She threw her arms around him. Squeezing her eyes shut, she held on as tight as she could. “Of course, I do. I love you so much, Gabriel. So, so much.”
When she opened her eyes and looked through the window behind him, Ellena saw the other men waiting impatiently outside. As much as she hated letting him go, she knew it needed to be done.
Letting her arms fall down the length of his shoulders, she pulled away. “Let’s do this.”
Gabe opened the door and stepped out. He held the door open for her, waiting while she slid across the smooth leather, slamming it shut a bit harder than necessary once she was out.
Ellena knew he was on edge. They all were. The situation sucked, and she was more than ready to get it over with.
Gabe put his hands on her shoulders. “We’ll be here the whole time. Just like you heard, Ghost and his team are in place and already have Price’s men in their sights. Ryker’s around somewhere, too, and is watching Hall closely to make sure he doesn’t try to hurt you or Jenna. Just listen to us and do as you’re told, and you’ll be fine.” He pulled her in for a hug. “We’ve got your back, sweetheart. Don’t worry.”
Easy for you to say.
With Gabe’s hand on the small of her back, they walked into the hangar. Despite having already been told about them, Ellena inhaled sharply at the sight of the men and their guns.
For a moment, she began questioning her sanity for agreeing to do this. But as they continued to walk toward the opening, she saw Jenna standing by Adrian.
Ghost was right, she was beyond pissed, but having known the woman for years, Ellena also recognized the stark fear hiding in her friend’s eyes. It was in that moment she knew without a doubt this was exactly what needed to be done.
She looked up at Gabe, his eyes glaring toward Adrian and the other man. His jaw was clenched tight, and she feared, if given the chance, he’d kill either man without any regret.
“That’s far enough,” one of the men with the guns said. “You.” He looked at Ellena. “Come with me.”
“Like hell,” Gabe growled.
“Boss said only the girl comes out.”
Not wanting the situation to escalate from the get-go, Ellena turned to Gabe. “It’s okay. We knew this would probably happen, right?” She leaned up and kissed his cheek, rubbing her thumb across the salt and pepper stubble she loved so much. “I’ll be okay. I love you.” Before giving him—or herself—a chance to change her mind, Ellena turned to the man, held her chin up, and said, “Let’s go.”
“After you.” The terrifying man smirked. The second man stayed at his post, pointing his large, automatic rifle at Gabe and his team.
Ellena let go of Gabe’s hand, her heart dropping into her stomach as she allowed herself to be taken away.
* * *
Gabe’s gut was screaming like a banshee. Nothing good ever came from ignoring his instincts, but right now, he had no other choice but to stand back and watch.
Once Ellena was only a few feet from Price, her escort grabbed her arm. Through his earpiece, Gabe heard the bastard tell her, “That’s close enough.”
Gabe’s fingers itched to go for his gun.
Doing as she was told, Ellena didn’t move any closer to Price or Jenna. Price, the smug bastard, shooed his man away. The lacky obeyed, walking back toward the hangar. Once he was there, he regained his position at his side of the opening, opposite their other guard.
Gabe took the opportunity to signal to Nate. Using the fingers on his right hand, which was down at his side, he pointed to his own leg with his index finger. Then he pointed it and his middle finger at Price and Hall, indicating that if something bad went down, he would take out those two.
Once he was sure Nate understood, Gabe used the same gesture to show his teammate which man he was responsible for. Once they were squared away, Gabe used the same motions with his left hand to communicate with Matt, Kole, and Zade.
The movements were so slight, a civilian probably wouldn’t pick up on it. They’d come in handy more times than he could remember as a SEAL, and Bravo Team was very familiar with them, as well.
He refocused on Ellena, who stood with her chin up and shoulders back. Damn, she was tough. Much tougher than he’d ever given her credit for.
A pang of regret tried worming its way in, but Gabe refused to let it. He’d owned up to his fuck-up, and the past was the past. He may have underestimated his wife’s strength and tenacity to overcome the shit life had thrown at her before.
Not anymore.
She could do this.Theycould do this. Together they could damn well do anything.
Price gave Jenna a shove, and the other woman ran toward Ellena. The two nearly tumbled over as they wrapped their arms around each other and cried.
