Page 52 of Shadow Redemption
“Did I wake anyone?”
“No, ma’am.”
She pushed her hair from her eyes. “You couldn’t have rested with me using you for a pillow.”
Ben shrugged. “I told you. Holding you is a privilege and I’m not feeling the least bit guilty over enjoying it.”
Ruth’s laughter was soft. “You’ll spoil me.”
He trailed the backs of his fingers down her cheek, reveling in the softness of her skin. “That’s my goal.” Maybe spoiling her would make up for the danger she’d live with as long as Ruth was involved with him.
Her eyes darkened. “We need to talk.”
Ben drew in a slow breath, knowing she was right and yet dreading the necessity all the same. “Soon.”
Up and down the aisle, his teammates raised their seats and stowed blankets and pillows in the bins in preparation for landing. “Are you hungry?” Ben asked Ruth.
She nodded. “I doubt the kitchen will be open at the hotel, though.”
“We’ll figure out something.” If he had to, he’d send one of his teammates to a store to pick up fruit and yogurt, one of Ruth’s preferred snacks.
Minutes later, the Fortress jet taxied to a stop on the tarmac. The operatives gathered their gear while Ben retrieved his bags and Ruth’s suitcase. As they exited the cabin, Nico hoisted Ben’s equipment bag over his shoulder, leaving him free to handle Ruth’s suitcase and keep her close to his side in case of trouble.
At the edge of the tarmac, two men waited beside SUVs. Ben slowed his approach to the vehicles and allowed his teammates to move ahead of him and Ruth. If trouble broke out, the rest of Shadow was their first line of defense.
Nico and Trace greeted the men while Sam and Joe positioned themselves in front of Ben and Ruth. Hand resting on the grip of his weapon, Ben watched the men’s body language. When nothing set off warning alarms, he scanned the area. This late at night, the private airstrip was quiet, just the way he liked it. Soon, the two men left the airstrip by taxi.
Tension eased from Ben’s muscles. When he urged Ruth forward, Nico motioned for Ben and Ruth to ride in the first SUV with him. Trace, Joe, and Sam loaded their gear into the second vehicle.
After seating Ruth inside the SUV and storing their bags in the cargo area, Ben joined Ruth in the back while Nico cranked the engine. A moment later, the SUVs headed for Casa del Mar. On the journey, Ben stayed vigilant, his gaze quartering the areas they passed. The route had a decent amount of lighting. Only a few places gave him pause as they drove by.
Although he’d seen pictures of the hotel, they didn’t do the place justice. The architecture reminded him of Old World Spain, beautiful with its sweeping curves and arches and stone facade, a beautiful backdrop for a photoshoot. Even though they had arrived well after midnight, the hotel was well lit, and patrons came and went from the front entrance. The structure appeared to be a hotspot for tourists and area residents alike.
As he exited the vehicle, the scent and sounds of the nearby ocean enveloped him in warmth and peace. He’d always loved the ocean, one of the reasons he’d chosen to serve as a Navy SEAL.
The balmy night was one made for romance. Too bad this wasn’t a vacation where he could pull out all the stops and court Ruth the way she deserved. Ben held out his hand and assisted her from the vehicle. He guided her toward the entrance, scanning the doorman for weapons.
“What about our bags?” Ruth asked.
“Nico and the others will get them. I want you in a more secure location.”
“I won’t be inside during the photoshoot.”
A fact that made his gut knot. “Believe me, I haven’t forgotten. Let’s get you settled in the suite.” As they approached the registration desk, a swarthy-skinned, dark-haired man looked up.
He smiled and asked in accented English, “May I help you?”
“We have a reservation. Ben Slocum.”
Ruth’s eyes widened but she remained silent as Ben produced the necessary identification.
“Ah, yes, Mr. Slocum. We have a suite ready for you, your wife, and the Whitsons.” After entering data into his computer, the desk clerk slid over two key cards. “If you need anything, please let us know.” He motioned for the bellhop.
Ben held up his hand and shook his head at the bellhop. “We don’t need assistance with our luggage.” He turned back to the clerk. “Is the kitchen still open?”
“Yes, sir. You may order room service at any time, day or night. Our menu offerings are quite extensive.”
“Excellent. Thanks.” He wrapped his arm around Ruth’s shoulders and met Joe and Sam away from the clerk’s hearing. He handed one of the key cards to Joe. “Fourth floor. Oceanside view.”