SEAL's RESOLVE - Rebecca Deel Page 0,45
motivation than a lot of people need.”
Kristi’s head thumped against her headrest. “Oh, man. I’ll view everyone with suspicion now.”
“You should.”
“I hate this, Rafe.”
His lips tugged upward. “Welcome to my world, babe.”
“That’s a sad outlook on life.”
A shrug. “People hide behind masks. I’d rather be suspicious and stay alive than be caught by surprise and end up injured or dead.”
“When you put it that way, I have to agree with you.”
Rafe squeezed her hand. “Try to sleep. I’ll wake you if anything comes up.”
“Are you sure? I can help you stay awake.”
His heart turned over in his chest at her offer. “I’ll be fine.”
“If you become sleepy, wake me. I’ll share some funny stories about my fashion disasters through the years.”
Another squeeze. “Deal.”
Rafe kept a close eye on the mirrors and the asphalt ribbon in front of him as he drove toward Bakerhill. At the Gatlinburg exit on Interstate 40, Cal and Jackson drove toward the Sandoval Hotel while Eli and Jon stayed behind Rafe and Kristi.
An hour from her home, Kristi moaned. Her hand clenched around Rafe’s.
Concerned, he glanced at her. “Kristi.”
Another moan.
She must be dreaming. “You’re safe, baby. I’ve got you.”
Kristi quieted. “Rafe,” she whispered.
“You’re safe,” he repeated. “I’m here.”
She sighed and went back under.
He breathed easier, glad she trusted him to protect her. Kristi might not realize it, but he would protect her with his life as would his teammates.
Fifteen minutes from their destination, Rafe woke her. “We’re close to Bakerhill.”
She stretched and winced. “Ouch.”
“Sore?”
“Understatement. I forgot to take the pain pills Jackson gave me.”
“Take them now.”
Kristi did as he suggested, swallowing the pills with some of her tea. “We made good time. No problems?”
“None. When will your clients arrive?”
She smiled. “Unlike you, my workday doesn’t begin before sunrise. My first appointment is mid-morning. However, I have work to complete before my first client arrives.”
“When do you want to see your father?”
Kristi glanced at the time on the dashboard readout. “Dad should already be in the office. I’d like to see him before the day’s craziness kicks into full gear. Is that possible?”
“I’ll make it happen.” Rafe called Eli. “Kristi wants to see her father before she starts work.”
“Need backup?”
“No, sir.”
“Kristi, Cal and Jackson will be at your home in a few minutes. Do we have your permission to enter the premises and check the building?”
“Of course.” She told Eli the alarm code. “Kristi’s Bridal is on the first floor. That key is blue. My home is on the second floor.”
“Rafe, watch your back.”
“Copy that.” He ended the call.
“Why did he say that?”
“Someone wants you bad enough to try kidnapping you a second time in the middle of a busy hospital. He won’t be happy when he realizes you have a security team watching over you along with a new man in your life who is determined to keep you safe. If he’s smart, he’ll do his best to take me out so that you’re more vulnerable.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Kristi’s breath caught at Rafe’s words. Oh, no. She didn’t want Rafe or his teammates in danger because of her. Rafe would protect her no matter the cost to himself, his protectiveness central to his character. If she built a relationship with him, Kristi would have to accept that part of his job and his nature.
No, not just a job, she realized. A calling. Black ops work wasn’t a job to Rafe. He and his teammates were adrenaline junkies. Rafe lived and breathed danger. She either accepted him and his career, or walked away now.
Her grip tightened around Rafe’s hand. Walking away would gut her. “Do you like your job?”
“Do you like yours?” he countered.
“I love mine, but the greatest danger I face is poking my fingers with pins or handling a client who hates the dress I designed to her specifications. Your job is more dangerous than mine.”
“I love my job, too. I started training at age eighteen. The job gives me purpose and a reason for getting up in the mornings.”
“What happens when you’re retirement age?”
“I’ll transition to another role in Fortress long before I hit retirement. Once my reflexes slow, Brent will use me in a different capacity. He doesn’t waste his resources.”
“Would you be assigned a training role, perhaps at PSI?”
“Possibly. I can also assist in investigations.”
She stared. “You can?”
“Sure. I was an FBI agent before I came on board with Fortress.”
Her mouth dropped. “I had no idea you were a federal agent.”
“Didn’t sit well,” he admitted. “I’m not a fan of the feds.”
“Then why did