Page 47 of Healing Love

Nodding, she settled back into her seat and into Cam’s embrace.

“Once back in Virginia, you’ll still be questioned…and protected,” Alberto added. He did not add more after a pointed glance from Cam. The three men knew that her ordeal was far from over but were determined to protect her as best they could at the moment.

Miriam rested her head on Cam’s shoulder, occasionally looking out of the window at the scenery below.How different from when I flew into Mexico last month.What had seemed an adventure had turned into a nightmare.A nightmare that hopefully is over!

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When Marc called out that they had crossed into US airspace, Cam gave Miriam a shoulder squeeze and was rewarded with a huge smile that lit her tired face.

She watched as they landed, an hour later, at an isolated airstrip with several large hangars around. The landing was easy, and she appreciated Marc's piloting skills. Once the fear of still being within the cartel’s reach had diminished, she allowed her mind to take in the reality of their rescue.

Marc and Alberto have been in Mexico ready to get us out, putting their own lives in danger. And Cam—he endured the ultimate risk without even knowing me.Tears stung the back of her eyes as she pulled in a sharp breath.

Cam looked at her face, realizing tears were soon coming and knew she was overwhelmed. Keeping one arm around her shoulders, he leaned forward and cupped the back of her head with his other hand,pulling her face into his chest. Holding her tightly, he offered her his warmth…comfort.

“Thank you, Superman,” she said softly into his shirt.

“I’m no Superman, sweetheart.”

She leaned her head back and peered into his eyes. “You’re my Superman,” she said simply.

His heart skipped a beat as he continued to hold her tightly.

She stayed there for a moment as the plane taxied into one of the large hangars and the heavy doors were closed behind them. Sucking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, she managed to control her tears. Wiping her face quickly, she offered a weak smile to Cam as he loosened his hold to unbuckle her seatbelt.

The door to the small aircraft was opened and they saw a group of people standing around. Nerves hit her and she stood woodenly instead of exiting the plane.

Cam reached over, linking his fingers with hers, offering his strength. Alberto stepped out first onto the pontoon and then quickly hopped to the concrete floor. Cam followed but, as soon as his feet touched the pontoon, he turned and swept Miriam up into his arms. She clung to his shoulders as he made the jump to the ground and then gently lowered her to a standing position. Marc followed, landing right next to them.

She jumped when the small assembly began clapping and tears sprung to her eyes once more. Overwhelmed, she allowed Cam to turn her into his embrace again. Sucking in a huge breath, she pulled back and then walked over to Marc and Alberto.

“I haven’t thanked you enough…for everything,” she said, her voice wobbly. Turning to Alberto, she added, “I have no idea what you do, but just shooting at the men in the boat so that I had time to get to the plane…” her voice hitched, “saved our lives.” She rose on her toes and kissed his cheek.

His eyes were warm as he said, “My brave Miriam. You, my dear, have my deepest admiration.”

Pulling herself together, she then turned and looked up into Marc’s kind face, his green eyes filled with warmth. His dark hair was longer than Cam’s and a lock fell over his forehead. No longer in the cockpit, he appeared much larger than she had imagined. “Cam spoke of you, so I know you’re friends. I…thank you,” she cried, unable to hold back any longer now that her feet were once more on American soil.

Marc took her slight weight, allowing her to cling to him as he folded his huge arms gently around her body. Holding her there for a moment until he could tell her shaking had subsided, he then turned her toward Cam’s embrace.

Cam pressed kisses to the top of her head while murmuring assurances against her hair. She finally pulled back, her watery face looking up at his. Offering her a smile, he then looked beyond her at the gathering. “Got some more friends I want you to meet.”

She turned in his arms and watched as three handsome men approached, smiles filling their faces as well.

“These are more of my co-workers, Miriam. I’d like you to meet Blaise, Bart, and Monty. They’ve just finished up another case with Jack and came here to meet us.”

The blond Nordic god, Blaise, came forward and shook her hand, smiling a panty-melting smile that Miriam was sure had worked on many women. She caught the twinkle in his blue eyes as they darted between her and Cam, causing an even larger smile to break out on his face. Bart was simply huge, like Cam, only with sandy-blond hair. As he took her hand in a sincere greeting, she continued to get the feeling that he was amused at seeing Cam’s arm around her shoulders. Then Monty approached. Tall, dark haired, distinguished. Just as gorgeous, but more suave.

After the three greeted her, they immediately turned their attention to Cam who let go of her only long enough to accept their man hugs and congratulations on a successful mission.

Another Hispanic man approached Alberto and pulled him into a hug as well. “You kept this one a secret, man. I had no idea what was going on until we got your message that you were in the air.”

Alberto smiled, saying, “We had to keep this mission from getting out but, thank God, it was successful.”

The two men chatted for a few minutes until Cam walked over and Alberto introduced him to Manuel Reyes.

“Cam, I’ve known Manuel for a long time. He’ll take good care of Miriam.”

A voice cleared behind the group and, turning, Cam knew that the welcome was over. Stepping back to Miriam, he placed his hands on her shoulders and peered down into her questioning face. Heaving a sigh, he looked back down, saying, “It’s time,cariña.”

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