Page 42 of Shadow Redemption
“I have to say one more thing, then I’ll shut up until we’re back on US soil.” Trace glared at Ben. “If you hurt her, you’ll answer to me. Friend or not, you’ll pay. Hard.”
“Understood.” If he hurt Ruth, Ben would deserve whatever Trace dished out. Knowing how protective Maddox was of the supermodel, he suspected his boss would weigh in as well. Despite his vow not to hurt Ruth under any circumstances, he didn’t want to be on the receiving end of his boss’s fists. Maddox wouldn’t hold back.
“If you’re finished drawing your battle lines, let’s get to work,” Nico said.
While Shadow debated the strengths and weaknesses of Casa del Mar’s security, Ben kept tabs on the length of time that Ruth was absent. When an hour passed without her making an appearance or sending him a text, he couldn’t stand sitting there any longer. He didn’t understand it, but he had to see for himself that she was safe. He knew the urge was irrational since Fortress headquarters was a high-security facility. Didn’t matter. Seeing her for himself had shifted to the top of his priority list.
He stood. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Ben pointed at Trace. “Don’t.”
His friend’s lips tipped up at the corners as he held up his hands in mock surrender. “Who, me?”
Without giving anyone else a chance to comment or stop him, Ben left the conference room and headed to the research division on the third floor and Bridget’s office.
He gave a perfunctory knock and opened the door. Both women turned. Alarm roared through Ben when he noticed Ruth’s wet cheeks. She’d been crying.
Ben crouched beside her and cupped her cheek. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m decompressing. I’m allowed to cry.”
He wiped the remnants of tears from her face. “No, ma’am. You aren’t.”
“Why not?”
“I can’t take it. Your tears kill me.”
As he’d meant for her to do, Ruth laughed. “Tough luck, buddy. You’ll have to get over it. I cry occasionally.”
“Not often, okay? Tears send me into a panic.”
She rolled her beautiful eyes. “You build and dismantle bombs for a living.”
“Your tears are more dangerous that any IED I’ve ever come across.”
Ruth laughed, the last of the sadness leaving her eyes.
Mission accomplished, Ben glanced at Bridget and noticed the same wetness on her cheeks. He flinched. “Your tears are Trace’s problem,” he muttered. “I’m not up to the task on your behalf.”
“My hero,” she said in a dry tone. “Bailing at the sight of a little water.”
He ignored Bridget and refocused on Ruth. “Do you need anything before I head back to the conference room, sunshine?”
Ruth shook her head. “I’m fine. Really.”
He dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “Stay inside Fortress headquarters. I’ll check on you again in another hour.” He forced himself to leave the office although for the first time in his career at Fortress, he longed to blow off his job in favor of holding Ruth in his arms for a long time.
Ben returned to the conference room and took his seat again.
“Nice of you to rejoin us, Ben.” Nico gave him a hard look. “Stay focused.”
Right. Would Nico remain focused if Mercy was in danger and out his line of sight? He didn’t think so. “Yes, sir.”
The security plans with multiple contingencies progressed with Ben sneaking surreptitious glances at his watch every few minutes. Another hour passed and Ben was ready to make another trip to the research division when Ruth returned to the conference room.
He was on his feet the next instant. “What happened?”
She handed Ben her phone. He glanced at the screen to see an email sent to Roxanne. Ben scanned the contents and scowled.
“Problem?” Nico asked.