Page 22 of SEAL's Promise

After she drank a few ounces, Cal set the water aside and showed her how to recline the seat, then lowered his own and urged Rachelle to lay her head on his chest again. He tugged the blanket over them both. “I feel like I drank a vat full of caffeine.”

“You’ll crash soon.”

Although skeptical, she resolved to hold still so Cal would rest. Surprisingly, the warmth and safety of being held in his arms seeped into her body and a heavy lethargy stole over her muscles.

“Relax,” Cal murmured. “I’ve got you.”

With his words echoing in her mind, sleep overtook her.

CHAPTER SIX

Cal knew the moment Rachelle dropped into sleep. Her entire body went boneless, much like his nieces and nephews did when they gave in to the need to rest.

He relaxed deeper into the seat, easing Rachelle more fully against his chest. The tension that racked his body from the moment he learned Rachelle was in trouble finally dissipated. Despite the fast-paced effort to rescue her and Amy with two Fortress teams, the women had been lucky to escape Antigua unscathed.

They’d have repercussions in the aftermath of the violence they witnessed. His gaze dropped to the woman in his arms. Would she look at him differently when her shock wore off? Knowing he was an operative and accepting what he did for a living after seeing his handiwork were two different things.

Cal had killed men in the course of his missions. He wouldn’t apologize for doing his job and protecting his team, but he wanted Rachelle to accept the necessity for violence on missions and see the real Cal Taylor.

An hour later, she stirred in his arms, her breath catching. She moaned. “Cal.”

He tightened his hold. “I’m here. Sleep.” When Cal kissed her temple, Rachelle snuggled close and made a purring sound of pleasure.

The corners of his mouth tugged upward. He hoped to hear that when he kissed her while she was awake. Closing his eyes, Cal drifted into a light sleep until Jackson returned to check his arm.

“Looks good,” the medic whispered. He glanced at Rachelle. “How is she?”

“Restless.”

“In another hour, I’ll give you meds to help with the pain.”

“Nothing to knock me out. How’s Eric?”

“Holding his own.”

“And Amy?”

“Hasn’t left his side for an instant. I think wedding bells will ring soon.”

“Might be the only way he can stay with her.”

Jackson returned an hour later to give Cal two capsules to swallow, then pressed a small packet of the medicine into his hand. “Two every six hours,” he murmured. “If you need more, let me know.”

He slid the envelope into his pocket and dosed for two hours, rousing when Rachelle stirred again. This time, she opened her eyes and gave him a deer-caught-in-the-headlights look. Amused at her reaction, he whispered, “You okay?”

She nodded. “I’m sorry. You can’t be comfortable.” She shifted as though planning to move.

Cal stilled her movement by tightening his hold. “Are you uncomfortable?”

Her cheeks turned pink. “No.”

Satisfaction zinged through him. “Good.”

“Aren’t you?”

“This is the best rest I’ve had in months.” Although she looked skeptical, he wasn’t exaggerating. “Let me hold you.”

“Tell me if holding me hurts your arm.”