Page 101 of The Ranger
Cole said he was doing a corporate job, so it never occurred to me it was something to be wary of.He’s been staying in the country—a comment he let slip—and that was all the focus I gave it.
“I’m assuming it wasn’t a stapler thief at the office.”
His eyes lift to mine in disbelief.“How are you capable of being a sassy wench after you’ve been kidnapped and are now in labor?”
I gasp.
“It’s a survival pattern.Also, did you just call me a wench?”I slap his forearm, then clench my eyes shut as a contraction starts to build.
When that passes, Cole wipes his forehead like he’s done all the work, and I smile at him.These men think they are so tough, but I swear they would never survive this pain.Jesus, it’s the worst.
“No, I can’t tell you.But I’m fucking sorry it happened, Scar,” Cole finally says.
“Have they caught him?”I worry my bottom lip.
Cole shakes his head.
Damnit.
I glance around the room, my mind flicking back to what I’ve been through the past two days.Feeling colder than I ever have in my life, trembling from fear, hunger and dehydration.Fearing for my life and that of my child.
Praying Cole would find us.
“Hey.”He runs a finger over my forehead.“Time we decide on some names.”
A smile hits my lips.
This argument has gone on for four months.I told him I wanted to name our child Rainbow.The look of disgust on his face was so brilliant I couldn’t pass up the chance to keep the joke going.
“Little Rainbow.”I sigh now.
“No.”He shakes his head.
“Cole.”I brush his cheek with my fingers, feeling the sexy stubble under them.“It’s unisex, so it doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or a girl.”
“My son isnotbeing called Rainbow.”
“I waskidnapped,” I fake exclaim.(Well, it's kinda faked.) “The least you could do is give me this.”
He groans.
“Humor me.What else do you have?”
“Brody if it’s a boy.You said you liked that name,” Cole says.
I do.
“I mean...”I tease.
“Zara for a girl.”
“You like short names, don’t you?”I exaggerate a sigh.“Okay, how about Rainbow as a middle name?”
“Scar,”
Finally, I start chuckling.
Fuck those kidnappers, I’m not letting them take this moment from us.Yes, fear is hovering in the corners, but I’m having a baby—weare having a baby—and I want to enjoy this.
