Page 79 of Her Chosen Protector

Dammit.

He felt her arms clutching at him. “Someone help him.”

“Eden, move out of the way.” It was Kane’s voice.

He felt ripping. Someone was cutting at his shirt and his pants.

“Jesus,” Kane said. “Raiden, I need—”

“Got it right here,” Raiden answered.

“Asher, hang on, Baby.” Eden’s voice.

“I’m fine…” Asher tried to say more, but the darkness took him.

“I’m not getting on the plane until you tell me where you took Asher.” Eden refused to go up the steps.

She was the last person of the coalition to get on the small plane that was going to take them to Puerto Rico. All along, Max had been promising to give her an update. At this point, it was clear he’d lied.

“He’s going to be fine, Ms. York.”

“I demand you tell me where you took him. I demand to know how he’s doing.”

I’m not going to hit him.

I’m not going to scream.

I’m not going to cry.

“That’s classified. You can trust that he and Kane are getting the best care the US Navy can provide.”

I’m not going to hit him.

I’m not going to scream.

I’m not going to cry.

“I don’t really care, now do I? That wasn’t what I asked. Let me be clear, since you obviously are not understanding me. Where did you take him? How is he doing? What is his prognosis? When can I see him?”

“I’m not at liberty to divulge any of that information to you, Ms. York.”

“My name is Eden.”

“Ms. York, I need you to get on the plane.”

Gently, Lieutenant Max Hogan broke her grip on the handrail of the stairs. He looked over her shoulder.

I’m going to hit him.

I’m going to scream.

But I’m still not going to cry.

“Explain to me why I got to know everything about what was going on. Listen to all of the talk on the radio. Know that you’re taking Carlson into custody, but not know about Asher. Explain that to me.” By the end of her list, she was screaming.

Max put his hand on her shoulder, his face suddenly compassionate. “I truly believe from everything my men have told me, that Asher would want you to know. But I truly can’t tell you. His life—in fact, all of the team members’ lives—depend on secrecy. You’ve got to believe we’re taking care of him. Kane assured me he will make it.”

I’m not going to hit him.