Ruthless Game

CHAPTER 2

The moment that Kane and Javier were gone, Rose covered her face with her hands and allowed herself a brief moment to shake uncontrollably. She had to drag in several deep breaths to keep from crumbling completely, to keep from shedding ridiculous, stupid tears. She’d always been so fearful in comparison to the other women she’d grown up with. They had no problems or qualms with their training—she’d always been tentative, forcing herself not to show fear when at times she’d been terrified—like now.

Kane Cannon. She remembered every moment of their time together in vivid detail. The way he smelled. His incredible strength. The feel of his skin against hers. She had chosen him for the father of her child because she knew she had no choice. Whitney had grown impatient with her, and when he knew she was fertile, he would send his choice. Kane Cannon was ruthless and dangerous, capable of swift violence. He was unrelenting and merciless if need be, but one of her psychic gifts was the ability to know when someone lied to her. Kane had been the first man who hadn’t lied.

He found Whitney and his experiments distasteful, and when he was drawn into the breeding program and realized the women were virtually prisoners—that they hadn’t volunteered but were forced into the program—she knew everything in him rebelled. She had known the moment she spoke to him that he would risk his career—his very life—to reveal Whitney’s vile experiments to the authorities. Time had run out on her, and she knew Whitney was determined that no matter what it took, he would get his supersoldier baby from her, so she had chosen Kane.

She’d been so frightened and horribly saddened, wanting her first time to be with someone she loved. She had been terrified of Kane when he’d entered the room. She knew Whitney was watching and listening. If she didn’t cooperate, they would tie her down, and she honestly wasn’t certain she had the courage to go through with it. The first thing Kane had done was smash the camera and recorder, and then he’d disposed of Whitney’s listening device and sat down on the edge of her bed.

He’d looked so big. He towered over her with his height, his wide shoulders, and large hands. Everything about him was intimidating, especially his piercing green eyes. She shivered uncontrollably as if she were still locked up, waiting for the inevitable to happen. Her heart thundered in her ears and pounded in her chest, but she’d been determined to at least have the best man possible for the father of her child. Kane was a good man in spite of the fact that he could be deadly when needed. She’d watched him for weeks before she’d made her decision. If circumstances were different, she knew she would have chosen him anyway, but right then, she was terrified.

And then he touched her. Exquisitely gentle. There was nothing rough about him when he brushed the hair back from her face. “This is bullshit, Rose. I’ll find a way to get you out of here. We don’t have to do this.”

Her world changed instantly with those words. It was so unexpected after the brutes Whitney had sent to her. She still had bruises from the last one making his try. The worst thing—and what Kane didn’t know—was that she’d chosen him. She’d watched him from the exercise yard, and she’d seen the differences in him. At that point he didn’t even know she—or the breeding program—existed. She’d drawn him in by making him her choice. The shame would last her entire life. She’d brought him into the horror of her world, and now he had no more choice than she did.

Rose covered her face and rocked back and forth. She knew he despised himself for getting her pregnant, for being unable to stop Whitney before he touched her, but he had no idea Whitney would never have considered pairing them if she hadn’t chosen him. Kane felt guilty, but she was the guilty party.

The baby kicked hard, and she automatically rubbed her palms over her swollen belly in a soothing motion. She could barely face him, barely look him in the eye, after what she’d done. She knew about the pheromones, knew once Whitney paired them, Kane would have no choice but to crave her body day in and day out. She’d seen the effect on the other men. They had been willing to kill to get to her. Willing to force her just to have her. She’d done that to Kane, a man with principles and honor.

She crushed down the memories and forced herself to stand. It had taken so much effort to be able to appear cool and in control, but she didn’t have to waste energy keeping up appearances.

“You and me, baby,” she whispered. “I’ll keep you safe.”

She felt very alone and vulnerable, her time too close, and she hadn’t established a safe birthing place. She’d made friends with a couple of women, one she’d been certain could help her give birth, but now the cartel had ruined that. She had to run fast and far, and now Kane had complicated everything—but she owed him. He thought it was the other way around, but she hadn’t been able to bear the idea of one of Whitney’s psycho soldiers touching her. They all made her skin crawl.

She’d watched Kane, the way he moved, the sound of his voice, the way he treated others. And she’d made that fateful decision. The baby kicked again, this time a little harder, breaking into her thoughts, and she found a small smile on her face as she rubbed her tummy again.

“You don’t like it when I’m upset, do you?” she asked softly. “I’m upset on your daddy’s behalf. I did a very bad thing, and I have no way to make up for it.” She moved in silence to the window and peered out.

Her lights had been off for hours, and she knew she’d established that pattern weeks ago. No one would think it odd. She kept to herself and stayed inside after dark, never turning on lights. The neighbors probably thought she tried to save money by not using electricity, but she had excellent night vision, thanks to Whitney’s enhancements. She stared at the street for some time. Kane and the others would be setting into action their plan to rescue the hostages. She had to quit feeling guilty and sorry for herself; that did no good, and there were two people who desperately needed help. She had seen the extreme violence the cartel was capable of. They would kill the hostages no matter what el presidente did. The GhostWalkers were their only hope.

She was already in dark clothing, and with her ability to camouflage her appearance, she knew she could aid the GhostWalker team should they need it. Her telepathy wasn’t particularly strong, but Kane’s was, and she tapped into the flow, knowing how to do so from when they were together working against Whitney.

She closed her eyes, allowing her mind to expand, to reach out for the flow of energy, into the current Kane generated with his team.

Working my way into position, Mack, Kane reported.

Let’s get this done. Mack was all business, and the familiar voice settled the tight knots in Kane’s gut. There was no way to go into a mission with his brain divided. He had to push Rose out of his mind and concentrate on getting the hostages out as quietly as possible. They expected to leave dead enemies behind, but they wanted to be quiet about it. This was a take-no-prisoners mission and needed complete silence. Moving now.

Mack was a blur, no more than a shadow as he went up the side of the building, retrieving the tiny star stairs as he went up, gaining the roof. In position, he reported.

Kane and Javier managed to gain the sidewalk just outside the two-story apartment building. It was their responsibility to ensure Mack and Ethan had a clear path through the building to the desert. Gideon would protect them from the roof and then make his way along the rooftops to the edge of the desert.

Kane waited, counting his heartbeats while loud voices boomed through the entryway to the apartments and then slowly—too slowly—faded. He bounced pressure waves through the walls. The entryway was empty, but there was a man two stairs up, just leaning against the wall.

On the right, he told Javier.

Javier was smaller, a lean killing machine, and his shadow would be less noticeable. The sentry would feel the draft and look up, but he’d be too late. Kane, knife in one hand, ready for the throw, opened the door with the other. Javier somersaulted in, coming to his feet just a scant distance from the stairs, his knife hurtling through the air to bury the blade in the sentry’s throat.

Kane slipped into the foyer, right behind Javier, allowing the sentry to catch a brief glimpse of him, just enough to distract him from the real threat. As Javier threw the knife, a second guard emerged from a room just to their left. Kane was on him, one hand muffling sound as the other delivered the killing blow with the blade. He shoved the body back in the room, and Javier added the second one. Neither bothered to do anything about the blood spatter. There was old blood on the floors and walls, some very recent, as if the apartments were used to violence.

We’re in, it’s a go, Kane said as he and Javier started up the stairs, taking care to feel each individual step for sound before they placed their feet.

Mack signaled Ethan, and Ethan slipped over the side of the building, making his way to the window, leaving behind the stars for Mack to use. There were no ropes, and no one would ever think they could climb up or down the two-story structure.

Guard on the balcony, Mack, Ethan cautioned suddenly. I can smell his cigarette smoke.

Rose stepped out of her apartment to get a better look. She could see the guard on the balcony clearly; he was smoking a cigarette and staring down at the street. It took her a long time, even with her night vision, to spot the man clinging like a spider to the side of the building. Her heart leapt.

He’s directly in line with you. All he has to do is look up once he turns.

There was a moment of silence as each member of the team realized Rose had tapped into their communication through Kane.

Talk to us, Mack made the decision, trusting Kane’s judgment that she was on their side.

Ethan moved with infinite slowness, inch by slow inch, turning upside down right there on the side of the building. He hung with his head down, clinging to the side with his toes and one hand while he, with that same agonizing slowness, took his knife from between his teeth, transferring it to his one free hand. There in the dark he looked like a giant spider, looming over unsuspecting prey.

Mack had already started down the stars Ethan had lodged in the building, retrieving them as he descended. Now he hovered above Ethan, a dark shadow completely motionless, just waiting.

Rose kept her gaze glued on the guard. He used his fingertips to crush the glowing tip and snapped it over the narrow balcony to the street below. He’s turning.

I’ve got him now, Ethan reassured, his voice absolutely calm.

Rose watched, one hand protectively over her baby and the other around the hilt of her knife. They wanted silence. She couldn’t use a gun, but ...

The guard turned and took a step, a single fatal step. He never saw Ethan as he dropped down just like a spider, driving the point of his knife deep. He kept his grip on the guard, easing him to the balcony floor in silence. Mack joined him, shoving the throwing stars into the loops on his inside vest. Ethan stepped back, and Mack took the lead.

The balcony door was open. Inside the room, the television blared loudly. Two chairs, back to back, held the woman and a little girl of ten. They were tied, hands and feet. Both had gags in their mouths. The little girl’s head swung toward them as they stepped silently into the room. Her eyes went wide with shock when she realized the shadows were large men coming out of the night at her. The mother didn’t move, her head hanging as if she wasn’t conscious.

Mack put a finger to his lips and shook his head. The little girl froze. There were tears swimming in her eyes. Ethan crossed to the mother, crouching down beside her. Both eyes were swollen closed. She had cuts on her mouth and chin and bruising around her neck. Her dress was torn in several places, and there was evidence of bruising beneath the garment.

Ethan swore under his breath as he cut the ropes. Her hands were nearly purple. She was barefoot, and both feet were cut and bruised as well as swollen.

She’s in bad shape. I’m going to have to carry her.

That was bad news. Mack was going to have the child, and with the woman needing a ride as well, that put both men in a more vulnerable position. But they were prepared.

We’ll move in ten, Kane announced calmly.

Roger that. Mack cut the child free and lifted her into his arms, soothing her in Spanish. “Your uncle sent us to get you and your mother out of here. We have to be very quiet.”

The child frowned and put her mouth next to Mack’s ear. “What about my little brother?”

Mack stiffened. No one had said anything about a brother. “Where’s your brother, sweetie?”

“They took him away.”

We have a complication. There’s another child. A boy. “How old is he?”

She muffled her cough against his shirt. “Five.”

Kane, the moment we hit the ground running, drop back with Javier and find that boy.

Javier lay at the top of the stairs, his body stretched out on the floor. A low light illuminated the end of the hall and cast shadows down the corridor. A guard sat in front of the door to the third apartment. He had his chair tipped back and his legs sprawled out in front of him. His weapon was in his lap, and he appeared to be sleeping, but neither Javier nor Kane was deceived. Every few seconds he stroked his finger over the trigger as though caressing his gun.

Will do. Hold. The guard’s alert.

You want us to draw him inside?

Javier glanced at Kane and nodded just once. He eased his body down the threadbare carpet. Anyone could come out of their apartment and conceivably step on him on their way to the stairs. Both doubted anyone would be showing their face with so many armed men in the building.

Get his attention, Kane said.

Mack whispered to the little girl, and she nodded her head once. He moved her closer to the door. “Be brave, sweetheart.”

She swallowed hard, closed her eyes, and pressed herself tight into Mack. “Mommy. Mommy, wake up. Hurry.”

Her voice was scared, hushed, perfect for their needs. Mack positioned himself on one side of the door, and Ethan went to the other. Mack pushed the little girl behind his solid body.

The guard’s head came up alertly. As he stood, he looked right at Kane, who was pressed against the wall, deep in the shadow. The chair came down with a thud inches from Javier’s outstretched fingers. Javier never so much as winced. The guard’s boots were old and worn, thin in places, and Javier just barely missed getting stepped on as the man swung around to face the door, his finger still on the trigger as the other hand twisted the doorknob.

Javier rolled out of the way as Kane moved into position behind the man. The guard kicked the door open and took a step. Kane slammed the knife home with one hand and jerked the weapon with the other, preventing him from firing. Mack whirled around and covered the little girl’s eyes.

“Keep your head down. Stay tight against me. We’re taking you home,” he whispered. “You have to stay very quiet.” He dragged the protective vest from his pack and quickly dressed her in it before lifting her. He waited for Ethan to put the unconscious woman in a vest as well and shift her into a fireman’s carry. They were both vulnerable, packing the hostages out into enemy territory.

Kane lowered the body of the dead guard to the floor well inside the room and went back to the doorway, peering up and down the hall before signaling Javier. The two of them moved like wraiths, Javier disappearing down the stairs while Kane guarded the hall.

You’re clear to here, Javier stated.

What’s happening on the street, Rose? Kane demanded.

Staying quiet, she announced. Get moving. We have to find that child before they’re on to us, or they’ll kill him.

There was no “we” involved in finding the boy, but Kane didn’t have time to argue with Rose. It was imperative to find the boy before the rescue could be discovered. He signaled Mack to start down the stairs with Ethan close on his heels. Kane dropped in behind them, moving silently, his gun in his fist this time. He was using a silencer, but still, they wanted to slip out without alerting the enemy force.

Something is happening at the end of the street. Teens are running in all directions. They look scared, Rose reported. Get out of there.

There was no urgency in her voice, but Kane sensed it, as did the others. Javier went through the door first, and after visually clearing the street, waved Mack and Ethan through. They ran flat out, dark shadows moving through the open street for the desert.

Bring in the bird. We’ll rendezvous in four minutes, Mack said. Gideon, you’ve got eight minutes from my mark.

Roger that. Gideon was calm. He kept his eyes on the street, sweeping rooftops and windows. Mack and Ethan were past the buildings now and running hard through the desert toward their destination. His job was to back Kane.

Rose, get moving, Kane ordered, even as he began quartering the buildings. They wouldn’t have taken the child too far from his mother and sister. They wanted leverage, and a five-year-old was perfect to manipulate a woman. Get on that helicopter.

Rose slipped back into her apartment and shrugged into her pack. She traveled light. She hadn’t invested in much for the baby, just the bare necessities, and she knew better than to add anything that might slow her down. She wasn’t getting on the helicopter without Kane. Kane could give all the orders in the world, but she didn’t trust anyone else. She owed him, and she knew he would protect her and the baby, but the others ...

She’d started this mess by calling in a team. She hadn’t done enough research and found out about the boy. That omission was on her. Now Kane and the other man, Javier, were going to be left behind if they didn’t find the boy in eight minutes.

Got him. At the end of the block. Corner apartment; he’s in the back room.

That’s impossible, even for you, Javier protested. He’d been standing with the teens just outside the apartment. He hadn’t gotten that churning in his gut that meant that trouble was close.

Remember something spooked those kids from their little party? One of them was dragged inside, and he’s being used as a target. They’re forcing the child to stab him repeatedly. Looks like everyone inside is having a good time but the two kids. Kane’s voice was grim.

He moved fast, heading down the street toward the corner apartment, staying well into the shadows along the sidewalk. He stumbled once, weakness overtaking him, but he kept going. The sight of the two boys, one five, the other a teenager, caught in the hellish situation turned his stomach. He cared little that using his psychic talent drained his energy. He ran on sheer adrenaline, sprinting down the street, Javier on his heels.

They halted abruptly outside the apartment, one on either side of the door.

If we go in guns blazing, we might hit the kid, Javier pointed out.

Kane swore under his breath. Five men. One holding the kid. The teen is tied standing to a post of some kind. They’re all drinking.

It was unnecessary to add the last, because the stench of alcohol was permeating the air outside the apartment. They had to get inside without triggering a firefight. Kane felt a prickle of unease down his spine and spun around at the same moment as Javier.

Rose swept past them and knocked on the door before either could stop her. She looked completely different. Her hair was dark and thick and seemed to trail down her back. She looked very young, like a teenager. There was no evidence of her pregnancy; if anything, she looked too slim.

The door was yanked open from inside, and a large man, disheveled and armed to the teeth, lost his angry expression and began to grin like a macabre puppet. He had scars on his face and a gold tooth.

In Spanish, Rose asked for her brother. “His friends said he came in here, and he needs to come home.”

The man nodded several times and reached for her nape, curling his fingers around her neck and jerking her to him. His eyes went wide. Shocked. He gurgled, and blood bubbled from his mouth to dribble down his chin. He hunched a little, another sound escaping, this time a gasp.

Kane and Javier fell in behind Rose, using the large man as a shield as they entered the apartment. Kane went left, Javier right. Kane took out the man forcing the five-year-old to stab the teen. The knife sliced through his neck, the tip protruding out the other side. On his knees, the dead man slumped over, falling away from the child. Rose shoved the big man to the ground and, stepping between his legs, threw her knife, still dripping with blood, into the heart of a man sitting in a chair clutching a bottle of tequila. Javier stepped right into the fourth man, hand-to-hand, nearly dwarfed by the size of the guard. His eyes were flat and cold, his smile never changing as he shoved his weapon deep and twisted to ensure the kill.

Kane whirled around to rush the last man. The guard had his finger on the trigger and was bringing his weapon around to center on Kane. Three throwing stars slammed deep into the guard’s stomach and chest, climbing toward his throat, but his turn toward Kane caused the aim to be slightly off center. He squeezed the trigger as Kane hit him low, taking his legs out from under him. The bullets spit across the ceiling so that chunks of debris rained down.

The boy screamed loudly over and over, the bloody knife still clutched in his hand. Javier batted the weapon away, snatched up the child, and sprinted out the door, running at top speed toward the safety of the desert. It was up to Gideon to protect them now.

Javier has the package and is coming your way, Gideon reported calmly.

Men poured into the streets, some half dressed but all armed. The sound of the automatic was loud in the silence of the night. For one moment chaos reigned, and that was the only moment they were going to get.

Rose! Go! Get out of here, Kane snapped even as he came together with the falling guard, jerking the automatic from his hands and tossing it aside.

The guard gripped Kane’s neck, trying to strangle him, adrenaline giving him extra strength. Rose stepped in close, shoved a knife in the back of the guard’s neck as Kane pressed his gun against the man’s heart and pulled the trigger. Kane caught Rose by the wrist and jerked her behind him. He didn’t bother going out the front door; they’d never make it. He walked fast through the small apartment, clearing the doorways visually and trusting Rose to watch their backs as they moved briskly to the rear of the apartment. There was no way for them to save the teenage boy; they could only hope someone in the apartments rescued him before the cartel members decided to question him—if he was even alive.

Kane peered out the bedroom window. There was no door leading outside, but the window faced out into a narrow corridor. The only scenery was a wall. Using his elbow he smashed through the glass and then cleared it from the frame. There was no point in wasting time reprimanding Rose for not listening and going with Javier. They had to find an exit and get out of the hot zone. The helicopter wouldn’t be waiting for them. Gideon had to follow Javier to protect the packages. He and Rose were on their own.

He lifted her and she slipped through, crouching down just to the left of the window, giving him room, her gun in her hand. He was a big man, and he had no choice but to break the wooden frame to get through. He muffled the sound as best he could and hit the ground running, Rose behind him. They made it to the door leading outside. It hung on one hinge, paint peeled, splintered, obviously kicked in on more than one occasion. They could hear pounding footsteps coming toward the door. It sounded like an entire army.

Rose swung around, intending to go in the other direction, but Kane stopped her with a touch to her shoulder, stepping back and throwing the stars at an angle up the wall. He leapt and caught his fingers in a crack, drawing himself up, using the first star, a good six feet above the ground to stand on. He climbed to the next one and reached down for her.

Without hesitation, Rose jumped, her arm outstretched. Kane caught her wrist and drew her up. They climbed fast. Each time she took a step up, she reached behind her and withdrew the star until they were at the top. Kane went over the edge first, rolling onto the rooftop. Rose used a one-hand push. As pregnant as she was, rolling was out of the question unless she had no other choice. Landing, she crouched low beside Kane. He could hear her panting.

You all right?

She was silent a moment, fighting to catch her breath. A little out of shape.

Kane studied her face. She avoided his eyes, concentrating on her breathing, but she didn’t look like she would freak out on him.

We’re away. Mack’s voice was grim. Can you make the alternative site?

That’s negative. Kane’s voice was as rock steady and calm as ever. I’m activating the tracker.

Mack swore. You make it out of there, Kane.

Roger that.

Kane took a long look around the roof. It appeared clear, but he wasn’t so certain. The smell of alcohol drifted on the slight breeze coming in from the desert. He signaled to Rose to stay where she was and inched his way, using toes and elbows to propel himself across the rooftop. He skirted the large rusty metal housing the cooling system and spotted a guard scooting across the roof toward the edge. He knelt up and peered down into the street. A broken bottle lay beside an open bag. The man must have dropped it when he heard the shots.

Don’t you fucking move, Rose. Kane allowed his anger at her to show. She would have been safe if she’d just gotten on that helicopter. She didn’t respond one way or the other, and he didn’t look at her, concentrating on the enemy.

If he could kill the guard before anyone realized they were on the roof, they had a chance to escape. It was a slim chance, but they were GhostWalkers—they didn’t need a clean walk through the park to make it.

His order was met with silence. Her breathing was back under control, and when he glanced at her, she looked small and alone. Probably frightened. Maybe he shouldn’t have sworn at her, but damn it all, why didn’t women ever listen? He’d been scared—terrified—for her. He couldn’t bear to look at her with blood spatter all over her clothes and in her hair. She’d been cool though. He had to hand her that. Insane, but cool.

He didn’t hurry. Hurrying could get one killed. The urgency of their situation didn’t matter, only crossing the distance between him and the one man who could tell the rest of the world where they were. He inched his way, taking care to move in complete silence. The guard breathed hard, the sound loud in the night. Below them, the sound of shouts and footsteps echoed through the darkness. Lights flashed as men frantically searched the yards and apartments.

Kane patiently inched closer, breathing softly, never taking his eyes from his prey. His heart slammed hard in his chest. He couldn’t make a mistake, not with Rose and his child on the roof with him. She couldn’t fall into enemy hands. The guard shifted, and Kane froze. The man leaned farther over the wall to search the street below, watching the frantic activity. Kane inched closer. He could touch the guard now, but the automatic weapon was over the short wall. If the gun was dropped, the searching cartel members would know their quarry was on the roof. The longer the time went by, the less likely they could get away.

Kane could hear screams as innocent people were pulled from their apartments to allow their homes to be searched. The door-by-door search was loud and ugly, the men furious at having lost their hostages. By now they would have found the bodies of their slain friends. Gideon was gone like the ghost he was, climbing down from the rooftop to the desert edge, where he raced to meet the helicopter. Kane and Rose were on their own with a street full of very angry enemies.

The guard muttered something and sank back on his heels, fishing for his cigarettes. The automatic rifle lay loosely in his lap as he lit a match. Kane was on him instantly, rising up, locking his arm around the sentry’s neck, one hand on the back of his head. He applied pressure, snapping the neck with his enormous strength in one motion. Almost gently, he lowered the guard to the rooftop, crushing out the lit cigarette. He’d had plenty of time while inching his way across the roof to ensure the sentry was alone.

Rose. Kane called her to his side. Let’s get out of here.

She remained silent, coming to him without hesitation. He caught her wrist. We’re going to have to climb down. Once we’re on the ground, stay in the shadows and head for that truck at the end of the street. It isn’t the best plan, but it’s all we’ve got. You take lead. She was less noticeable than he was. They wouldn’t be looking for a woman.

There was no doubt in his mind that he was going to be captured—or killed. But he could get Rose to safety if she just did what he said.

Rose stepped past him to peer down into the street. Crowds of people were milling around, some crying, others silent, most clutching one another in fear.

You aren’t sacrificing yourself for me.

We aren’t going to argue about this, Rose. That’s our child you’re carrying. Do you have any idea what will happen to you if they capture you? Start down and get to the damn truck. I know you can hotwire a car.

She stepped in front of him, forcing him to look down at her, to meet her glittering gaze. I can change our images. It won’t last long, but it will be enough to get both of us through the street to the truck.

Too risky. He dismissed her offer immediately. Get moving.

She didn’t blink. She continued staring up at him with her wide, dark eyes, her expression the same.

Damn it, Rose. This is no time to start acting like a woman. Get your ass down to the street and do what I say. Obviously, yelling didn’t come across as well using telepathy. Intimidation and absolute command just didn’t have the same ring, he could tell by her total lack of reasoning.

Sadly for you, you have no authority over me. Get your own ass down to the street. I’m not trading your life for mine when I know we both can make it out of here. Just because you have to turn control over to me for a few minutes, you can’t take the chance, and that’s just stupid.

Kane scowled at her—his blackest, most fierce scowl. Every man he knew backed up when he gave them that look, but she just stood there, barely coming up to his sternum, looking like a little doll. He swore under his breath. We don’t have time for this.

No, we don’t. I suggest you get moving.

She was going to be the biggest pain in his ass. They really didn’t have time to argue, and it was evident by the stubborn look on her face that she would stand there until hell froze over. One of them had to be reasonable.

Cursing, Kane went over the side of the building, keeping to the darkest areas, slamming the stars deep so she could have an easier climb. With every crack he found for his fingers and toes, he swore—and there were a lot of cracks in the old building. There was a reason men didn’t go into combat with women. Rose was a prime example. Stubborn as hell. Illogical. Completely illogical. This was the last time she was going to refuse to listen to him. And it sure as hell was the last time she was going into a combat situation.

He made it to the ground and turned back to catch her around the waist. At once he realized how pregnant she was. For some reason, she just didn’t seem that big until he touched her. Then he had the feeling she had a beach ball under her shirt. He set her down gently and swept her beneath his shoulder, holding her close just for a moment. He didn’t know if she needed the comfort or if he did, but she didn’t move, her arm slipping around his waist, her head resting on his chest.

We’ll make it, Rose, he reassured. Do your thing, and let’s get out of here.

Rose straightened with a brief nod of her head. I’ll need you to stoop a little. Slump down so you’re a little shorter and stay very close to me. Just follow my lead. I’ll get us through the crowd.

Kane swallowed his protest. He’d asked her to put her faith in him more than once. Why was it so damned hard to turn over control to a woman? Hell. He’d gotten her pregnant in a place where she had no choice, knowing Whitney would take her baby from her and use it for his experiments in his quest to make the perfect supersoldier. She’d given him her trust when he didn’t deserve it. He owed her. Taking a breath, he nodded and slouched, moving very close to her, one arm around her waist.

They stepped out onto the street, into the mass of people. Rose walked hesitantly, as if each step was difficult. He tried not to notice the stains on her clothes, but even in the dark he could spot the blood spatter. Lighting was poor, but if anyone examined her, they couldn’t fail to see the spots. Families clung to one another, fear on their faces as men with guns searched their homes. He and Rose moved with infinite slowness through the throng. His heart pounded, and he avoided eyes.

Halfway to the truck, Rose stopped abruptly, hunched over with both hands on her obviously swollen belly, panting. If he hadn’t known she was acting, he would have panicked. An older woman murmured to her in Spanish, asking questions. Rose replied in a gasping voice that she was too early, and the labor was intense.

The older woman marched up to one of the cartel sentries and whispered to him. It was evident she knew him. The man looked annoyed and shook his head twice, but the older woman persisted.

You deliberately stopped in front of her, Kane guessed.

That’s her son. She’s been providing information to him about the movements of the police and soldiers. I made certain I was extra nice to her, bringing her groceries and helping her out just in case I needed an ally.

He had to hand it to her, she planned for every contingency. She was casting an illusion even he had to believe. She looked Mexican, her hair longer and thicker, and he supposed he did as well. She also looked ragged and very, very pregnant. Each step was labored. She panted. She looked as if she might give birth any moment.

The guard gave in with a dark scowl and motioned them forward. The older woman handed her keys and pointed out a battered sedan, telling her to be careful.

You should get in the car and begin sliding across the seat on the driver’s side. The moment we’re apart, the illusion will dissolve, and if anyone is looking, they’ll know something isn’t right. Start the car. I’ll drive because I know the back roads and a place we can hole up for a short while. If we get away clean, we can use the car and then ditch it as soon as we’re in the clear. If they see us, we’ll have to ditch the car sooner, and I’m not in good enough shape to walk far.

Kane nodded and pulled open the driver side door, bending with her as if handing her inside, keeping contact in an effort to preserve the illusion as long as possible. He inserted the key and turned it to start the engine. For a heart-stopping moment the engine stalled, and then it turned over. He jumped into the seat and scooted over as fast as a big man could in the small space.