There had been three trucks in total, and the group of tourists plus the two guides had been split up between them. Keeping track with his watch, Garrett made a mental note that they’d been on the road for nearly two hours.
With everyone else lost in their own fear and conversations, he kissed the top of her head and rested his cheek there. “We’re going to be okay.”
As long as his team got to them in time, that is.
Earlier, while he’d been lying on the ground, still dazed from the hit he’d taken, Garrett had pressed the button on the side of his watch three consecutive times.
The clicks were designed to activate his emergency tracker signal. The second he’d pushed the button that third time, an alert was sent straight to Shadow’s system.
At least that’s how it was supposed to work. Neither he nor any of the other guys on the team had ever had to use theirs before now.
Please let it have worked.
Avery choked out a half-laugh, half-cry. “That man almost shot you!”
“But he didn’t,” he reminded her.
The fuckerwouldhave if Avery hadn’t thrown her body over his. Christ Almighty, he’d never forget the way she’d risked herself trying to protect him. Or the terror he’d felt thinking she may die because of it.
He’d never been so goddamn scared in his life.
Before that, when he’d seen the men at the front of their trail, Garrett had made the decision to bring his Glock 26 out from behind his back.
He’d known Avery would see it—there was no way for hernotto see it. And there would be questions he’d have to answer. Ones that could end up ruining what they’d only just started to build.
But in that moment, when he’d realized something was about to go down, his need to protect her had risen above everything else.
It had been a rookie mistake, missing the two bastards coming up from behind. When he finallydidsee them, he’d had no choice but to conceal the weapon once more.
If he’d been alone, there would’ve been zero hesitation on his part. He would’ve opened fire and taken them both out.
But he hadn’t been alone. Avery had been standing right beside him with that bastard’s gun pointed at her head. And she was something he would never, ever risk.
She risked herself for you, though.
Yes, she had. The crazy, incredible woman had literally put herself between him and a fucking M13.
Never again, baby. Never. Fucking. Again.
Garrett gently guided her head back to his chest and drove that point home.
“I need you to promise me something,” he spoke with a soft, calming voice.
“What?”
“No matter what happens, you won’t put yourself into harm’s way for me like you did earlier. Not ever.” When she didn’t respond, he gave her a little shake. “Avery? Did you hear what I said?”
“I heard you.” Her voice sounded small.
“Promise me.”
She waited a beat before looking back up at him again. Shaking her head she said, “I can’t promise that.”
“Avery—”
“No, Garrett.” She sat up straighter. “I know I’m not strong enough to fight these men off by myself, but I also can’t stand back and watch them hurt you without at leasttryingto help.” A tear fell down her cheek, leaving a silver streak through the dust on her skin. “I know this thing between us is new, but I…I care about you, Garrett. More than I ever thought possible. So, no.” She swiped at another falling tear. “I’m sorry, but I won’t promise you that.”
Ah, baby.