Page 169 of Rescuing You

He was afraid to ask.

His boss started for the door.

“Hey, Brock?”

He turned, eyebrows raised.

“Jasmine’s sick. Go easy on her.” When he nodded, Michael added, “I meant what I said before. Thank you.”

Brock walked out, leaving Michael alone with his thoughts—and worries.

What if the twins weren’t offered asylum? Would Travis help?

Or had Michael used up all his old friend’s goodwill—and favors?

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Leila sat at a table by herself in the small hotel dining area. She’d refused wine and coffee but had accepted a cup of tea from the middle-aged, balding hotel manager, whose gaze flicked often to the five men seated at tables deeper in the room.

Michael’s teammates had smiled at her when she’d walked in. One of them had approached, introduced himself as Stone—the one who’d pulled her to the rescue boat—and offered her food.

She wasn’t sure where the meal had come from, but the counter, which she guessed was usually used for breakfast items, was covered with steaming dishes. She could see the selection from where she sat—meat, vegetables, falafel, rice. There was a container of Greek salad and a couple of bowls of yogurt and fruit for dessert.

The men ate like they hadn’t seen food in a year.

She didn’t join them. She wouldn’t eat until she knew Michael and Jasmine were all right.

She watched the glass doors until, finally, Michael approached. Everything in her wanted to run to him, but she didn’t. Maybe, with all his friends watching, he wouldn’t want that.

Maybe now that he was back with his people, he’d want her to keep her distance.

He stepped inside, scanned the space, nodded to a couple of the guys, and then approached her, his hand held out.

She took it, and he pulled her to her feet and wrapped her in a hug. “You all right?”

“I think so.” Her voice was all wrong, but being in his arms felt right. Her fears dissipated.

He backed up, brows lowered, lips pressed closed.

She felt strangely shy with him, despite everything they’d gone through. For the last…she’d lost track of the days, but since he’d rescued her from the compound, they’d been forced to be together. They’d talked about his secrets and hers. But they had talked very little about what would happen next.

Maybe…maybe this was all over.

His gaze traveled from her eyes to her neck.

She pressed her hands over the ugly bruises forming there. Bracing for the question she knew he’d ask.

But he surprised her. “Did you eat?”

“I was waiting for you and Jasmine.”

“Your sister’s going to be a while, but she’s all right. She’s being questioned. Come on.” He led her to the food and handed her a plate. “I’m sure you’re hungry. I know I am.”

She felt she should wait, but her stomach growled.

Michael grinned. “Go ahead. There’s no shame in needing food.”

She filled her plate and grabbed a bowl of yogurt. She was very hungry, but it hurt to swallow. Maybe the yogurt would be the best choice.