Breaking Rules (Delta Force Strong #2) - Elle James Page 0,29
riot, take off that jersey and you’ll have every man and some of the women on this base in a stampede to get to you.” He laughed. “And not for the damned jersey. So…keep your shirt on.”
She grinned and let the hem fall down around her hips. “If we’re done talking, I’d like to get that walk in before I have to dress for the performance.”
“I’m done.” He nodded his head toward her bodyguards, who’d moved closer when she’d stepped out of her motorhome. “Are we taking all three?”
Her lips twisted as she stared at the three men. “I’d rather not, but Lloyd would insist. He’s paying for them to provide my security.”
“You have me for that now,” Dash reminded her.
“I do.” She glanced up at the clear blue sky. “And it’s a beautiful day. Surely, I don’t need all four of you.”
He shrugged, pretending nonchalance. “Your call.”
“This helmet and vest should help.” She gave a quick nod. “I’m going to give them an hour off.” Sunny turned to her three guards. “How’s Marcus?”
“Some of the medics carried him over to the field hospital,” Paul said. “He was in good spirits, just disappointed he won’t be continuing on the tour.”
“After being shot, you’d think he’d be glad to get a ride home.”
“No, ma’am.” Paul said. “He likes working with you.”
Sunny smiled. “I’m glad he’ll be okay.” She made eye-contact with each of the remaining bodyguards. “You three can stand down for the next hour.”
“But ma’am,” Paul said, “at least two of us are supposed to be with you at all times.”
“I have Dash and this vest and helmet. I’ll be okay for an hour in the daylight.”
“Ma’am,” Paul shook his head. “We work for Mr. Pendleton. He’s the only one who can tell us to stand down.”
Sunny sighed. “Once again, rules.” She shot a quick grin at Dash. “Fine. I’ll speak with Mr. Pendleton. If I can find him. In the meantime, only two of you. The other can take a break. We’ll need all of you during the show.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Paul spoke with one of other two guards. That man turned and headed for the trailer the bodyguards took turns sleeping in.
“Let’s find Lloyd.” Sunny glanced at Dash. “I’m sure he’s in a flap that we’re late getting here.”
“He should be glad we got here at all.”
“True.” Her face sobered. “That attack shook me. I thought whoever was after me would go for another sneak attack, not a full-on, bring in the big guns kind of attack.”
“Convoys are somewhat easy targets, with everyone spread out in a long line. It made sense to make an attempt while you were on the road.”
“I guess we should also be glad they used a goat herd to slow us down.”
“Right. An improvised explosive device would’ve been a lot more deadly.” Dash cupped her elbow and squeezed gently. “I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”
“I’m just sorry you and Marcus got hit.”
“We’ll live.”
“I certainly hope so,” she said. “What if we’re not as lucky the next time?” She looked up at him with those incredibly blue eyes that made the hard core inside him melt. “I would hate it if one of your team, or any of our tour staff, were killed because someone wanted to get to me.”
“My team is aware of the risks.”
“Ma’am,” Paul said from behind her, “we’re all aware of the risks we’re taking just being in Afghanistan. You can’t worry about everyone. We signed up for this gig.”
Sunny sighed. “I know.”
They approached the area where the stage was being erected. Men were working frantically to piece together the frame and the stanchions that would hold the lights and speakers. Lloyd was in the middle of it all, calling out orders.
When he finally looked around and spotted Sunny, he picked his way through the parts to join them.
“Everything all right?” he asked and glanced at the hole in Dash’s trousers. “I heard you took a hit.”
Dash nodded. “I did. But it was only a flesh wound. Miss Daye played nurse and did a fine job dressing it.”
“Speaking of which,” Sunny said, “we need to stop by the field hospital and let them look at it. I’m no expert.”
“It feels fine,” he insisted. “Besides, I promised you a walk.”
Lloyd frowned, looking from Dash to Sunny and back to Dash. “What walk?”
“Miss Daye would like to take a constitutional around the camp.” He nodded toward the helmet and vest. “We’ve got her covered and think she’ll be safe in broad daylight.”
Lloyd’s frown deepened.