Page 21 of The Ranger (Black Hawke Security #5)

SCARLETT

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D espite the food and water, I’m still dehydrated and finding it hard to focus. My body is aching, especially my lower back.

I’m trying to remember the symptoms the doctor said to look for. I think I might be in labor. Lower back pain is one of them, but that could be from being shoved into a van and sitting on the cold floor for days.

My water hasn’t broken yet, so that’s what I’m focusing on, not the fact that my abdomen feels tight. It’s been like this for days and could also be from stress.

At least I felt the baby moving.

I’m also convinced it’s a girl.

I fade in and out of sleep...or maybe it’s consciousness...and each time I pull in long, deep breaths to stay awake.

Think of names.

Think of Cole.

He’ll find us. This is what he does. He’s an Army Ranger.

“Your daddy is a very skilled soldier.” I run my hand over my tummy. “He will save us, baby.”

A foot presses against my hand, and I smile. She’s listening.

“He was in the Army and has a medal. A silver star.” My hand circles the spot I felt the foot. “There’s no way I was going to tell him that is cool, though. His ego is big enough...”

A sob escapes.

“If you’re a boy, you’ll probably be the same, but I’ll teach you to not be such a dick.”

Except I like that dick. And his dick.

“It’s kind of how you got inside me, I guess. We will never have this conversation when you’re born, so might as well now.” I let out a teary laugh. “Your daddy is also very sexy. Like, tear your panties off sexy. Nope. Definitely not having this conversation in real life.”

I’m not even sure I’m talking to the baby, but it makes me feel better thinking I’m not talking to myself.

I haven’t gone that crazy in just a few days.

Unless it’s longer.

“I guess I was hoping for more, but he never pursued me. I got you, though, and for that reason alone I will never regret it. Or the orgasms. Okay, you need to close your ears now, please.”

This is starting to get weird.

Perhaps I am going insane.

Cole would say more insane.

I sob again. I wish he were here to annoy me. Just one more time. I love his annoying face. His stupid big body. I love...

“Where I’m going with all this is that I think I love your daddy.

It can be our secret. He has terrible TV taste, but he gives wonderful hugs.

” And other things. “His mom, your grandma, is also amazing, which is good because on my side, not so much. One loving grandmother is better than none. Trust me.”

I should know.

I didn’t have anyone. Ever.

No wonder it's so hard for me to trust anyone in my life.

“I can tell Cole is going to be an amazing father. He is going to love you so hard. He already does.”

God, he must be losing his mind right now. I’m trying so hard to keep our baby alive and safe, but the truth is I’m powerless. If those men—

The door flies open.

I let out a cry and scramble back against the wall as hard as I can.

“Please, my baby,” I plead, and start sobbing. I’m exhausted and hungry, dehydrated and terrified. Never in my life did I think I might have to know how to get out of a hostage or kidnapping situation.

I don’t even know why I’m here.

Is it something to do with the Black Hawke Security team? Or Cole?

Or just a random kidnapping?

“So, you’re his girl,” an Asian man says, striding towards me. He crouches and grins at me like we’re at a social event.

I am too scared to say anything, but as his words begin to sink in, I realize he’s talking about Cole.

I’m working undercover this week.

Oh god.

What has he done?

Is he dead?

Have they hurt him, too?

“Mr. Cole poked his nose into my business, and unfortunately for you, that’s not good.”

I tremble, and it seems to make him happy because he laughs, then stands, sniffs the rancid air and looks disgusted.

Barking out some command in the foreign language, he gags.

Well, fuck him.

They never provided me a bathroom.

“Please. I don’t know anything about this. I’m a hairstylist. I don’t work for BHS. I’m nobody,” I plead.

The man goes still, his face darkening.

“Who?”

My brain scrambles for the right thing to say as he reaches down and pulls on my arm, forcing me to my feet.

“Who?”

“BHS. Black Hawke Security,” I cry, the pain in my arm matches the tightness around my abdomen. “Let me go, oh god, oh shit.”

Suddenly, water rushes out of me onto the floor between us.

“Jesus Christ!” he yells and steps away.

Oh god, I’m in labor.

My entire body shudders, and I go into a state of shock.

“Help me. I’m going into labor. You have to help me.”

“Stay here!” he says, then turns and walks away.

I glance around the empty room, the horror of what is about to happen sinking in.

I’m alone, in labor, with men who don’t care if I live or die.

Cole has no idea where I am.

Pain has me sinking to my knees, and I scream.

My baby is going to die.