Hot as Hell (Deep Six 0.5)(44)

She batted her lashes and pasted on a false smile. “So you’re tellin’ me you already know you need to be careful around the northeast side of the fort’s parade grounds?”

A muscle ticked in his jaw. She could see him struggling. Finally, he gritted, “No. Why there?”

“Because there’s a weird openin’ in an old magazine house that the bad guys could easily pop out of.” She tried not to sound smug. She wasn’t sure she managed it. And given that was the case, she reckoned, Oh, what the hell. Might as well press my luck. “And do you know the placement of all the old gun rooms?”

He shook his head and shrugged. “But this won’t be the first time we’ve had to go into a situation blind.” He turned to Mason. “You ready?”

“What’s the plan when we find them?” Mason asked.

“Well, we already tried the carrot. So let’s give ’em the stick, what’d’ya say?”

Mason nodded. “My thoughts exactly.”

Bran turned to Rick, leveling on the young ranger a hard look, one he’d probably perfected in places and in situations he’d just as soon forget. “Now, like I told you, if anyone but me, Mason, or those girls comes through this door, you don’t hesitate. You shoulder that rifle and let ’em have it.” He tilted his head toward the machine gun he had taken from the bad guy. Bran had quickly gone over how to operate the weapon with Rick, all the while handling the rifle as easily and familiarly as if it were his own.

“I’ll hold down the fort,” Rick said, weapon in hand, his handsome face contorting. “No pun intended.”

When Bran and Mason turned for the door, Maddy’s frustration turned to desperation. She clutched Bran’s forearm. The heat coming off his skin was nearly enough to burn her.

“Please let me come,” she pleaded. She couldn’t stand the thought of staying safe inside the ranger’s station while Bran and Mason were out risking their hides. Besides, she truly believed she could be an asset. And if Bran would just take a moment to consider—

“No,” he said, going for a world record or something.

“Ugh!” She threw her hands in the air. “No? No? That’s your favorite word, isn’t it?”

“It’s a classic,” he told her calmly, succeeding in making her more irate. “So much simpler than, say, ain’t gonna happen or not a chance in hell.”

Mason made a move toward the two of them, and Maddy’s irk boiled over. “You”—she swung on the big man—“shut up. I’m warnin’ you.”

Mason held his hands in the air. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Doesn’t matter. I heard you thinkin’ from three feet away.”

“That a fact?” Mason lifted one black eyebrow, his startlingly blue eyes sparkling in the light from the bulb.

“Yes, that’s a fact.”

“Then you must’ve heard me thinking you’re absolutely right.”

Maddy was nodding before he finished. “That’s right. And I could really do without you—” She stopped so suddenly she was surprised her vocal cords didn’t leave skid marks on her throat. “I’m sorry.” She did a double take. “Did you just say you think I’m right?”

“Let Miss Maddy go with y’all,” Sally Mae piped up. “If it was me out there with those men”—her voice hitched, but her chin was held high—“I wouldn’t be fixin’ to trust anyone but her to come and get me.”

Maddy sent her a grateful smile before turning back to Bran. She didn’t have to say Well, what do you have to say to that? She made sure her eyebrows did the talking for her.

With a curse, Bran turned to Mason. “You really think this is a good idea?”

Mason shrugged. “None of this is good.” The man had a way of making the obvious sound strangely discerning. “But I think it’ll be better with someone who knows the grounds. Besides, if those guys are still hoping to hold her for ransom, they’re not likely to take any potshots in her direction.”

“Good. Yes.” Maddy nodded. “I hadn’t thought of that. I can totally be your shield. She fisted her hands on her hips and turned to Bran. “Looks like you’re outvoted.”

A muscle was twitching beside his lips. “This isn’t a democracy.”

“Oh, come on!” She’d tried the honey. It hadn’t worked. So bring on the vinegar. “Don’t be such a pigheaded…uh…pig.” Great. Brilliant, Maddy. “Unless you can come up with two reasons why I shouldn’t come along, I’m comin’. No matter what you say.”

“You don’t know how to fight.” He lifted a finger. “You don’t have a weapon.” Up went a second finger.

“Name ten reasons,” she challenged, pretty sure steam was pouring from her nose.

“Fine,” he agreed after a long, tense standoff where they waged a bloody battle with only their eyes. “You can come.” Maddy beat back the urge to holler Victory is mine! “But you do exactly as I say when I say it.”

“Roger that.” She realized she’d mimicked his standard comeback when he narrowed his eyes. “Um…what I meant was ten-four.” She had to curl her fingers around the hems of her shorts to keep from saluting.