Page 16 of Storm Warning

“Nope. You’re the one who was drugged and abducted, then ran through the jungle and took down several terrorists to protect Chris.”

Smart aleck. She squeezed his fingers. “We’ll declare this a draw. How about we both take a nap?”

“Deal.” Andre unfolded a blanket and spread it over both of them. That done, he draped his arm around her shoulders. “Is this okay?”

Riley’s cheeks burned. Okay? It felt amazing. No woman in her right mind would turn down Andre Marsh, and she wasn’t crazy. Not trusting her voice, she nodded.

“Good.” Andre settled her closer to his chest. “If I ever do anything that makes you uncomfortable, tell me and I’ll back off.”

She bit her lip. “What if I don’t want you to back off?”

He watched her for a beat. “Then we’ll talk about it and find a compromise.”

Holy smoke. What on earth were they doing? Flirting while a kid was within earshot? Not her finest moment. Riley gave him a slight nod, then lapsed into silence. She didn’t think she’d sleep while this close to Andre, but she could give her body time to slow down and rest while she watched over the man holding her so gently.

Minutes later, she began drifting into sleep, an interesting surprise. Looked like she trusted someone after all. Andre. One day she’d tell him why that was such an important milestone for her. Riley yawned and snuggled closer. Perfect. Andre’s hold tightened around her, yet instead of panic, she felt safe.

Funny. For a woman with a price on her head, all she needed to relax was Andre. What did that say?

The darkness closed in.

CHAPTER FOUR

ANDRE WATCHED THEwoman in his arms and fell deeper in love with her. Yeah, their relationship was in the early days, at least the romantic one. No way was he telling her how he felt yet. Knowing Riley, she’d dump him in a heartbeat and run for the hills. His woman was as skittish as a baby goat.

Andre wasn’t taking a chance that she’d run from him instead of run to him. That outcome would require careful maneuvering on his part. He didn’t intend to lose this game with Riley. His entire future depended on winning her heart.

He looked to his other side, where Christopher leaned heavily against him. Concern rolled over him in a tidal wave. The things Chris shared worried him because he was holding back.

Andre wouldn’t pry, and this wasn’t the time to push Chris’s boundaries. That meant someone else had to dig for information.

His wariness came not only from what he suspected the boy had gone through while held captive, but also from the small red flags Chris dropped about his father. Because he never talked about her, Andre suspected the mother wasn’t involved in Chris’ life. Were other relatives available who could raise Chris? It was a lot to ask, but Chris’s future was at stake.

He refused to ask the ambassador anything. For one thing, the man would lie. For another, the process took time if you went through proper legal channels. He’d rather contact Maddox andlet him and Zane confirm or refute his suspicions, then come up with a plan to help Christopher.

Riley moaned in her sleep, the sound soft as though even in sleep she continued to hold back, perhaps to protect herself.

Andre drew her closer and whispered in her ear, “You’re safe. I’ve got you.” He lapsed into silence, waiting to see what she would do.

Riley sighed and went limp in his arms.

He waited for her to pull away from him. Instead, she wiggled closer until her ear rested over his heart.

His heart skipped a beat, then raced ahead. Did she trust him after all? She trusted him to watch her back on missions like he had today, but this was a deeper trust. Did Riley trust him deep inside as well? Definitely food for thought on nights when he stood watch or when he couldn’t shake insomnia.

Seth walked down the aisle, whispering to each operative who was awake as he ambled toward the back of the jet. Finally, he reached Andre’s row, his gaze taking in the sight of Christopher on one side and Riley on the other with his arms around her. He inclined his head toward the boy. “How is he?”

“Putting on a good show.”

“I was afraid of that. Does Sorenson know what he’ll be dealing with?”

“I sent him a message about my suspicions. He’ll be ready.”

Seth frowned. “You’re concerned about something more than the terrorists. What or who?”

“His father.”

Echo’s leader closed his eyes for a beat. “You sure?”