Page 95 of Rescuing Ally: Part 1

“I am,” I tell him, breath catching, heart full. “I really am.”

And it’s the simple, undeniable truth.

His smile widens, genuine and warm. “Good. That’s all we want.”

He doesn’t wait for me to answer. His hand slides to the back of my neck, fingers threading through my hair as he pulls me in, his lips crashing onto mine with a hunger that steals my breath. There’s no hesitation, no restraint—just heat and need, raw and consuming.

I melt into him, my hands fisting in his shirt as his mouth claims mine, deep and possessive.

He kisses me like he’s reminding me exactly where we stand and what we share—different from Gabe, but no less intense. His tongue tangles with mine, slow and deliberate, sending sparks down my spine.

When he finally pulls back, we’re both breathless, hearts racing, foreheads pressed together.

“Whatever we unlock, luv,” he murmurs, voice low and rough, “it’s ours.”

Doc Summers returns with Gabe, who immediately smirks at my flushed appearance. “Starting without me?” His heated gaze promises more later.

“Just getting her ready,” Hank says, the picture of innocence.

Doc Summers arches a brow as she steps aside, arms folded over her chest, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips.

“Well, now I understand the urgency of that STAT message.” She glances between me and Hank, her gaze sharp and all too amused. “Leave you two alone for a minute and it looks like I might need to call for a fire extinguisher.”

Heat flares up my neck, but she taps her tablet with mock seriousness before I can respond.

Doc Summers rolls her eyes. “Right. Before you test my patience and office furniture, I need to conduct Ally’s examination privately.” Her tone is brisk but laced with humor. “Why don’t you two take your insatiable energy outside?”

Gabe smirks, glancing at Hank. “Guess we’re dismissed.”

Hank leans in, brushing a kiss against my temple before stepping back. “For now.”

Gabe squeezes my hand as he passes. “Be good for the doctor,” he teases, making me roll my eyes.

Chapter 28

Doc Summers sighs dramaticallyas Hank and Gabe head for the door. “I swear, working with Guardians should come with a hazard pay clause for witnessing way too much sexual energy. We met during your extraction, but you may not remember me. I’m Skye Summers. The guys all call me Doc, or Doc Summers, but you can call me Skye.”

“Nice to meet you. I don’t remember you from the rescue.”

“There was a lot going on. Before we get to the physical part, I noticed you’re not taking advantage of The Facility.”

“I’m sorry. What’s that?”

“It’s like a post rescue reintegration facility. Most of our rescues have a lot of trauma to process, and many lack essential life skill as a result of being taken.”

“Oh…” I remember something about that mentioned on the plane. “My father wanted to take me home. I have my own team of psychologists, whether I want them or not.”

“Do you have any issues, or concerns, after your kidnapping? Any PTSD? That was your second … event?”

“It was, but my father is a control freak, likes to keep things close. I have what I need, if I need it.”

“Well, if that’s not enough, or you want something not tied to your father, it’s a free resource we offer.”

“Thanks, but I’m good.”

Skye’s demeanor warms slightly. “They’re quite protective of you.”

“That’s putting it mildly,” I agree.

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