Benannounced that he was taking Hannah out shopping for new clothes and toiletries. Hannah argued that she had enough to get her by, but he insisted that she needed more, and that he needed a few things as well. The guys groaned about a woman and her shopping but tagged along and giveBenback up if he needed it. The statement of Alejandro or his men coming for her going unsaid.
“I’ll pay you back, I promise,” Hannah toldBenas they approached the mall.
“Don’t even sweat it,” he told her as he took her hand. His hand was warm and calloused. A warrior’s hand. A hand that had killed but also saved lives.
“Please, I have to pay you something,” Hannah begged and pulled him to a stop in front of the mall doors. The guys looked back at them in question, but a subtle head nod had them heading inside without them. “You have already done so much for me.”
Benseemed to ponder her request. “There is one thing I want.”
Hannah eyed him weary when a strange look came into his eye. “What?”
“One kiss every night while you are here. A good night kiss.”
That was it? There had to be a catch. “Just one kiss good night?”
“Every night while you are here,” he reiterated.
“You won’t try anything else?” She wanted to make sure she knew what she was getting into before agreeing. For most, kissing this sex god every night wouldn’t be a hardship, but she didn’t want a kiss goodnight having him thinking she was willing for more.
“Scouts honor.” He held three fingers up.
“You were never a scout?” Hannah folded her arms over her chest.
“No,” he confessed, “but I did date a girl scout once.”
Hannah laughed and shook her head. “And what if I don’t agree to your terms? Will we leave, and I’m forced to wear your clothes?” She didn’t think he would be that kind of guy, but she had to ask.
Benstepped up to her and cupped her face, rubbing his thumb along her jaw. “No, Hannah. You don’t like the terms, you tell me what you want. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’d be sad if you didn’t agree.” He made a show of pouting and sticking his bottom lip out.
She bet it was a face that had gotten him whatever he wanted in the world. She hated admitting it was working on her. “Just one kiss good night. That’s all.”
A smile broke acrossBen’s face, and Hannah had a hard time breathing, he was so handsome. And were those dimples? She hadn’t seen those in years.Benpicked her up suddenly and spun her. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist and clung to him.Benstopped spinning and Hannah pulled back to look at him. He was still smiling and breathing a little hard, but his pupils dilated and looked down at her mouth. Hannah could feel her lips tingle. She wanted to feel his lips on hers again.
“Are we going to shop, or do I need to drop you guys off at a motel first?” Hound asked from the mall entrance. Hannah had never moved so quickly when she scrambled out of his arms and raced for the mall entrance. Hound chuckled at her and ruffled her hair as if she were a younger sibling. How embarrassing to be caught inBen’s arms like that. What his friends must think of her.
“Hannah,”Bencalled out, jogging to catch up to her. He reclaimed her hand despite her protest. “Please don’t be ashamed of Hound seeing us like that.”
“What he must think of me?” Hannah whispered in horror.
Benpulled her to a stop. “Stop it right now. No one thinks badly about you, for anything. Just ask Hound himself.”
“Ask me what?” Hound asked turning around to face them. Hannah was shocked he had heard them speaking since he was so much further ahead of them.
“Hannah is under the impression you think less of her, after seeing her in my arms.”
“Seriously?” Hound turned his gray eyes on her. The scar down the side of his face and pulling at his lip made him look like he was scowling at her. “Hannah, I’m going to say this one time. You are the bravest woman I have ever met. There is nothing on this earth that could make me think less of you unless you try to have one of us killed. You won’t find a finer man thanBenhere to cherish you and keep you safe.” She already knew that. She had never met a finer man than Ben Grant, and believe her, she had tried. No man had ever compared to him.
The sincerity in his eyes had Hannah relaxing. “I just didn’t want you guys thinking less of me, for coming from the place I did to end up inBen’s arms. I didn’t want you guys to think I’m that kind of girl.”
“You deserve happiness, Hannah,” Doc said somberly. “Nobody will fault you for seeking comfort inBen’s arms.” Doc patted her arm in comfort. Hannah nodded and announced she was ready to shop.Benreclaimed her hand, and they shopped.
~
It had almost been a week and a half andBen’s teammate, Hound, received information from his informant. He would bring it over toBen’s later, after Hannah’s appointment.Benhad been taking her to see the base psychologist frequently. The therapist had helped, and her nightmares were less frequent.Benalways stayed close to her in case she had a flashback, accompanied her everywhere she wanted to go or if he couldn’t, one of the guys would. It was sweet they were taking care of her, but she wanted to have her freedom to come and go as she pleased. She couldn’t wait to have all this behind her. She still wasn’t sure about going back home to Portland, but she didn’t know where else to go. She couldn’t stay with Ben forever. He would eventually get tired of having to take care of her, or the nightmares that plagued her. He was a grown ass man. He didn’t want to be saddled with babysitting her all the time.
That afternoon after lunch, Hound and everyone showed up. Sunshine was the only one still missing from the group. Everyone assured her it wasn’t because of her, and that he was just busy. There was a tension in the room centering on Sunshine, and she knew she caused it, despite everyone’s reassurance.
Changing the subject, Hound announced Blade was following a paper trail on Fox and should have news for them soon. It wasn’t much, but they seemed to be getting closer. Fox lived in the states, and on the west coast. Everyone was on edge, especiallyBen. The man behind their ambush was closer than they thought. What if he got to Hannah while the team was gone? Reports were coming in that Alejandro was on the move, but no one could pinpoint where.
