Page 93 of Wicked Ambition
Cal Baggnell wantedto rush to the new safe house, but he knew better. Besides, it was his own fault. He’d been so intent on his search for Io that he’d forgotten to check his phone for messages. Normally, he wasn’t careless, but the longer she was missing, the more on edge he’d become. Nothing mattered except finding her.
He didn’t expect Oz to locate her, not when he was supposed to be keeping the Pollita out of the way.
Impatience ate at him, but he wasn’t half-assing anything, not when they just found his Wild Thing. He would take the most circuitous route he could manage and check his tail every two seconds to make sure he wasn’t followed.
The delay chafed, but it was better than putting Io at risk. He’d do whatever it took to keep her safe. His own impatience be damned. He touched the amateur-looking tattoo on his left forearm. His reminder that impulsive actions had consequences.
It was hours before Cal was completely confident no one was following him. The new safe house was almost as colorful as the old one. This one was orange and white, but enough paint flaked away to show the concrete beneath it. Two stories, a tin roof, and only one side overgrown with foliage. That was an improvement.
Following the sound of voices, Cal walked through the house, coming to a stop in the dining room. The twins stood next to each other. His gaze went to Io. “Why are you dressed like you’re going to an office?” he asked. Everyone looked at him, but he didn’t glance away from her.
“Cal!” Her eyes went big, and for an instant, he saw her lower lip wobble before she firmed it.
As he crossed to her, he asked urgently, “Are you okay?”
“Yes, now I am.” She moved, meeting him halfway.
When his arms went around her, she clung to him. “Damn,” he said, pressing his lips to her forehead. “You scared the hell outof me.” If he wasn’t holding her, he might have missed the shiver that coursed through her body. “You’re really okay?”
Io nodded, but she didn’t let go of him.
Closing his eyes, Cal tightened the hug. His woman didn’t frighten easily. “I got you, Wild Thing. You’re safe. I won’t let anyone hurt you again, I promise.” And then he just held on, relieved to feel the warmth of her body against his. Relieved that she was willing to let him hold her and willing to hold on to him.
The captain’s voice penetrated his focus. “Baggs, how do you know our guest?”
Reluctantly, he opened his eyes to meet BD’s gaze. If he thought Cal was walking away from her, he better think again. Voice firm to send that message, he said, “Io is my wife.”
BONUS EPILOGUE
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Coming Next
He’s always been a protector. She’s strong enough to fight on her own. This time, survival depends on each other.
Special Forces Sgt. Cal “Baggs” Baggnell walked away from Iona Desmond. Carving out his own heart hurt—but watching the woman he loves charge headfirst into danger hurt even more.
Iona loves Cal with her whole being, but she couldn’t change the core of who she is to fit his protective nature. He knew exactly who she was when they met—the need for adventure is in her DNA.
Now, their paths collide in Puerto Jardin, where Iona has talked her way into Cal’s op. And he’s been assigned to work with her.
Their bait: the Lost Treasure of Trujillo. Their target: arms dealer Jorge Torres. Their problem: Torres isn’t the only predator closing in.
With ruthless drug lords, rival treasure hunters, and a powerful Russian mob lieutenant obsessed with finding the billion-dollar fortune, Cal and Iona must put their past aside. The deeper they dig, the deadlier the game becomes.
As betrayals mount and enemies tighten their grip, survival depends on one thing: Trust. If they fail, they won’t just lose their second chance—they’ll lose everything.