Page 53 of Marked

Fifteen minutes later, Cole turned down a narrow dirt road. He cut the vehicle’s headlights, and one glance in the sideview mirror showed Nash doing the same with his vehicle. The trees on either side of the lane stretched their branches across it—like tiny, gnarly bridges. The terrain changed, and the car shook and bumped over potholes and uneven ground.

Sophia sat higher in her seat, staring out the window, as if doing so would bring her closer to Bella. After driving a bit further, Cole backed the truck into the woods at a little alcove. Twigs and bushes snapped and scratched his vehicle.

He shifted into park. “There. We should be out of sight in case anyone comes down this road.”

Nash parked in the alcove as well, and they all hopped out. Humidity soaked the air. Sophia pulled her cardigan around her body while holding Honey Funny tightly. The temperature had dropped several degrees since they left the city.

Cole rounded the vehicle. His black combat-looking boots stepped easily through the grass and foliage. His dark pants, black T-shirt, and bulletproof vest would likely hide him from anyone on the lookout. Regardless, a little ball of worry formed in her gut.

He was her only shot at getting Bella out alive. It was now, and only now. Him, and only him. Somehow, her life had gone into a tailspin and Cole Holmes, deadly assassin, had Bella’s life in his hands. If he didn’t come back, if he failed...

He walked toward her. Lexi stood a few feet away, conversing with Nash, Dare and Dallas. Cole didn’t stop when he came into her personal space. Instead, his thick hands gently enclosed her biceps.

“You still okay with this?”

He was giving her an out. One last chance to turn around and abide by the law, to distance herself from him and his family and keep her name away from the bloodshed that would ensue in the coming hours.

Not an option.

Biting her lip, she nodded and pressed the stuffed animal against his abdomen. “Just come back, okay?”

His mouth twitched on a smirk as he tucked Honey Funny into the side of his vest. “Why? Would you miss me?” The playful question was uncharacteristic of him. But nonetheless it stirred something inside her. Something she should reject, but damn her, she couldn’t.

Bringing her hand to rest on his forearm, she met his dark gaze. His body was so much larger, his persona so raw... ruthless to his core. Yet at the same time he emanated safety and protectiveness.

A lethal combination.

His question hung in the air, and she toyed with how to answer. She couldn’t lead him on. Couldn’t say that she not only wanted but also needed him to return—and not just for Bella’s sake.

“I’d like to see you come back, yeah.” The words were careful but honest.

His hand moved from her bicep to cup her jaw. “Good, ’cause I will. And you’ll have your kid back tonight if it’s the last thing I do. All right?” His face darkened.

Her heart lifted with that promise, and she’d guess he didn’t make those too readily.

She leaned in and wrapped her arms around his neck. The movement made her rise to her tiptoes and hang her weight on him. He tucked her into his hold and pressed his face to her cheek. “It’s almost over. Just be ready.”

She nodded against the breadth of his neck, needing to let go. To send him to war for her baby. But part of her was too afraid he wouldn’t return.

She pulled away but slid her hands down his chest, keeping her gaze on the bulk of material protecting his upper body. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to his. Cole stared down at her, his mouth in a firm line and his stare weighing her, as if he were afraid to move and break her.

One thing couldn’t be left unsaid.

“Cole.” His name tingled her tastebuds, so forbidden yet so fitting in her mouth. His eyes sparked with interest and his fingertips dug into her sides. “Thank you. I—I don’t know how else to say it. You’re... you’re my only hope in bringing Bella home and—”

He caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger, cutting her off. “Don’t. You don’t need to say a damn thing. Just promise you won’t leave this spot.”

She pushed down the argument that wanted to leap from her lips. She wouldn’t jeopardize their plan or Bella’s well-being. Even if it pained her to comply. “I won’t.”

“Good.” He brushed his lips over her forehead. The contact was brief. Almost an afterthought as his hands fell away.

Nonetheless, her skin sizzled.

“Wait.” She caught his wrist, stopping him in his tracks.

He raised his eyebrows. She peeled off her cardigan and passed it to him. “For Bella. She might be cold... and this will be familiar to her.”

He accepted the material and balled it up, stuffing it under his arm. After tipping his head in goodbye, he turned away.

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