Page 77 of The Hero She Loves

With a small moan, she opened for him. She poured all her fear and worry into the kiss.

There was a faint sound and Vander walked in. “Oh. Sorry.” He backed out of the bathroom with a half smile on his face.

“I don’t like you getting hurt,” she said. “Don’t let it happen again.”

He smiled. “I’ll do my best.”

She gave him some painkillers, then washed all the blood off her hands. Next, she painstakingly stitched up the cut. He didn’t make a sound.

“So, your friends are here,” she said.

“They want to stop Olson.”

“And they want to help you.”

“Yeah. But I’m not sure I need their help, not when I have you.”

Her insides turned to warm mush. She finished the stitches and pressed a bandage over the wound. “Don’t forget it. And whatever happens next, you’re not to get hurt again. Understand?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She pressed her forehead to his. “I need to call Owen, and then I need to get back out there and find Olson.”

Park grabbed her hand. “Weneed to get back out there.”

She knew she had zero chance of getting him to stay here and rest. She nodded. “Yes, we’re a team.”

“You should be in bed.Or in a hospital.”

Park glanced over at Jenna’s surly tone.

“I’m okay.” They were outside, walking down one of Valdez’s streets again.

“I just stitched you up and mopped up the blood. So, I know that you’re not okay.”

There was a low chuckle behind them. Park knew it was Boone. Asshole. He was well aware that all his friends were watching them with amusement.

Park grabbed her hand. “Jenna, I’m fi?—”

She glared at him.

“I’ll heal. And I can finish this mission. I have you to protect me.”

“Okay, listen up,” Vander said.

They all turned.

“Kyle Olson is close. The only road out of the town is closed. We’re taking him down. We’ll split up in pairs. Boone and I will head that way.” Vander pointed. “Ren and Shep will go back toward the bars. Park and Jenna will move toward the waterfront and harbor.”

They all nodded.

“Olson is here,” Vander said. “We’re not letting him get away.”

“I’ve checked in with my partner Deputy Marshal Owen Briggs. He’s at the roadblock with the state troopers. He’ll let us know if they catch Olson trying to get out of Valdez.”

Park’s mouth flattened. The net was tightening. Olson couldn’t escape them now.

But he wouldn’t go down without a hell of a fight.