Just like that, Olivia’s fear was replaced with good, old-fashioned anger. She stood from the bed, keeping the sheet around her.
“There isn’t a story, Jake. There’s only thetruth. Those assholes killed innocent people. They took me hostage and were going to sell me like I was nothing more than a...a piece of meat! What those men did was unforgivable, yetI’mthe one who’s going to be interrogated like a criminal? What the hell?”
He stood and approached her cautiously. Raising his hands slowly, Jake brought them to a rest on her bare shoulders. He inhaled deeply, ignoring the way her skin burned beneath his touch.
“I’d do anything to keep you from having to do this, but the fact is you’re a United States citizen who was held captive by a well-sought-after, foreign cartel leader. You’re also the only survivor of a mass murder he orchestrated. They need information, Liv. If for no other reason, than to help prevent something like this from happening to anyone else.”
As expected, his choice of words resonated within her. Olivia slowly gained control over her emotions, the change visible. Her chin came up and she straightened her shoulders.
“Okay, fine. I get it. I still don’tlikeit, but I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
Did she even realize how strong she was?
“Coop and Mac have already been questioned about their part in it. Today, it’s our turn.”
As if it just occurred to her, Olivia’s eyes filled with concern. “Jake, are you in trouble?” Her voice was a whisper, as if she couldn’t bear to say the words too loudly, for fear they’d be true. “Is your team going to be in trouble for helping me?”
He shrugged a shoulder. “That’s always a possibility, but not likely. Cetro is one mean son of a bitch. I’m sure Ryker will rip us all a new one for keeping him out of the loop, but other than that, we’ll be fine.”
She sat back down on the bed, still clutching that damn sheet. He could tell she was still worried for him and his team. God, he loved this woman.
Jake sat beside her and took her free hand in his. “My team will be fine, Liv. Don’t worry about us.”
Olivia sighed loudly. “I just want everything to go back to the way it was before.” She glanced over at him. With a little smirk, she nudged his shoulder with hers. “Well, noteverything,”
Jake put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him. He kissed the top of her head. “It’s going to be fine, sweetheart. I won’t lie, today’s gonna suck, but when it’s done, you’ll have your life again. And I’ll be right by your side to help you put it back together.”
Chapter 19
“What the fuck?” Jake stormed into the observation room adjacent to the one in which Olivia was currently being held.
Unaffected by the outburst, Homeland Security Agent Jason Ryker took his gaze from the large, two-way mirror and faced him.
“You’re still here.” It was a statement, not a question.
“Of course, I’m still here,” Jake growled, his arm flying out and pointing toward the glass. “She’shere. So, I’ll ask again. What. The. Fuck?”
