Reaper's Salvation: A Last Riders Trilogy by Jamie Begley (read a book TXT) 📗

from my brothers, why any time something happens, I have to separate myself so no hint of my past can come to light. I either face Allerton or I’ll have to add my niece or nephew to that list. I won’t live like that anymore. I won’t ask anyone else to pay the price of loving me costs.”

“You could have told me.”

Ginny heard the slight tinge of hurt and mistrust in his voice.

“When was I supposed to tell you? Last night?” Ginny felt a blush rushing to her cheeks as she shook her head. “If you’re completely honest, you don’t know what you feel about me. You couldn’t even tell me about seeing Taylor this morning, and yet you sit here, angry at me for keeping a secret from you that could get Trudy, Will, and Hammer hurt.”

“I’m not angry you kept your identity from me; I’m angry because even though you say it was to protect T.A., Will, and Hammer I know the main reason you exposed yourself is because of me.” He wrapped his free hand around her neck. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

Ginny tried to look away from him, but he wouldn’t allow it. She knew then she couldn’t lie to him. “I can’t,” she whispered. “It’s too late. Allerton knows I’m alive now. There’s no going back. I’m going to see this through; take Hammer and leave. Please, Gavin.” She fervently tried to get across to him how important this was to her. “I have to do this. I can’t live with myself if something happens. Trudy and Hammer have families now, and I can’t be their obligation any more. I have to stand on my own two feet. I should have done this a long time ago, but I wasn’t brave enough.”

“What makes you so sure that you are now?”

“I’m not sure I am. I just can’t live with the consequences any longer if I don’t.”

He tightened his hand on her neck like he wanted to shake some sense into her. Instead, he pulled her closer.

“I’m not going to let you do this alone,” he said.

Her protective instincts for Gavin warred with her determination to return to Clindale Island and accomplish what needed to be done. She didn’t want to lead him into danger. He deserved more than losing his life trying to keep her safe.

“Why are you here?” She futilely fought herself to remain in his hold. Gathering her self-control, she moved her hands to his chest to push him back. “Taylor is waiting. Go,” she gasped out, finally getting some breathing room.

“Either I go with you, or you’re not going.”

Ginny saw the tendons in his jaw lock in determination and she hated herself for the relief that flooded through her. Before she could stop from exposing the fear she kept hidden when she saw he was scrutinizing her expression, Gavin gave her an abrupt nod. She didn’t like the message she read in his eyes.

“Wait.” Ginny tried to pull him back down when he started to rise. It was a wasted effort.

Reaching down for her, he tugged her to her feet then went to stand in front of Hammer. “Go home. I’ve got this.”

Hammer stood, his hard features remaining stoic at Gavin’s announcement. “I’m trusting you with her. Don’t let me down,” he finally said before pulling her into his arms.

Ginny was shocked at the gesture. Hammer had never given any indication of his feelings for her. He still didn’t … other than holding her close.

“Kid, if you get yourself hurt, I won’t be happy.”

This was the Hammer she knew and loved.

“I’m in good hands.” Ginny laid her head down on his shoulder, drawing his strength into her body. She was terrified at getting her way, terrified that she wouldn’t be the only one hurt by her actions.

Hammer must have felt her shiver in his arms because he told her, “You’re the bravest woman I know.”

“Killyama would kick you in your balls for saying that.” Ginny gave a small laugh against his shoulder.

“Prove me right.”

“I’ll try.”

Hammer released her from his hold. “Trying won’t get the job done. You’ve been wanting to do this for a while, and I held you back until I was sure you could handle this yourself. You’ve got this, kid. You do what needs to be done. Reaper will make sure you come out alive.”

Gavin didn’t acknowledge Hammer’s confidence in him, his attention on the FBI agents standing at the doors.

“I served with him on a couple of missions before he left the service. No one is better than him with his particular skill.”

Ginny gave Gavin a considering look at Hammer’s statement. “What’s his skill?” she asked quietly, not wanting to give a forewarning to anyone listening.

“Kicking ass.” Hammer held out his fist to Gavin. “Watch your back, brother.”

Gavin didn’t give him a fist bump back. “Will do. And Hammer, when I come home, we’re going to have a talk.”

“Brother, when you and Ginny make it back okay, you can have the first punch.”

It took a good fifteen minutes for Agent Collins to get the okay from his director in letting Gavin switch places with Hammer. Ginny remained a silent spectator as Gavin and Agent Collins argued back and forth. When Gavin gave the agent an envelope filled with documents, Ginny looked interestedly at the marriage certificate, amazed at the signature written on the bottom. She was going to have a long talk with Gavin about the perils of forgery. She hadn’t done the deal with the FBI to get him out of his legal problems for him to spend five to ten in prison for lying to a federal agent.

A phone call to Collins’ boss settled the matter, and Gavin was given the okay to board the plane with her. As they walked toward their plane, Ginny saw Train’s head buried in the plane’s engine before he said something to the pilot before walking over to them.

“Any problems?” Gavin asked as Train neared.

“No, not as far as