“What the fuck, babe?” I’m torn between the desire to kiss her or take her over my knee and spank her. If things went south, we had a plan.
Instead, she went rogue. “I am not a victim.”
Ignoring my anger, I whistle through my teeth. “No, lady, you are not. You are one brave momma bear.”
Upon hearing his name, my dog lifts his head, and chuckling, I pat him. “Not you, buddy.”
“We got company.” Slate’s warning sounds seconds before the roadblock.
Beside me, Gwen stiffens. “Calm, babe. Remember, we’re a bunch of tourists on our way to the airport.”
Behind the wheel, Slate leans out the window and speaks to the one in charge in rapid Farsi.
Jack, sitting next to him, nods and also answers a few questions.
The fortyish Iranian points to the back door, and one of his minions opens it. “You? American?”
Gun tucked at my back, I feign both fear and deference. “Yes, sir. My wife and I were visiting her family and now we are going home.”
While we talk, his five men surround our vehicle and raise their rifles.
“Mate.” Lucky’s gaze lowers to his right hand, hiding his pistol under his jacket.
As I do the same, the soldier lifts the barrel of his Russian AK-47 and points it at Slate. “Leave the car, all of you.”
Our Patten leader raises his palms waist high and mutters. “That one’s mine.”
Next, Lochlan sounds in my ear. “I have the two starboard.”
Hands and Suds grin. “Portside.”
“Now!” Our commander fires.
Pulling Gwen and Abbie to the floor, I function as their shield.
Six shots later, one of the SEALs shouts, “All clear. Let’s go.”
The doors slam, and the taxi roars off. I don't allow myself to rise until Lucky taps me on the shoulder.
Chapter 29
This is the way to move from the lone wolf to a thunder of dragons taking to the water—by embracing one's life totally and completely, and not holding back.~Koshin Paley Ellison
Two months later
Gwen
Under the hot sun, I gather up Bun-bunny, sand toys, and our giant beach blanket. While I stuff the items in my huge canvas bag, Axel lowers the umbrella, loads up the red wagon, and lifts Abbie on top. Once she’s showered, played with Bear, and had lunch, I lay her down for a nap.
“Woo hoo.” Opening my emails, I fist bump the air. “Andy Quinn says the FBI won’t press charges if I testify. Then, I can return to my job.”
Axel walks to where I sit on a bar stool, steps between my legs, and hugs me. “I told you. He’s the best.”
“What about you? When do you have to report back?” As I lace my fingers behind his neck, he shrugs.
“Why? Are you getting sick of me?” The comment was supposed to make me laugh, but a twinge of sadness hits me. Eventually, our vacation from real life will end, and we have yet to discuss our future.
“No, thinking out loud is all.” Trying to sound nonchalant, I walk to the fridge, grab a jug of iced tea, and place it on the counter.
