Password to Her Heart (The American Soldier Collection 9)

“You don’t have to do this.”

“I want to. Now close your eyes and sleep,” he said. Which was nearly impossible to do. She wore a light tank top again, and this time only panties, too intimate for a man to be snuggled up against.

“You’re like a little heater. You’re so hot,” he whispered. She wondered what he meant, but then he pulled from her a moment, pulled off his shirt, and tossed it. Bare skin to bare skin, how was she going to fall asleep like this?

“Stop worrying. Nothing is going to happen. At least not anything you don’t initiate or want. Rest up.”

She closed her eyes and absorbed the feel of his embrace. Just one night, maybe it would help her.

* * * *

Tex stood by the computer looking at the information that his buddy Sully “Sandman” Sandstone sent him early this morning. He was an investigator and federal agent working on special cases for the government. He knew what happened to Keith and his sister, and was keeping Tex abreast of the search for Chavez.

“I got the e-mail up now. Looks like they think he’s out of the country,” Tex stated over the cell phone.

“That’s a definite. The agents aren’t sure where, but through informants it appears Chavez had an associate, a business partner who resides in Brazil. But this guy has homes all over the place. He’s a wealthy man.”

“Brazil? That came up before in regards to the terrorists who wanted the documents to create that missile. I don’t like the sound of this. Are the feds still being aggressive in the search for Chavez?” Tex asked.

“To be honest, my contacts say no. They got the missile, the thumb drives, Montoya, and the other terrorists, so it’s a done deal,” Sandman stated.

“Shit. I would feel a hell of a lot better knowing that asshole was captured or six feet under.”

“I hear ya. Listen, the guys and everyone at Casper’s are praying for Keith. Any news on his condition?”

Tex ran his fingers through his hair. “Not a thing has changed. Tell everyone we appreciate the prayers. Keith sure can use them.”

“And how is Shawna? I can’t believe he had a sister and none of you knew that.”

“Well, Lee did, but was sworn to secrecy. Keith wanted to keep her safe. They had a tough life.”

“Is she feeling better and recovering from her injuries?”

“She’s doing a lot better. The last two weeks have been good. The bruises on her face are fading and the ones on her ribs are looking better. She’s a tough one.”

“She’s a very attractive young woman. The five of you have been really taking good care of her. I’m certain Keith will appreciate that when he is finally up and about again.”

“She’s amazing. She deserves a lot better than what’s been dished out to her. That’s for sure.”

Tex was quiet as he thought about how much better things seemed to be getting. She was talking to them more, but still holding back.

“She does, and I hope the five of you are in this for the long haul,” Sandman said.

“I’d say you don’t need to worry, but it’s Shawna that needs the convincing.”

Sandman chuckled. “I totally understand. Believe me, it wasn’t easy to earn Grace’s trust, but we were all honest with her, and that seemed to slowly ease her mind. Good luck, and I’ll keep on top of this.”

“Please do, Sandman. I don’t want any surprises. Like I said, Shawna’s been through enough.”

“Enough said. Talk to you soon.”

Tex hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair. He had a few more hours of work before he could head home. He missed Shawna. He couldn’t wait to see her. He stared at the computer screen. He’d feel a hell of a lot better if Chavez was behind bars. He just didn’t like the feeling he had.

* * * *

Mercury watched Shawna as she jerked awake for the third time since they left the hospital. She was exhausted. She seemed intimidated by him and wouldn’t lean on him to rest. Which was crazy since a few nights ago they slept together in her bed. He couldn’t believe she was sleeping in the closet out of fear. It bothered him and he would need to confront her about it. It was a bit of a ride back to the ranch, so he tried convincing her to rest against him.

“Darlin’, I don’t bite. Come on over here and rest on my shoulder.”