Page 94 of The Ranger
“Go near her again, and we’ll have bigger issues.”I get in his face.
“Give him space.She’s been missing for days.”Liam tugs Jake away.“Cole is a decorated Army Ranger.You aren’t going to stop him.”
“He just assaulted and threatened a US Marshall,” Jake cries.
“Yeah, well, he could have shot or stabbed you, buddy, so let’s go have a cup of tea.”Liam pats him on the back.
I almost smile, but my eyes lock with Scarlett’s, and my heart cracks into ten tiny pieces.I’m responsible for this.All of it.The fact that she’s pregnant, that she was kidnapped, that she’s lying in her own filth and about to give birth.
“I’m sorry I took so long to find you.I was fucking calling and...god.Scarlett.I am so fucking sorry.”
“We need to get to the hospital.The baby is coming,” she sobs.“Now, Cole.”
“The ambulance is almost here.”
I turn, finding Jake and Liam near the door.
“Your team needs to clear the warehouse because when that ambulance arrives, I’m taking her out.And I’m shooting anyone who gets in my way.”
I don’t wait for an answer, but when I glance down again, Scarlett has a small smile on her lips.
“Like that, huh?”
“You are going to be a good daddy.”
So far all I’ve done is fuck up, so I can’t agree, but as tears pour down her cheeks, I lean in and kiss her cheek.
“I’m never going to let you both down ever again.That you can take to the bank.”
Mostly because I’m never letting them out of my sight.Hope she liked being kidnapped because that’s essentially going to be her life.
I’m not saying that out loud, of course.
“I’m really scared.”
“You are safe now.No one can hurt you.”If they try, they’ll have to get past me and the three other weapons I have on me.
Jake can have the other two.
Ryder appears.“Jesus.What a shitshow.Hey, Scarlett.I told this guy we’d find you.”
“Hey,” she whispers without making eye contact.She’s in shock.I don’t know if she’ll even remember any of this.I hope not.
“We are going to need statements from all of you, so don’t go far,” Jake calls out and leaves the room.
“Is that guy for real?”Ryder thumbs over his shoulder as I shake my head.
Fucking Marshals.
