Page 60 of Shadow Redemption
“Last night. Lay off, Sam.”
She laughed, a wicked light in her eyes.
Ben scowled at Joe. “Control your wife.”
“Not going to happen, my friend. Besides, once Nico and Trace see you and Ruth are together for real, they’ll weigh in as well, especially Trace. Better face the truth. You’re doomed to be ragged on, Ben, and most likely due for some hard questions about your intentions toward his sister-in-law.”
Deciding the best course of action was to ignore the newlyweds, he sat on the couch beside Ruth and sent a text to his team leader on the breakfast delivery time. That done, he looked at Ruth. “Anything from Bridget?”
“She’s still tracing the email threats, but not making much progress.”
“Figured as much. Will your agent also be here this week?”
She nodded. “He always comes to my photoshoots. He’s very protective.”
Yeah, Ben just bet he was. Old Rich was in for an unhappy surprise today.
Ten minutes later, a knock sounded on the door. Ben surged to his feet, weapon in hand as he checked the peephole. Nico and Trace. Unlocking the door, he stepped back to admit his teammates.
With Ruth also on her feet, Trace gave her a one-armed hug. “How are you doing, Stretch?”
She wrinkled her nose. “You’re taller than I am.”
“My legs aren’t as pretty as yours or my gorgeous wife’s. You appear to be all legs, honey.”
“They’re just legs,” she muttered.
“Not yours and not in this lifetime.”
Since Ruth appeared to be uncomfortable with the attention focused on her, Ben looked at Nico. “Any news from Fortress?”
“Maddox called a few minutes ago. The price on your head has gone up.”
Ben scowled. That wasn’t the news he wanted to hear. “How much?”
“Another million. The boss said twenty years hasn’t tamped down the fire.” Nico’s eyes narrowed. “You want to explain that?”
Not really. Thankfully, another knock sounded on the door. Perfect timing. Trace shifted to stand in front of Ruth as Ben checked the peephole again. Room service this time.
A minute later, Nico and Ben pushed two serving carts into the suite. While the rest of Shadow and Ruth browsed the selections, Nico motioned for Ben to follow him out to the balcony.
Reluctantly, he trailed his team leader outside, closing the door behind him.
“Tell me.”
“There isn’t enough time.”
“Holding back isn’t doing you any favors and might cost one of our lives. I’m responsible for all of Shadow, including you. Whatever went on in your past is playing an important role in the present. I need to know, Ben, otherwise I wouldn’t invade your privacy. If you want me to make it an order, I will.”
He stared hard at the waves rolling onto the shoreline, knowing what he needed to do and reluctant to bare his soul to a man he respected more than almost any other.
The French door opened again, and Ben knew without turning around that Ruth had followed them. Seconds later, she appeared at his side and wrapped her hand around one of his in wordless support.
Some of the balls of ice in his stomach melted at her touch. Man, how had he gotten so lucky to have this special woman in his life? With a past like his, she should have run from him. That she hadn’t reiterated how strong she was.
Nico braced his hands against the railing, gaze locked on the vast ocean. “Talk to me,” he murmured.
Ruth squeezed Ben’s hand. When he glanced at her, she gave a small nod, encouraging him to break his silence. All right, then. Nico was one of his best friends. He just prayed that wouldn’t change after his revelations.