Ranger's Baby Surprise (Special Forces Elite 2)

14

Abi

I remember when I first wanted to be an actress. I was five, maybe six. I watched a show on Disney and rehearsed every word in my bedroom. I made my parents watch while I stumbled through my lines after dinner. They clapped and laughed, and I took that as I sign that I was destined to be a star.

No one really thought I’d go through with it. It must have been after I starred in my high school play when they realized I wasn’t kidding, and I wasn’t five any longer.

That seemed like a lifetime ago. I wished my parents were here to see it. To know that little girl’s dreams came true. I was a best actress nominee. And I was on my way to my first dinner to celebrate.

It wasn’t supposed to matter if I won any awards in the coming months. This was the first accomplishment. This was part of the journey.

Ralph sat across from me in the stretch limo. He sipped a rum drink. He was nervous.

I expected Reid to have a bourbon in his hand, but he was back to bodyguard status. The revelation that my attacker was his ex, had hit him hard. He wasn’t going to admit it until this was over.

I knew him well enough to let him have space to work while he dealt with the shock.

I ran my fingers over his knuckles. He brought my fingertips to his lips.

“Are you ok?”

I nodded. “You’re here. That’s all I need.”

“I don’t know what I’m witnessing.” Ralph rolled his eyes.

“I’m happy.” I tilted my head. “That’s all you have to worry about.”

He kicked back the rum.

I wasn’t going to let his nervous jitters or doubt about Reid ruin tonight. I wanted to focus on the dinner. I’d drink champagne and mingle with stars. And Reid was going to be there for all of it.

The car lurched and Ralph spilled his drink. “Shit. Who is this driver?” He glared at Reid.

Reid’s eyes darted to the front, but the car had taken a sharp turn and we landed in a pile on the floor as the tires screeched.

“What the hell?” Ralph tried to help me back to my seat.

“No. Stay down,” Reid ordered, pushing me back to the floor. He pulled a gun from his belt and the car careened in the opposite direction.

We finally stopped. Reid looked at Ralph. “Stay with her no matter what. Understand?”

Ralph nodded.

“As soon as the door opens I’m going out,” he whispered. “If something happens to me, back up will be here in less than ten minutes.”

“Ten minutes?” I panicked. I knew it only took two seconds to fire a gun.

His eyes locked on mine. “You can survive. I know you, Abi. No matter what, stay away from Jackie. The longer you avoid her… just keep moving.”

“She’s here?” I creaked.

He nodded. “I’m sorry.”

The door opened and Reid hurdled himself forward, stepping over my back and throwing Ralph out of his way. The door slammed behind him.

Ralph and I huddled together. I couldn’t hear anything on the other side.

“He’s going to be ok, babe,” Ralph whispered. “We’re going to get out of here.”