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Ronan's eyes dim like a dull light as his hand comes up to my nape, threading into my hair. The instant connection sends shivers up my shoulders and down my legs.
My mouth dries, and my breath hitches.
“You missed a spot,” he whispers, using the pad of his thumb to smear the dead man's red juice over a small section of my cheek.
I stay quiet, still dazed by him. He leans down and kisses me gently on my lips that I hardly feel it, but that alone bombards an unsettling number of sensations through my soul.
He rises back up, his eyes still on me, he takes the dagger from my bloody hands and takes a piece of shirt under his vest and proceeds to wipe the blade clean, free of blood.
Once done, he hooks his finger in a Velcro on my vest, pulling me closer to him. I move with him, like a moth flying to the only bright light on a black street.
He stuffs my blade back into its holster, securing it carefully. He didn’t need to look down to see where it was, he already knew the exact spot, its exact placement.
“Thank you.” I find my voice, searching his beautiful face like he's some angel.
“For what?”
“You came back.”
His eyes narrow. “I will always come back, even if I’m tied down with constraints.” His jaws tighten. “Even if it nearly kills me. I’ll always be there for you.” He fixes his vest and wrinkled shirt which became disheveled from the choking escapade. “So don’t ever thank me. Don’t thank me for doing what I’m supposed to do.”
My gut ruffles with little feathers. How is it possible for someone to be so unbelievably unhinged yet so remarkably sweet?
I lick my dry lips, taking my fingers through my bangs to push it back. It’s become hotter. “Did the kids get to the bus safely?”
He wraps his hand around my elbow, urging me to the door. “Yes, it’s only a matter of time that Victor will figure out our rendezvous.”
“Wait.” I stop mid-walk. “Can’t forget what I came here for.” He releases my arm for me to walk to get the necklace off the floor.
As soon as I bend to grab it, a sharp pain escalates up my side, shooting to my back. I wince with a curse, my hand clutching my side.
“Anita.” Ronan's voice heightens, and in one step, he’s at my side before I can blink. His hand lands gently on my lower back. “What’s wrong? Talk to me.”
I let out a sigh, stretching up slowly, his hand slides up my spine stopping where the pain originated.
“I’m okay. It’s from when he threw me against the wall like a piece of paper. That’s not normal strength.” I chuckle, attempting to stretch the side of my back, but that only makes the pain worse.
I make light of it, but Ronan doesn’t laugh, he doesn't even grin. His jaw clenches, like he’s chomping down on bricks, his chest puffing like he’s ready to stomp on the dead body. He takes my elbow again, much gentler, and guides me toward the door.
“I thought we got everyone,” I say, stuffing the necklace in my pocket as we walk out the door.
“He must’ve been the one that was guarding the door and then hid somewhere. Probably was going to head right to Victor until he saw you.” His focus is straight ahead as he touches my lower back again.
“I knew I should’ve come instead.” He speaks out loud, but it seems more like he’s speaking to himself.
“I’m okay,” I repeat. Stepping out, the brisk air slams into me like a boulder, and I accept every bit of it. I’m hot from that altercation and need all the air I can get before getting to Victor.
“No, you’re not,” he responds.
We walk down the hill and toward the group, the bus ready to go, the other trucks from the rest of the team engine on and ready to head out. We agreed that once the kids are secure, then the red team will leave with them, making sure each kid makes it back home to their families.
Red walks up to Ronan, holding his rifle in front of him. I slide from Ronan’s touch and stand-off to the side. He sides eyes me for a second before clasping his hands behind his back.
“The parents were already notified that their kids are safe. They will not be wiring any money.”
“And the other thing,” Ronan stated.
“They’ll be transferring the money to local charities as we speak.”