Page 78 of Air Force One (Miranda Chase #16)

“I’ve got her on thermal.”

Mike didn’t wait for Tad to fully land the helicopter, he jumped out as soon as he dared.

“Hey you.” She blinked at him like a zombie affronted by the predawn light.

“You look like shit.” And she did. Not just her lips were chapped white, but most of her face.

Her golden hair was matted and soaked by the rain falling at Mount Elbrus’ base.

She had an outer snow glove on one hand but only an inner on the other.

All that kept her propped upright on the boulder she sat on was a single bent hiking pole.

“You’ve said that before.” Holly’s voice came out as a dry croak.

“Most goddamn beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” And he wrapped his arms around her.

“Mike. You swore.”

“Damn straight.”

Her hug started tight and hard, but within seconds it faded. He shifted back, and almost lost her to the ground. Finally safe, she’d passed out.

Finally safe. Because she was with him.

God. Damn. Straight!