“I can’t begin to imagine what you’ve gone through,” Julio murmured. “You’ll never have a reason to fear me.”
Rebecca glanced around her as he stopped three feet before her. “Julio, I can’t do this now. Kara’s waiting for me and I don’t want her to worry. She’s concerned her mom won’t want her after everything.”
“If she doesn’t, it’s her loss. Kara’s a great kid,” he said angrily.
“What if we can’t find all the parents? What will they do with the kids? When we discussed the goals for this team, we didn’t consider children staying here for very long,” she asked, stepping around the tree, placing a barrier between them.
Julio stared at the ground and sighed deeply. “They have eleven kids matched already with missing children reports. Matthew and one of the social workers spent the morning contacting parents. They’re setting up counseling and other services. It’ll be a long process. We’ll do whatever it takes to get them home.”
“Oh, good,” she said, relieved. “What about the teens and women?”
“Two of them called home before we left Serenity,” he informed her. “A few have expressed interest in staying for medical care. The rest will meet with counselors today.”
“It seems you have it all under control,” she said, staring at his massive arms and broad, muscled chest.
Julio chuckled. “Not all things are what they seem. It’s massive chaos. I’m surprised Rachel Foster hasn’t run from the mess hall, pulling her hair out. She’s not a fan of children.”
Rebecca smirked. “If I recall correctly, she only seemed to have eyes for Doctor Chase Winters.”
Julio threw his head back and laughed. “I forgot you don’t know. Matthew and Rachel carried on a secret affair while in Serenity. She followed him to Embers. From his reports, she turned into a pain in his ass. Then, all of a sudden, bam. They’re in love. I’ve only seen her a couple of times and she’s changed.”
“Ha,” Rebecca exclaimed. “She considers herself above the rest of us and I’ve personally seen her rudeness.”
“Love can change people,” he reminded her. “Maybe she needed someone to show her how to care.”
Rebecca blinked back the tears. Julio taught her about love. He patiently waited while she struggled to toe the line between friends and lovers, and between FBI and CIA agents. They agreed to keep their affair secret and now, it almost relieved her that no one knew.
“Becca, let me take you back to the mess hall,” he coaxed. “You’ve walked a long way and it’s getting colder. Kara’s waiting for me to find you.”
“I…I don’t know if I can handle you touching me,” she admitted. “I know in my head you won’t hurt me…”
“I’ll lead Satan. You ride,” he compromised.
“No. You said it’s a long way. I’ll…suck it up,” she said, acting braver than she felt. “Keep your hands where I can see them and don’t make any sudden moves.”
“I’ll do whatever you need to feel comfortable,” he assured her. “Can you get on Satan without my help?”
“I guess we’ll see. Can you walk ahead of me?” she asked, peering at his face. She must sound like the biggest chicken ever, but she learned men like to attack from behind.
Julio turned and walked to his horse and held his bridle while she approached. Cautiously checking his position, she put her foot in the stirrup and lifted herself. She struggled to throwher leg over the saddle. The lack of food and inactivity made it feel impossible. Each attempt made her feel weaker.
“Becca,” Julio said softly. “Let me help you. I’ll put my hands on your waist and lift you high enough for you to get your leg over. I’ll ride behind you and keep my hands where you can see them. You know me. I’ll never hurt you.”
The lump in her throat grew thicker as she stared at the horse’s saddle. “Maybe it’s better if I walk,” she said, panicking.
“You’re already cold. I see goosebumps on your skin. If you prefer, I’ll get on Satan, and you can give me your hand to pull you up,” he suggested. “Then you can see my hands.”
She nodded, tentatively, and Julio mounted his horse. Holding out his hand, he waited for her to take it. It seemed like it took her forever to reach for him. Her arm trembled as she raised it. Julio’s fingers grasped her hand and slowly pulled her up, maneuvering his body to keep from touching her.
“I’m grabbing the reins,” he said close to her ear as his arms went around her, caging her in. She held her breath as he turned Satan in the direction of the mess hall. His left hand dropped to his side as Satan followed the path, giving her space.
“Why didn’t I know about Satan?” she asked out of curiosity.
“He stayed at my parents’ ranch in West Texas. They have several horses to keep him company. When Jameson heard about your supposed whereabouts, I asked my brother to bring him over,” Julio said, steering Satan to the left.
The horse leisurely made his way down the slight hill, making her back connect to Julio’s chest. The leather scent of cologne lulled her into safety as she leaned against him. Rebecca felt Julio stiffen and she bolted upright.
“I’m sorry,” she blurted, scooting away from him.
