Sophie took a moment to process this before sharing, “He...he was looking for Colton.”
The same Colton who was now missing.
Jason perked up at that. “Abdul? What did he want with Moore?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged a shoulder, causing the blanket to slip down a few inches. “He wanted me to call him.”
“And did you?”
“No.”
Probably why the asshole hit her.
“Why not?”
“I knew if I called him, I’d be sending Colton into a trap.”
She said it so matter-of-factly. As if that brave, crazy decision hadn’t damn near cost her her life.
Jason ran a hand over his beard, speaking with a slow and steady tone. “By not calling him, you ran the risk of getting yourself and the woman who was with you killed.”
“I know.” She bit her bottom lip. “I just...I couldn’t do it.”
If he hadn’t fallen for the woman when they first met, Jason would’ve gone head over boots in that very instant.
She’d risked her life...was willing tosacrificeherself...to save a man she hardly knew.
That knowledge made him want to pull her into his arms and never let her go. It also made him want to put her over his knee.
Of course, if she had called Moore, Qasim would’ve just shot her and her fellow volunteer afterward.
Sophie had been put into an impossible position and had made the only decision she could live with.
God, she was incredible.
“What happens now?” Her weary eyes met his.
“When we land, you’ll all be taken to my building so you can give your official statements about what happened. You’ll be separated, but only to ensure your memories of the events that took place aren’t skewed by something someone else says.”
He needed her to understand that. The last thing he wanted her thinking was that she was in some sort of trouble over what happened.
“Will you be there?” She asked almost hesitantly. “When I’m being questioned, I mean?”
Does she want me there?
He shook his head. “Because I was actively involved in the op, another agent will be assigned to take your statement. But I promise, I won’t be far if you need something.”
“Okay.” Disappointment flickered behind her chocolate eyes.
She does want me there.
The primal male in him wanted to do a fist pump. The Federal agent in him kept his cool and didn’t react.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s probably going to take at least a couple of hours to get everything sorted out. But after that, you’ll be free to go.”
“I understand.” She nodded. “I just hope you hear something about Colton soon. I’m really worried about him.”
Was she worried because he was an acquaintance, or something more? Unfamiliar jealousy started to seep into his veins as he began to wonder if she and the journalist had become romantically involved.