Page 81 of The Hero She Loves

It was still hovering several feet above the ground when Owen slid the side door open. Park ran and leaped aboard.

“Go,” he said.

As he sat in a seat, the tail of the helicopter lifted, and the pilot flew them out over the harbor. The boats below looked like toys.

A boat was maneuvering out of the harbor. That would be Vander and the guys.

“Olson’s got Jenna on a boat,” Owen said, his face grim.

Park nodded and looked out the side window. Soon, they were over the open water of the bay, and he saw the trail in the water. In the distance, he saw Olson’s boat.

Hold on, Jenna. Hold the fuck on.

“Jenna’s tough,” Owen said. “The toughest person I know.”

Park nodded. “I know.” His jaw was tight and he fought his fear down.

He hadn’t wanted to feel again. After the torture, after he’d seen those good soldiers die, he hadn’t wanted to feel anything.

His motto had been stay alone. Stay numb.

Jenna had blown all that to pieces.

He couldn’t live without her.

“I love her. Fuck.”

Owen’s eyes went wide.

“Forget I said that,” Park said.

“Ah, that would be impossible.” Owen dragged in a breath. “Must have been a hell of a hike in the wilderness.”

Park shot the man a look.

“I’ve known her almost a year. She deserves someone who recognizes her strength and skills. Who loves and respects her for it.”

“She’s the strongest, most amazing woman I’ve ever met.” Park raked a hand over his head. “Hell, I didn’t want to fall in love. She did this to me.”

A small smile crossed Owen’s face. “Well, I know you’re strong enough to meet her toe to toe. And smart enough to not get in her way while she’s doing her job.”

Park grunted.

“Use what you feel to fuel you. To bring her back.”

Park nodded.

The helicopter gained on the boat.

“Here,” Owen said, holding out a handgun.

Park took it, checked it, then tucked it into his holster. “Thanks. Mine’s in the bottom of the harbor.” Then, he pulled in some calming breaths.

He cleared his mind the best he could. He had to save Jenna.

He had to put Olson down, once and for all.

They were his mission objectives. And he was a man who always finished his mission.