Page 88 of Tactical Lies

“What do I do?”

“Nothing. If you try to help, you will only make your body swing more, making it harder. If you can get your foot braced firmly on the cliff face, let me know, and I’ll tell you if I need you to do anything, otherwise your job is just to hang there.”

Deadweight was, in fact, easier to maneuver than wriggling dead weight, so all he needed from Becca was for her to let him do all the work. Something he knew she would find difficult. She was strong and determined, but for this, all he needed was her trust.

Something that just a week ago he had been so sure he would never be able to regain.

But now, as he slowly worked his body backward on the slick, muddy ground, so very aware that at any moment he could slip and cause both himself and Becca to fall, he realized that he had it.

Completely.

She was doing everything he asked her to do, trusting that he would save her life.

Something he wouldn't fail at.

While it was unlikely the man who had taken her over the edge of the cliff would have been able to hit him, he’d seen the man raise a weapon, and Becca had shot him to save his life. His sweet girl who always wanted to see the best in people, had always looked for opportunities to help someone who needed it, and had dedicated her entire life to helping improve the quality of life for people in developing countries, had been willing to kill for him.

Never would he forget that.

It felt like it took him hours, but it couldn’t have been more than a couple of minutes until Becca’s head appeared over the top of the cliff.

Releasing his hold on her wrist, he grabbed her under the arm, then released his hold on her hand, hooked his other hand under her other arm, and pulled.

The next second, she was in his arms.

Nothing had ever felt as good as that moment. With Becca crushed against him, clinging to him, wrapped around him like an octopus, sobbing, her face buried against his neck, he’d never felt more in love with her. No matter how often he thought his love for her was already all-consuming, somehow, it managed to grow.

“I love you, Connor. So much. So much it hurts sometimes. I don’t ever want us to be apart again. Not ever. Promise me.” She sobbed, sounding borderline hysterical as she clutched at his face and held it between her hands. “Promise me we’ll be together always and forever, just like you said.”

No promise had ever been easier to make. “I promise you, moonlight. Always and forever. Nothing is ever going to make me leave you. Nothing. No matter how much life piles on top of us it’s always me and you against the world. The way it’s supposed to be.”

With another sob, Becca crushed her mouth to his and kissed him, pouring into it everything she felt for him. He did the same, returning the kiss and not holding anything back. Every drop of love, respect, and passion for her came out until he felt like they were drowning in emotion.

It wasn't until he realized how badly Becca was shaking that he finally snapped to his senses. He had to get her back to the cabin, then he had to try to contact his brothers to let them know what had happened. Connor had no idea if there was any reception or if the storm had knocked it out, but if he couldn’t call for help, he’d build a fire, bundle his girl in warm clothes and blankets, and they’d wait the storm out together.

Scooping her into his arms, he retrieved his weapon and then pushed to his feet.

“I can walk, Connor,” Becca immediately protested, pushing lightly at his shoulders.

“I’m sure you could. I don’t think there’s anything you can't do. But you're missing your prosthetic, so you’d have to hop, and you're already exhausted. It would take too long, and you're already shaking from the cold. Besides, I like having you in my arms,” he told her honestly.

With a content sigh, she stopped fighting him and snuggled into his embrace, nestling her head on his shoulder and allowing him to carry her.

Determination to get Becca safe and out of the storm fueled him, shoving aside the worst of his exhaustion, and he barely felt the pain in his shoulder, although he was sure once the adrenaline wore off it was going to hurt a lot. It didn't take him long to backtrack to the cabin, and he sighed in relief when it came into view.

Finally, safety, warmth, and rest were almost within his grasp.

At least that’s what he thought until he stepped inside and heard a weapon cock as four shadowy figures appeared.

August 23rd

2:32 A.M.

No!

They were supposed to be safe.

Becca tightened her grip on Connor, so very aware that this could be the last time she ever got to touch him, as four men approached them.

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