“I know, I just—I could swear it was him. The guy that first night—he was missing part of his ear.”
Ethan stiffened. Could she really have seen that detail from where they’d stood? She was scared, and her mind could simply be playing tricks on her. It seemed impossible that the man who’d raped her would be here on base. The group of interpreters they’d seen had walked off toward a different building. People were steadily streaming by, going about their business. He didn’t like the inquisitive glances they got. He didn’t like her being scared though either.
“You’re getting ready to speak with the investigators. Maybe your mind was just playing tricks on you. You were thinking about it subconsciously.”
“No. Maybe.” She shook her head, flustered. “Sorry for grabbing you,” she said, letting go of his arm. She straightened her back, standing tall.
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for. The guys and I will keep an eye out. We won’t let anyone hurt you.”
“Okay,” she said, letting out a breath. “Let’s keep going so I can get this over with.”
Not caring that anyone around them was watching, Ethan took her hand, leading her toward Blake and Grayson. She clutched his hand, and his chest tightened at the feel of her small fingers in his. She was feminine and fragile, so much smaller than him even though they were both in the Armed Forces. He knew Kimberly was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but he didn’t let go of her hand until they reached his teammates, he simply guided her forward.
Both men looked irritated as they looked around, but they schooled the expressions on their faces as Ethan and Kimberly walked up.
“We didn’t see anyone,” Blake said needlessly.
She nodded. “Thanks for checking.” None of the men missed the slight tremble in her voice. The four of them continued on toward the general’s building, shielding Kimberly as they moved. Ethan stayed closer to her than was probably necessary, but he wanted her within reach. He’d protect her with his life if he had to. And if he ever saw an Afghani man on base missing part of his ear, Ethan swore he’d rip his heart right out.
Chapter 13
Two hours later, Kim finally finished meeting with the investigators. She knew there’d be many more details to discuss and people to meet with once she returned home, but at the moment, she had a pounding headache and just wanted to get out of there.
Ethan and Blake were both waiting when she exited the room, their gazes immediately locking on her.
“How’d it go?” Ethan asked, walking toward her with concern etched across his face. Blake was right behind him, seemingly ready to move her out of there.
She scrubbed a hand over her eyes. “It was draining. And if I’m honest, kind of awful to relive all of it.” Tears smarted her eyes as both men frowned, and then Ethan pulled her close for a quick hug. It didn’t last nearly long enough, and she probably shouldn’t have been standing around engaging in any sort of physical contact with him, given that they were both in uniform, but she was exhausted. Both mentally and physically.
She inhaled Ethan’s clean, masculine scent and briefly buried her face in his neck, wishing she could stay in his arms, before she pulled back.
“They kept you in there too damn long,” Blake muttered.
“I needed to talk to them,” she assured the SEALs. “I want them to catch those assholes.”
“We should’ve taken them all out ourselves,” Ethan said, his gaze narrowing. He hovered close to her, and she felt eyes on them as other people looked over.
“Let’s head back to your room,” Blake said. “We’ll bring some food to you. I’ll touch base with the CO, but I think we’re good to fly out at nineteen hundred.”
“Okay,” she said, letting out a sigh of relief. “I’ll feel better when we’re out of here.”
“Kim!” a woman shrieked, rushing over to her.
“Oh my God, Ashley!” Kim said, turning toward the brunette. They hadn’t known each other long but had been living in the same hallway of the building before the explosion. After a brief hug, Kim pulled away.
“I wanted to come say hi in the hospital, but they said you couldn’t have visitors.”
“I couldn’t. I had an MP right outside my door.”
“Jesus. I’m just so glad you’re back. We were all so worried about you.”
“So you escaped the fire okay?” Kimberly asked, wanting to change the subject. The last thing she