“What if he doesn’t? What if Price doesn’t like Walker’s idea, or he doesn’t—”
“He will.” Gabe cupped the sides of her neck. “As much as I hate the guy, Walker’s good at getting what he wants.”
Yeah, that seemed pretty obvious.
“And Ghost and those guys?” Ellena motioned toward the men talking intently with Agent Ryker and the rest of Bravo. “You sure they’re up for this?”
A low chuckle reverberated from his chest. “Oh, I’m sure. Those guys are as solid as they come. Trust me.”
“Who are they? I mean…” Ellena licked her lips taking in the large, intimidating men again. “Are they former SEALs like you?”
“No. They’re not SEALs, but they are still active duty. I’m not allowed to say what unit they’re with, but I can tell you those men over there are top notch.”
“Active duty?” She found that to be both surprising and worrisome. “Are they going to get into trouble for helping us? When Agent Ryker first called Ghost, I overheard him say this whole thing was off the books.”
With a shake of his head, Gabe followed her gaze to the other group. “No need to worry about that. Ryker and their commanding officer go way back. In fact, when Gracie and Kat were taken, these guys helped us get them back. They also helped us rescue Gabby and her sister.”
“Really?”
“Yep. Ryker was the one who helped make that happen, which is the only reason I’m inclined to give him some slack on the whole Walker deal.”
Wow. Her heart hurt for all Gabe and his friends had been through. And while she didn’t know the specifics, she knew enough to understand the danger each of those situations had created. Danger the man she loved had purposely put himself in, in order to help his teammates save the women they loved. And in any one of those scenarios, this incredible, fearless man of hers could’ve been killed.
And I never would have known.
“Elle?”
Blinking away tears she hadn’t even realized were forming, Ellena shook off the macabre thoughts and rejoined the conversation.
“Gabby.” Ellena thought for a moment. “She’s engaged to Zade. Right?” At least she thought that was the name he’d mentioned earlier in the week when they’d been talking about his team.
Brows turned slightly inward, Gabe held her gaze a moment longer before nodding. “And when Gabby’s sister was taken and nearly sold, Ghost and the others also helped us get her back.”
“Sold?” Ellena felt her eyes grow wide. Though he didn’t say it, she understood exactly the kind of people whoboughtyoung, terrified women. “That’s horrible. But Gabby’s sister is okay?”
“Zade says she is. Had a rough go of it right after, but according to him and Gabby, Samantha’s doing much better.”
“Good.” Her heart ached for the poor girl. “I hope she’s been talking with someone.”
“She has.” He gave her another squeeze before dropping his arms. “Come on.” Grabbing one of her hands, he linked their fingers together and kissed her temple. “Walker’s back. Let’s go see what the asshole has to say.”
Feeling even smaller than her petite frame already made her feel, Ellena stood amongst the group of musclebound warriors, wondering how the next few hours of her life were going to go.
“Listen up.” Ryker got everyone’s attention. “We got the final word, and Walker and I both believe it’s a solid plan.”
“Well, as long as Walker thinks so…” Zade mumbled beneath his breath.
A few of the men muttered their agreements, including a couple from Ghost’s team.
“Enough.” Ryker shot Zade a look. “I get that your pissed, King. You’re all pissed, and I can’t say I blame you. But we’ve already been through that shit, and frankly, we’re running low on time. So, for the next couple of hours, you men need to get the fuck over yourselves and work together on this so we can end this bullshit and get on with our day. If anyone here doesn’t feel capable of doing just that, there’s the goddamn door.” Ryker pointed behind him. “Feel free to use it.”
“Actually, it’s not really a door, per se.” Nate pretended to study the barn’s decrepit entryway. “More like a few pieces of rotted wood that’s just hanging on by…”
Ellena was amazed at the power Agent Ryker had over these men. Even now, after having kept what she considered to be vital information from them, the formidable man didn’t even have to say anything. He justlookedat Nate, and the guy stopped talking.
“As I was saying,” Ryker continued. “We’ve come up with a plan we believe will ensure the safety of both Ellena and the Shaw woman.”
“Jenna.” She gave the man her own look before glancing around to the others. “Her name is Jenna. She’s sitting someplace right now, scared to death, and theonlyreason she’s there is because she’s friends with me.” Ellena’s voice cracked, and she wiped away an escaped tear. “So please. Help me get Jenna out of this mess…and help me find justice for Mark Ellis.”
