Deadly Game (Fortress Security #5)(87)

“Brent.”

“You could have internal injuries, Rowan.” Jake glanced up from his work. “Alexa needs you.” He tipped his chin at Brent. “So does he. Do it for them.”

She sighed, nodded.

After Jake completed the last stitch, he grabbed his mike bag and stepped back for Rowan to slip into the aisle. “This way.” The medic took her to the bedroom behind their row of seats and motioned for Celia, one of the PSI medic trainees, to join them.

Brent appreciated his sensitivity. Rowan would be more comfortable with a female medic in the room, trainee or not, despite the fact she trusted Jake.

When they returned, Brent noticed traces of tears on her cheeks. His eyes narrowed at the medic.

Jake held up his hand. “Rowan’s ribs, stomach, and back are bruised. Garcia’s man didn’t use full power, but he didn’t hold back his punches much. I gave her meds for pain so she’ll be more comfortable on the ride home. Nothing heavy duty. I promised she’d be alert when the plane landed. No internal injuries, Brent, although she’ll be sore for a few days.”

“Thanks.” When Rowan returned to her seat, Brent wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. “I’m so sorry, baby.”

“You’ve endured worse, I’m sure. I’ll recover.”

“I should have protected you better.”

“You did everything possible and you got us out alive. The bad guys are dead or will be soon. I call that a win for the good guys.” Her words began slurring.

“Sleep, sweetheart. You’re safe with me.”

“I know.” Rowan settled against his shoulder. “I love you,” she murmured and went limp.

Brent’s heart skipped a beat, then started pounding madly in his chest. She loved him? He longed for her to repeat the words, make sure he hadn’t misunderstood her. Couldn’t because she’d succumbed to the meds Jake administered to help her sleep.

He closed his eyes. The next few hours would be a slow form of torture while he waited for Rowan to wake and confirm the statement he desperately hoped she meant.





CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE


Rowan climbed from Brent’s SUV into the cool Nashville evening, swayed. Man, she had stiffened up on the plane ride home.

“Easy, sweetheart.” Brent supported her with an arm around her waist. “Let me get Alexa.” He nudged her to lean against the SUV, opened the back door, and lifted the girl into his arms.

Seeing Alexa wrap her arms around Brent and snuggle against his neck made Rowan smile. Seems like her niece had a crush on the handsome SEAL. Understandable. So did her aunt.

After dealing with the security, he ushered them inside his house. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Where’s he going?” Alexa asked once Brent left the room, slipping her hand into Rowan’s. “He’s not leaving, is he?”

“To the SUV, Lex. He has to bring in his bag.” From what Rowan observed, none of the Fortress operatives traveled without those black bags. They had certainly been packed full of useful equipment.

He returned with his bag in hand. Rowan noted the slight tightening of his features as he maneuvered the bag through the doorway. Knowing Brent, he wouldn’t take anything to dull the pain while she and Alexa were in danger. Maybe he’d be willing to take over-the-counter medication.

He brushed a kiss over Rowan’s mouth. “I need to secure my bag in case someone becomes curious about the contents.” With that, he left the room, ruffling Alexa’s hair as he went.

“I like him,” her niece whispered.

“Me, too.” She more than liked him. Rowan was crazy in love with Brent Maddox. Now if he was in love with her, life would be sweet.

When he returned, Brent held out his hand to Alexa. “Are you hungry, sugar?”

“For ice cream.”

He laughed. “I have pizza in the freezer. Sound good?”

“Yes! I love pizza!”

“Okay with you, baby?”

“Sounds great.” As long as she didn’t have to cook, she wouldn’t complain.

After dinner, Brent showed Rowan and Alexa the room his nieces and nephews slept in, one filled with the toys. Alexa’s eyes lit. “Can I play, Aunt Ro?”

Rowan glanced at her watch. “Kind of late, Lex. It’s almost midnight.”

She immediately turned her gaze to Brent. “Can I, Brent?”

“Lex.” Oh, boy. Alexa had turned on the charm, flashing those ocean-blue eyes at the SEAL. What would he say?

“Hey, kiddo.” Brent knelt in front of Alexa. “The toys will be here tomorrow. Maybe we can compromise. Rowan, what do you think about allowing Alexa to play for thirty minutes, then go to sleep?”

She pretended to think about it for a few seconds. “All right. Thirty minutes, Lex.”

When she tucked Alexa in bed for the night, her niece grabbed her hand. “Where’s Mommy?”

Rowan froze, gut churning. Brent’s hand squeezed her shoulder in silent support. She talked with Alexa and held her niece through the emotional storm, Brent’s strong arms around them both.

When Alexa finally slept, Brent led Rowan down the hall. Before they reached the living room, he stopped, pressed her back against the wall, and moved within an inch. “Brent?”