No Place to Run (KGI #2)(36)

“How are you feeling, dear?” Marlene asked as she laid a hand on Sophie’s arm.

Not wanting to be rude, she yanked her gaze from Sam and turned to Marlene.

“Better. The bath and the food did wonders.”

“Are you hurting? Do you want some more pain medicine?”

Sophie paused, realizing she hadn’t given her shoulder any thought. She hadn’t awakened with the vicious ache. Tentatively she tested her motion, raising her arm at an angle.

She winced and immediately dropped it back to her side.

Before she could respond to Marlene, Sam was next to her, his eyes flashing with disapproval.

“Don’t move your arm more than necessary. You don’t want to open those stitches.” He glanced over at Donovan. “Van, you want to take another look before we bug out?”

Sophie blinked in confusion and then looked between Sam and his mother.

“I’m fine, Sam. He just looked at it, and I haven’t so much as moved it until just a second ago. It wasn’t even hurting until I did.”

“Well don’t move it then,” he said gruffly.

“Are you leaving?” she asked. The idea of him going sent panic up her spine.

His eyes narrowed and then he blinked. “Did you think I was leaving you? You’re coming with me, Sophie.”

Her lips rounded to an O. “Where are we going?”

She was so relieved that her head was slightly swimmy.

“We’ll have plenty of time to discuss that on the road. Sit tight here with Mom while I get all the details worked out with my men.”

He touched her hand briefly as he rose, but warmth traveled her entire body. He glanced one more time at her before returning to his men.

“Is there anything I can get you?” Marlene asked.

Sophie shook her head and focused on Sam. She wanted to hear what he had to say and find out what his plan was. She’d needed the sleep, but now she was at a disadvantage. She’d missed a lot while she dozed.

“Rio, I want you to bug out with Mom, Dad and Rusty. Donovan’s staying with you. Stay low until you hear from me. Steele, you’ll pull recon at Eagle One with Cole, P.J. and Dolphin. When you give me the all clear, I’ll bring Sophie in. I want Baker and Renshaw on the first plane to Hawaii to watch over Ethan and Rachel. I’ll send Garrett to meet Resnick and bring him in. You’ll maintain the perimeter at all times. I’m not taking any chances.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Steele said.

It was the first time she’d heard Steele say anything. He mostly stood and watched, his intense blue eyes taking in everything around him. He looked . . . cold and intimidating.

Instinctively she found Rio, and he flashed her a quick grin.

She wanted to interrupt and ask where the hell they were going, but she remained silent. She didn’t want everyone’s attention on her. Sam had promised to protect her and their child, and for now that was enough.

CHAPTER 14

“SAM, I think Sophie should be examined by a doctor before you leave,” Marlene said in a worried voice.

Sam looked down at his mom, who had her hand on his arm. “Van checked her over, Ma. He stitched her wound and gave her antibiotics.”

“But Donovan isn’t going with you. He’s staying with us. Garrett isn’t a medic and neither are you. Besides, what does Donovan know about pregnancy?”

Sam frowned.

“This is your child, Sam,” Marlene persisted. “This woman has been through hell. You need to make sure everything is all right with the baby.”

Sam cupped the back of his neck and twisted his head from side to side. Fatigue and tension had a firm grip on him. “I have to see to their safety, Ma. You know that. I can’t let anything happen to them. We can’t walk into a clinic even using a different identity. Her father would be on to us. I’m sure he has a net several hundred miles wide around us.”

“I can have Doc come here to look at her. He’s delivered more than one baby. He could at least listen to the heartbeat. And give her some vitamins. She should be taking vitamins.”

His frown softened as he saw the very real worry in her eyes. He leaned down and hugged her tight.

“I’ll get her vitamins. I’ll make sure she eats well. I’ll take very good care of her. And as soon as possible, I’ll get her to a doctor. You have my word. But I can’t do it now. I can’t take the risk and stay here any longer.”

Marlene sighed and reached up to pat him on the cheek. He smiled at the gesture. It always made him feel like a boy again.

“You’re my oldest, and I love you dearly but I have to say, you royally screwed up this time.”

He blinked in surprise as she shook her head and pulled away. Then he laughed. There was nothing else to do. He was being taken to task like a teenager caught having sex in the backseat of his parents’ car. At least then he’d worn a condom.

Blowing out a weary breath, he turned to the others.

“Is everyone ready to roll?” He glanced over at his dad. “Are you, Mom and Rusty packed?”

His dad walked toward the kitchen. “Just let me lock up the house and set the alarm.”

Sam nodded, not having the heart to tell his father that locks and an alarm wouldn’t stop Mouton’s men if they wanted to get in.