Page 87 of Shadow Redemption

“I’ve already wooed her and captured her heart. Now, I’m introducing her to the concept of fun.”

Ruth smiled. “You mean I shouldn’t consider running from bullets, surviving anaphylactic shock, and escaping from a fire fun?”

“Only if you’re loony,” Sam said. “You should take a page from Joe’s date ideas. He’s creative.”

Joe beamed at his wife. “Thanks, Sparky.”

“I don’t need your lame ideas,” Ben groused. “I can handle this on my own.”

“Yeah, sure. Don’t come crying to me when Ruth decides you’re hopeless in the romance department.”

“Never going to happen.” He winked at Ruth. “She loves me.”

Indeed, she did.

Thirty minutes later, Sam sat back. “That should do it. Are you feeling anything, Ben?”

“Nope.”

“That will change soon. You need pain meds.”

Another scowl from Ben. “No.”

“You don’t have a choice this time. Suck it up and deal, Martin.”

“I have to be functional to protect Ruth.”

“I’ll make sure you can do your job, but this is non-negotiable. Otherwise, you won’t be able to rest.”

Ruth squeezed his hand. “Ben, please do as Sam recommends.”

He sighed. “All right, but not before I talk to Nico about security.”

Joe rose. “I’ll get him.”

Minutes later, Nico walked in. “How is he?” he asked Sam.

“Thirty-nine stitches and cranky. He won’t take pain meds until he talks to you.”

Shadow’s leader came to the side of the bed. “Perimeter is secure. No indication that we were followed. We have eight hours before we have to vacate the premises. Take the meds.”

“Ruth has to be on the beach in five hours. She needs to finish the contract on time so I can get her out of here.”

“Understood. Sam, give Ben enough pain medicine to take the edge off. We’ll stay for the next four hours, then return to the hotel.”

“Yes, sir.” After she administered the pain medicine and set up an IV, the medic rose. “Ruth, stay with him. That’s the only way he’ll agree to rest. I’ll be back to check on him in an hour. If he needs anything, call out.”

Relief swept over her. Four hours wasn’t enough, but it was better than Ben returning to duty immediately. “Thanks, Sam.”

Nico followed Sam from the room, leaving Ben and Ruth alone.

“Come here,” Ben murmured, stretching out his arm. “I need to hold you for a few minutes.”

She scooted closer. “Won’t that hurt you?”

“I’m not feeling anything right now. Let me enjoy it. The lidocaine will wear off soon and I’ll feel everything.”

Ruth settled her head on his arm. “Sleep. Your team is on watch and we’re safe for the moment.”