Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 125037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
At the same time, the explosives planted on all three of the guard’s dormitories ignited, lighting up the surrounding jungle and shaking the earth. The world turned orange and red as flames shot into the sky and raced through the shattered remains of buildings.
Inside the laboratory was instant hell as the charges in the communications center tore the building apart and lifted the roof. The walls blew outward, and fire raged in every corner. The force of the explosion threw Diego against the steel legs of the table Bridget was strapped to. Beams from the ceiling rained down along with drywall and boards, all on fire. Ian flung his body over Bridget’s as Diego staggered to his feet, looking for Whitney. The heavy beams, debris, flames and smoke made it impossible to see much. Already, the air was clogged with deadly smoke.
Diego used the knife he still gripped in his fist to slice through the straps holding Bridget prisoner. “Taking you home to Leila, kid,” he announced softly, fearing she might be so disoriented she would fight. They didn’t have time for that.
Bridget nodded and didn’t protest, even though it appeared to hurt her when Ian shifted her weight onto his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. Diego tossed the blanket from her gurney over the lowest mound of flames and both men leapt through the fierce red and orange wall to the fiery outside.
“Do you need medical?” Joe demanded as they made it to the rendezvous point.
Ian gently lowered Bridget but kept his arm around her. “Do you?” he asked.
Bridget gave them a wan smile. “I need my sister.”
“Then let’s get the hell out of here,” Joe declared.
20
“Luther,” Leila whispered. “I can’t do this. I really can’t.” She backed away from her uncle toward the door leading outside. Escape. She was more than good at escape. She’d proven that many times over.
“I thought that man was your world, girl.” There was no reprimand. No judgment. Luther was stating facts as he saw them. “Was I wrong?”
“No. Yes. Meaning you aren’t wrong. I am in love with him. I want this more than he does, although he’d never believe it, but there are too many people. Where did they all come from? Who are they? I don’t know any of them, Luther.” She wasn’t in the least confused about loving Diego—or wanting to be his wife. She knew that with total certainty, but their wedding was supposed to be private. Small.
“You’re scared of a crowd? You’re a badass, Leila. He calls you ‘Warrior Woman.’ You can’t be afraid of those people out there.” He indicated the other door, the one he was supposed to walk through with her on his arm.
“I don’t like people staring at me. I stay in the shadows, Luther. This is too much. Nonny said small.”
“This is small in comparison to many of the Cajun weddings, Leila,” Luther said patiently. “From what I gathered, these celebrations can go on for days. Any excuse to party.”
“Days?” She knew her voice sounded faint because she felt that way. She absolutely couldn’t be in that crowd for days. “Go get him, Luther. I have to tell him.”
Luther studied her face. She hoped he could look beyond the perfect makeup Pepper had applied to see her very real distress. She needed Diego to understand she wanted to be his wife. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, but she couldn’t make herself walk out of the little room and face so many strangers.
And then he was there, pouring into her mind with his strength. With love. With absolute command. Her rock. What is it, sweetheart? I can feel your distress.
The moment she felt his touch, the instant he filled the empty places she hadn’t known she had until she’d been with him, the terrible knots in her stomach began to loosen. Her lungs began to work the way they were supposed to.
I’m having a panic attack. She was honest with him. She was always honest with him. No matter how difficult it was, they’d promised each other they’d tell the truth. I don’t mean to hurt you, Diego. This is about me. Facing so many strangers. All of them staring at me.
She felt him move through her mind, a careful assessment. I get it, Leila. I understand completely. We’ve been programmed to stay in the shadows, even if we’re in plain sight. I do know these people. They’re the men who went with me to bring your sister back to you. They’re the ones who took back Gracie for us. They’re the ones who backed our team when we needed to get out of the Congo. And yes, there are a lot of them.
His voice was low and velvet soft. The images and words he used could have been designed to make her feel guilt, but she could feel his sincerity. He was giving her the information because it was the truth.