her belly.
Rafe bent, helped Briana to her feet and, shielding her body, ran her toward the vehicles. As soon as he had her safely behind the bulk of an SUV, he left her and went back for Alejandra.
Briana watched from the relative safety of the SUV as Rafe started to run toward the other woman.
Hank caught him before he got too far. “Cover me.”
The founder of the Brotherhood Protectors ran across the open ground, dropping down beside Alejandra.
Briana held her breath, praying Hank and Alejandra made it back to safety, alive.
Hank wrapped his arm around Alejandra, effectively shielding her body with his as he ran with her to the waiting SUVs. He helped her into the back seat of the middle vehicle and slid in beside her. One of his men took the driver’s seat.
Rafe returned to Briana and ran with her to the last vehicle, the one closest to the main road. As they reached it, Briana heard the thunder of rotor blades beating the air. She looked up to see a helicopter rising above the canopy of trees.
She turned to Rafe. “Did El Chefe get away?”
Rafe’s jaw was so tight it twitched as he helped her into the backseat. “I don’t know for sure, but he jumped behind the gate and slammed it shut before the grenade exploded.”
Briana cursed as she slid across the seat. “That man doesn’t deserve to live. He’s a monster.”
Rafe slipped in beside her and pulled her into his arms.
Swede and Bear climbed into the front seats and closed their doors. Bear spun the vehicle around and raced for the main road heading back to San Salvador, followed by the SUV carrying Hank and Alejandra and the last vehicle with two more of Hank’s men.
Rafe spoke into the mic on his helmet’s radio. “I have Briana in the lead vehicle.” He listened. “That’s what I thought. This isn’t over as long as El Chefe is still alive.” He looked across at Briana. “He got away.”
“Son of a bitch,” Briana said.
He took her hand and held it in his. “The good news is that all of the Delta Force team members got away without injury.”
Briana raised his hand to her lips and pressed a kiss to the backs of his knuckles. “Thank you for finding me.”
“I wouldn’t have stopped looking until I did.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the tips of her fingers.
“Did you know Alejandra was going to throw a grenade?”
“Not until she stole one from me at the last minute.”
Briana cocked an eyebrow. “When she kissed you?”
He grinned. “You saw that?”
Her brows formed a V over her nose. “I did.”
“Were you jealous?”
She sighed, her brow smoothing. “Truthfully, I was, a little.” Briana leaned her head against his shoulder. “I thought we had a connection up there in the Crazy Mountains, unless it was all one-sided…?” She glanced up at him from beneath her eyelashes.
“If by one-sided, you mean, all on my side, that could be. Because, you see, I have no idea where I stand with you, Briana Hayes. When you left, I felt we had just gotten started. I was falling for you. Now, we’ve all been traumatized, and we’re likely to think we’re in love when we’re just getting to know each other.”
“Why not accept the fact we’re in love?” Briana asked. “Life’s short, and none of us get out of it alive. Unfortunately, some sooner than others.”
He nodded. “You have a point.” He leaned close and kissed her lips. “Lucy and I missed you.”
“Oh my God, Lucy! She made it?” Briana smiled, her heart swelling. “I thought that bastard killed her when he hit her with the club.”
“She made it. I’m sure she’s got a headache.”
Briana reached up to unbuckle his helmet and pull it off. Then she touched the bruise and knot at his temple. “You should have seen a doctor.”
“I’m okay.”
She leaned up and pressed a gentle kiss to his injury.
“You’re the one I’m worried about.” He brushed the backs of his knuckles below the gash on her cheek. “Who did this?”
Her eyes narrowed. “The Devil Boss. I’m glad we got Alejandra out of there. She doesn’t deserve to live in that kind of fear. The man is horrible.” She shivered, remembering how he’d toyed with the guard who’d cut her before killing him.
She lay her cheek on Rafe’s shoulder. “I’m worried.”
“You’re out of there.”
“I know. But El Chefe is still alive. He won’t let this slide. He’ll be back for more. I’ll be