on the slippery rocks. She knew Kell was behind her, ready to catch her if she fell. Found it oddly comforting. It was kinda nice to have someone watch her back. Someone she could trust not to stab a knife into it.
Pushing away the bitterness of what Dan had done, she lowered herself into the cool water, the ground more even now. Less rocky.
A sigh escaped her lips as the water enveloped her in it’s silky embrace. Nothing had ever felt so good.
Feeling rejuvenated, she held her breath and ducked under, letting the coolness surround her entirely. Letting it wash away the past few days.
When she could hold her breath no longer she came up for air and pushed wet hair out of her eyes.
“This feels so good,” she said to Kell, who stood on the bank, eyes scanning the trees for signs of danger. Always on alert. Always protecting. “Can you hand me the soap?”
He reached into her bag, drew out a small piece of neutral colored soap and tossed it to her. She caught it with a splash. Alsu had made the soap as a birthday gift. It smelled like wildflowers and made her skin silky smooth.
With glee she soaped up every inch of her body and swam to the waterfall to rinse off, tipping her head back under the water to rinse the suds from her hair. Never underestimate the power of being clean. It was more healing than any pills she could take.
Something rustled in the trees behind her. Shea froze, treading water lightly. Her gaze snapped to Kell who had reached under his shirt to pull out his Glock.
“Don’t move,” he said.
26
Cedar Falls, Michigan
A knock sounded on the front door. Dani rose from the kitchen table where she’d been writing checks for bills and went to open the door. She was getting used to a member of the Wolff clan visiting at all hours of the day, everyday. She didn’t mind now as much as she had. Right after Ryan’s death she’d hated their intrusion into her grieving. Never leaving her a moment of peace to say her goodbyes. Well, she hadn’t said goodbye to Ryan yet. That would be too final. Too painful. She was just now reaching a place where she didn’t cry every second of everyday. Especially when she saw Evan. He looked the most like Ryan and it tore out her heart to look at him.
She swung the door open, prepared for one of the Wolff brothers. But, the sheriff stood on her porch.
“Trevor,” she said, surprised to see him here.
“Hi, Dani. Sorry to bother you. I was in the area and thought I’d stop in and see how you were doing.”
He sounded uneasy which made her smile. There was something sweet about Trevor Lang. She struggled to see him as a hardass sheriff.
“That’s nice of you. I’m okay.” She held the door open wider. “Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee? I think I have some leftover cinnamon coffee cake that Ellen brought over.”
“Oh, no, I’m on duty.”
“No sugar while on duty?” she teased. God, it felt good to smile and joke with someone. Ryan always had a fun sense of humor, making her laugh even when she didn’t feel like it. She missed that. Missed him.
The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. “I just meant that I have to get back to work. But, thank you for the offer.”
“Sure.” Why did she feel a pang of disappointment that he wasn’t coming in?
�
�Maybe another time. If you’re up for it.”
“Yes,” she agreed. “Another time.”
He bowed his head. “Call anytime if you need anything.”
“Thank you.”
With that he strode off the porch and climbed into his car. With a wave, he backed out of the driveway and drove off. Dani closed the door, brows drawn together. She shouldn’t be looking forward to seeing him again. It felt like a betrayal. Which made her feel even worse.
She had no romantic interest in Trevor Lang. She didn’t think she would ever love another man for the rest of her life. You were only given one soulmate. And she lost hers. Lost half of herself with him. That, she would never get back.
Feeling a sudden urge to be close to Ryan, she grabbed her purse and keys and left the house.
She drove to the cemetery and walked to Ryans grave, sinking to her knees by his gravestone. With a hand resting on the marble she started talking, feeling a warmth spread over her like it did every time she came here. In this place, Ryan was with her and right now she needed him.
Village in Sunnat Mountains, Azbakastan
Kell aimed his gun at the man who stepped out of the trees. “Stop right there.”
The man froze. He wore a long robe and sandals like those in Alsu’s village, but Kell wasn’t taking any chances.
“You must return. Trouble is coming.”
Shea waved at him. “Put the gun down. He’s from the village.” To the man she spoke in the same Azebek dialect. Then nodded when the man answered and melted into the trees once more.
Kell tucked the gun in the waistband of his pants and helped Shea out of the pond. He’d restrained himself from jumping in after her and exploring every sensual inch of her. His hands actually itched with the need to touch her. It took every ounce of resolve he had to hold back. There may be four years and a hundred walls between them but his body remembered her. Wanted her. Time hadn’t changed that.
She dressed quickly and he helped her back to the village. She wasn’t limping nearly as bad as before and some of the color had returned to her cheeks.
As soon as they approached the village Kell knew something was wrong. People scrambled back and forth, in and out of their homes. Gathering children, penning animals, pulling the curtains closed.
Alsu ran up to them, panic in her eyes. “They are coming. We must hide.”
“Wait. Who?” Shea questioned as they hurried toward their hut.
“Men with guns.”
Kell and Shea exchanged glances. How had they found them so quickly? It was possible the IPA was raiding the mountain villages looking for Americans in hiding, but his gut told him they were here because of Shea. Somehow, they’d been found. Shouldn’t surprise him. The CIA had connections.
And they were in the middle of nowhere with only a handful of weapons.
“Go,” Alsu said. “Do not leave your hut.” She ran off to help her family lock down their house.
Kell urged Shea to a faster pace. Inside their hut he grabbed the duffle bags and started arming himself. Shea was beside him doing the same. Her hands flying across weapons with practiced ease.
“We’re going to be outnumbered,” she said, slapping a magazine in a M-4. “We have to leave before anyone get’s hurt.”
She was right on both fronts. He wouldn’t put these people in danger. Bad enough they harbored a fugitive. They didn’t need to pay a hefty price for their goodness. “Pack the rest of our things. We don’t have much time.”
Shea didn’t argue. She put the M-4 down and limped over to stuff clothes in her bags and gather up everything they could carry.
Within minutes they were out the door. Alsu’s father, Gulbanu, stopped them in the street.
“You must hide,” he said, trying to nudge them back to their hut.
“We aren’t staying here and risking your family,” Kell said. “You’ve done enough already.”
Gulbanu studied him with intelligent eyes. Then he nodded and motioned for them to follow him. They did, having no reason not to trust this man.
He led them to a makeshift carport made of sticks and leaves. He tugged the rugs off the lump beneath, revealing a battered truck with the bed rusted out and covered with planks of wood.
“Take this,” Galbanu offered. “It’s the only way for you to escape safely.”
Kell looked at the man. “I can’t take your only means of transportation.”
Galbanu shook his head. “You must. Go. Now.” He moved to the driver’s side door and held it open.
Kell glanced at Shea. She shrugged her shoulders and went to the passenger side to climb in. He let out a low curse, not liking this, tossed the bags on the seat and got in behind the wheel. There wasn’t much room in the small cab for them and their bags but Shea started rearranging to make room.
Galbanu pointed toward the keys already in the ignition and closed the door.
Kell had to pump the gas a few times to get the old truck started. It choked and spluttered before humming to life. He bowed his head to Galbanu who stepped back and returned the gesture.
He maneuvered onto the road, driving slow as to not kick up much dust. When they were out of range of the village he punched it, turning onto one of the main roads that would lead them out of the mountains.
“They’re going to be slaughtered,” Shea said without emotion, staring straight ahead.
“We don’t know that.” Although his gut told him the same thing. If the CIA had sent the IPA to the village in search of Shea then they would level the place. His gut churned at the thought of more innocent lives being taken.
Shea didn’t respond, just continued to stare out the windshield. Anger rose up in him. He hated this. Hated seeing Shea in pain. Hated the blood being shed because of them. He knew she was hurting and it made him hurt for her. She’d had a close relationship with Alsu. Hell, they both owed the woman their lives. It wasn’t fair the village would pay the highest price for helping them out.
Kell tapped the brakes, coming to a stop in the middle of the road. Shea looked over at him.
“I can’t do this,” he said. “Those people don’t stand a chance without us.”
He met her gaze. She knew what he was saying. The consequences of what they were about to do. Custard’s last stand.
Slowly, she nodded. “Let’s do this.”
He slammed the truck into drive, jerked the wheel and did a three point turn before punching the gas. As they sped back toward the village Shea spoke.
“I need to tell you something.”
“Not the time,” he said, pushing the vehicle faster, leaving a trail of dust in their wake.
“It’s important.”
He glanced at her, saw the emotion on her face, before turning back to the road. “When this is over, you can tell me.”
As much as he wanted to talk, now wasn’t the time. They were about to make a stand and only God knew if they would make it out alive.
Shea didn’t argue as the village came into view. He slowed as they drove behind houses to return the vehicle. By time they parked they were surrounded by anxious villagers.
Kell climbed out, grabbed the weapons and met Shea at the back of the truck.
Gulbanu stepped forward. “Why have you returned?”
Kell unzipped one of the bags and pulled out a M-4. He held it out to him. “You can’t fight them alone.”
Gulbanu stared at the weapon for a moment before accepting it. Gasps echoed through the crowd. Galbanu turned to his people. “We must fight,” he said. “Or we will perish.”
The word had been spoken. Permission given. Kell and Shea handed out all of the weapons to the men of the village, gave them quick lessons on how to use them, although most of them already knew. They may live in the middle of nowhere but they weren’t innocent or naive. They had fought against oppression many times.
“Get the women and children to safety,” Kell said. “Then show me every nook and cranny of this village. Hurry!”
/> The people scattered. Kell turned to Gulbanu. “How long before they’re here?”
“Minutes.”
Damn. Not much time to organize a stronghold. He glanced at Shea who held a 9mm in her hand and had a M-4 strapped across her chest. His heart twisted. She looked like a battered avenging angel. Her hair was twisted back in a sloppy bun, the circles beneath her eyes striking against her pale skin. In truth, she looked like hell but strong. Head held high, lips set in a determined line. Despite everything that stood between them he knew he could trust her to have his back.
He stepped forward, put a hand behind her neck and pulled her close. His lips crushed down on hers, breathing in her gasp of surprise. She tasted the same as he remembered. Like heat and sin. For only a moment did she hesitate before her lips opened and she kissed him back.
His body responded, remembering the pleasures they had experienced together. Kell ripped his lips from hers, breathing heavy. She stared up at him with those gorgeous green eyes that reminded him of the rolling hills of Ireland.
Shouts tore them apart. Neither of them spoke. They didn’t have to. They knew what came next. Had been here before four years ago. Only this time they were fighting for their lives along with someone else’s.
Kell held her gaze a moment longer before breaking contact. Together they made their way to the front lines, using a crumbling brick fence as cover. More villagers lined the streets, hidden from sight.
In the distance, the rumbling of vehicles could be heard. Within minutes a convoy roared toward the village. Men filled the back of trucks, guns ready. They definitely had more fire power than the villagers.
A calmness came over Kell as he thumbed the safety on his M-4. He took aim at the gunner manning the 50 caliber and squeezed the trigger. The man jerked, then slumped over the top of the truck.
Bullets began to fly.
It had begun.
27
Village in Sunnat Mountains, Azbakastan
Shea’s heart pounded as the convoy sped into the village, came to a screeching stop and an army of men jumped out. Everything happened so fast she couldn’t keep track. Bullets reigned, tearing down the wall that protected them. Men shouted as bullets pierced their flesh.
Worth the Risk (Book 3, Wolff Securities Series) Page 15