“You’re supposed to be saving me, not her.”
“Trust me, mate,” Radar said.“We’re saving you from yourself and from her.”
Joker chuckled.“Yeah.If you can’t tell when a woman is mad, you’re going to be in a lot of trouble in life.”
“We need to clear a space for Ethan,” Radar said as if that was the end of the matter and cleared leaves and branches out of the way.
Mila exhaled and unclenched her hands.She tied the blanket like a sarong around her breasts and helped, cautious where she trod so she didn’t injure herself.By the time Damien and Axle carried the injured soldier into the clearing, the spot was ready.She shifted out of the way as they placed the stretcher on the ground.
Vance squeezed her shoulder so tightly she flinched.“We need to talk.”
Almost without thinking, she elbowed him hard in the guts.“Take your hand off me.”
Vance stepped away, his hands high.“Chill.”
She exhaled, not wanting to cause a scene in front of Damien and the others.Radar murmured something to Damien, and Damien glanced across at her and nodded.Then Radar said, “We’re up, Joker.”
Mila stepped over.“The road winds its way up to the village and then down the other side.You can’t get lost.”
“Does it go through or around the village?”
“Through.”
Radar frowned.“We’ll have to scope it out first.If someone sees us, word might get back to Agus.”
“There’s a sign just before you get there on the left-hand side,” she told them.
“Thanks.”
Axle handed them a key.“Use this.It’s programmed to the four-wheel drive.”
“Copy.”Joker tested the comms and then they strode out of the clearing.A moment later the car engine rumbled and then faded as the men drove away.
Axle crouched by Ethan, checking his vitals.Damien came over.“You both should rest.Nothing’s happening until the waves stop which could be a few hours yet.”
Now the adrenaline was waning Mila found herself swaying on her feet.Still she crouched next to Ethan and asked Axle, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Ethan grabbed her hand and smiled.“There’s my guardian angel.You remind me of my Chelsea.”His voice was full of love with a slightly dazed drugged tone.“She was always so sweet.”
Was.Who was Chelsea and what had happened to her?She winced at his tight grip and patted his hand, glancing with concern at Axle.
“I’ve given him the strongest drugs and made him as comfortable as I can.”Axle smiled at her.“But before you rest, let me clean your injuries.”He moved over to his med kit and gestured to her.
Gently she removed her hand from Ethan.His eyes were closed and his breathing was regular.Hopefully asleep.
Using a small torch for visibility Axle methodically cleaned each of her wounds, applying antiseptic to each one, chatting to her as he did so, but she needed a distraction from the pain.She murmured, “Who is Chelsea?”
Axle frowned as he cleaned her legs.“Ethan’s ex.He doesn’t see her anymore.”He swiped a little harder on a cut and she hissed.
“Sorry.You’re doing great.”
It was hard to be upset at his calm, easy-going bedside manner, but she got the hint the topic was off limits.She appreciated he didn’t want to gossip about his teammate.When he got to the gash on her forearm, he took a little longer to make sure the wound was clean.“I’m going to put a few stitches in.”
She frowned.“I don’t suppose you’ve got any anaesthetic in that kit of yours?”
He grinned.“Sure do.Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.”
Mila turned her head as he got out a needle.Over on the edge of their makeshift camp, Vance was already lying down asleep.
