Marine's Mission - Rebecca Deel Page 0,20

stared. “My parents love you. You have nothing to prove to my father. You’ll have his stamp of approval.”

“Even though you’re an adult, you’re still his daughter. He’ll want to grill me about my intentions toward you.”

Gigi’s attention sharpened. “What are your intentions?”

His lips curved. “That’s something we’ll discuss later.”

She frowned, surprised he’d delayed such an important discussion. “How much later?”

“I’ll let you know.” Owen flipped on his turn signal and drove into the parking lot of a coffee shop. “I need coffee. Want anything?”

“Iced green tea.”

He grimaced. “I don’t know how you stand that stuff. Green tea looks like colored water and tastes like boiled grass clippings.” After he received their order, Owen joined the flow of traffic on Highway 18. “The drive to Knoxville will take more than an hour. Might be a good time for you to catch a quick nap.”

“I planned to help you stay awake.” She stared pointedly at him. “I don’t think you slept at all last night.”

He didn’t confirm or deny her statement, just tapped the lid on his to-go cup of coffee. “That’s why I bought caffeine. Take the opportunity to rest, G.”

She sighed. Owen was stubborn, but even superheroes needed to sleep sometime. “Wake me if your coffee doesn’t do the trick.”

Owen raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers without agreeing to her request.

Something told her he wouldn’t disturb her, and although Gigi refused to admit the truth out loud, she was tired. After sipping half of her tea, Gigi settled deeper into the seat and drifted to sleep. She woke when Owen parked in front of Ellis’s apartment building.

“Do you know which apartment Ellis lives in?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Toni didn’t say.” Gigi wrinkled her nose. “I didn’t know she was dating anyone until she told me last night. She’s good at keeping secrets, including his address.”

“There are perks to being a cop as well as an operative. Don’t worry. We’ll find the right apartment.” Owen came around to open her door. He escorted her into the building’s lobby and glanced at the row of mailboxes on the right wall. “Perfect,” he murmured. After scanning the names, Owen led her toward the elevator. “Apartment 422. Keep your head down, G. Let me hold you while we’re in the elevator.”

“I definitely don’t mind that, but why?”

“Security cameras. The kidnappers might have a computer guy in their group. I’d rather not give him a close look at your beautiful face.”

She didn’t believe she was a target, but agreeing to Owen’s request wasn’t a hardship. She’d dreamed of Owen Montgomery holding her for years. Being invited to touch him whenever she wanted was a gift.

Gigi kept her head down as she walked onto the elevator and turned toward Owen. He wrapped his arms around her, one arm blocking her face from the camera. Peace flooded Gigi as she drew in the scent of Owen’s soap, and she reveled in the strength of his arms.

“How’s the headache?” he murmured in her ear.

“A dull throb.”

Owen kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad the pain is easing off. When we exit the elevator, keep your head down until I check for security cameras in the hallway.”

Seconds later, the elevator arrived at the fourth floor. After a quick scan, Owen said, “There’s a camera at the end of the hall on the right.”

As they walked toward Ellis’s apartment, Gigi studied the keys on Toni’s keyring. She chose the one key she didn’t recognize. “Try this one.” She stood with her back to the camera, blocking security’s view of Owen’s movements.

After tugging on a pair of gloves, Owen plucked the keys from her fingers and unlocked the door. He stepped into the apartment first, then motioned for Gigi to come inside. Once she crossed the threshold, Owen closed the door and nudged her to stand against the wall. “Stay here while I clear the apartment. Don’t touch anything. Fingerprints.”

He drew his gun and went from room to room in the apartment. When Owen returned, his gun was in his holster. “Apartment’s clear.”

“Did you expect otherwise?” The kidnappers wouldn’t wait around on the off chance that someone would show up here.

“If they still don’t have what they’re after, they’ll came back to search the apartment again.”

“And if they still strike out, they’ll come after me.”

“I won’t let them hurt you, G.”

She brushed his mouth with hers. “I know.” Gigi glanced around. “Where do we start? I’ve never met Ellis, so I don’t know