Page 40 of Hot Soldier's Rescue

He frowned. “Unfortunately, I have other commitments. But if I didn’t, yeah, sure. I’d watch your back.”

“I don’t think most nuns have bodyguards,” she replied.

“But you’re not most nuns, now are you?”

Her gaze snapped to him, but he was staring straight ahead at the road. His profile was strong. Clean. Well-defined. And it didn’t give away even a hint of what he meant by that remark.

Even if he wouldn’t let her take a turn driving, she stubbornly insisted on staying awake with him through the night and keeping him company. He seemed amused that she thought he wouldn’t be able to remain alert all by himself.

Finally, as the sky began to lighten in the east behind them, he said, “Why don’t you close your eyes for a few minutes? You’ve had a rough couple of days.”

Now that was an understatement. But at least she had Mia and Emanuel now, and could turn her attention to getting out of this godforsaken region. “I’ll be fine,” she replied stubbornly.

“It’s getting light out. I’ll be good to go for most of the day. Take a nap.”

She retorted, “Look. If it’s all right for you to take care of the weak, helpless female, it’s also all right for me to worry about you.”

He looked startled. “There’s no reason for you to worry about me. I’ve got things handled.”

“Then why are we headed into the heart of Army of Freedom territory? You do realize we could be jumped at any moment, right?”

“Actually, I’m hoping they do jump us. I’ve got to get back into contact with Raoul and company so I can complete my deal with them.”

Elise’s jaw dropped. “You want to find those cutthroats?”

“Absolutely.”

“News flash. You’ve two women and two small children with you now. None of us needs to be exposed to a bunch of violent insurgents.”

“Do you want me to pull over and let all of you out of the car?” he asked.

“No! I want you to drive us to some nice, big, safe city with an international airport so I can get these kids out of Colombia.”

“I’ll be happy to do that…after I close my sale.”

“Your sale is immoral.”

He snorted. “Like you’re one to comment on my morality.”

What did he mean by that? Sure, she wasn’t a great fake nun. But she hadn’t done anything to really disgrace the profession, had she? Kissing him probably hadn’t been strictly nunlike, but she couldn’t help it. He kept catching her at weak moments. And besides…he was hot.

They drove in silence as the sun rose and the thin layer of ground fog burned off, leaving the young day hazy and humid, promising hellish heat by afternoon. The jungle gave way to rolling grassland, and ranches and farms became more and more prevalent. They stopped in a village to refuel, use restrooms and eat breakfast. Drago stocked up on snacks and drinking water, as well.

Elise spent the rest of the morning cooking up games to play with the children to pass the time. The children dozed again in the early afternoon, and since Drago really did appear to be going strong, she finally allowed herself to close her eyes.

It was nearly dark when she blinked awake, her neck stiff and her back aching.

“Good evening, Sleeping Beauty,” Drago murmured.

“Good grief! You let me sleep the whole afternoon away!”

“You needed it. Grandma read a book I picked up in that village to the munchkins, and listening to it kept me wide awake. No reason for you not to sleep for a while.”

She supposed there was no sense in crying over spilled milk. The nap was a done deal and she felt worlds better. “So, are you going to let me drive now that I’ve had some sleep and you haven’t?”

“Nope.”

“Has anyone ever told you you’re insanely stubborn?”

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