Read Online Eye for an Eye, an (Heroes of Quantico Book #2): A Novel by Irene Hannon - Free Book Online Page B

informed them.
    That didn’t surprise Mark. He thought back to the spunky teen who had insisted on walking out of the woods herself rather than wait for help after spraining her ankle on one of their hikes.
    One corner of his mouth hitched up.
    “I think we have enough able-bodied men here to get her safely to the car.”
    “Lucky her.” The nurse gave the three of them an approving look and grinned. “She’s all set.”
    “It’s about time we get to meet this mystery woman,” Coop said.
    “This pretty mystery woman,” Nick chimed in, adjusting his jacket.
    Mark narrowed his eyes, and the other man shrugged.
    “Hey, the background stuff came in on my fax machine. Her picture was right on top. You had your chance twenty years ago.”
    “You’re here to protect her. Nothing more,” Mark reminded him.
    Nick gave a mock salute, grinned, and patted his gun. “Reporting for duty, sir. I’ll be happy to take the night shift.”
    “I knew I liked this guy.” Coop chuckled. “Even if he is a health-food nut.”
    Nick turned to him. “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
    “I wouldn’t think of it.”
    “If you two are finished, why don’t we talk about a plan?”Mark knew Nick was kidding around. He was a pro on the job.
    But he was all man off the job, according to his colleagues, with a playboy image to match.
    Yet now that Mark had lived in his house for six weeks, he was beginning to suspect that image was more illusion than reality.
    As far as he could see, Nick spent every spare hour lavishing his love on the pile of old bricks he was restoring rather than on a bevy of women. Nevertheless, Nick’s obvious appreciation of Emily’s considerable physical charms disconcerted him.
    “While we stop for that cold drink you promised the lady yesterday, Nick could pick up any prescriptions she needs filled, go on to her condo, and do a sweep. That will expedite things once we get there,” Coop suggested.
    “Good idea. You okay with that?” Mark turned to Nick.
    “Sure.”
    “Okay. Let’s do it.” Leading the way, he gave a discreet tap on the door and stepped inside.
    Emily was sitting on the edge of the bed, dressed in a khaki skirt short enough to reveal an appealing length of leg and a crisp, white sleeveless blouse. She had a gauze patch on her knee, a smaller one on her cheek, and a bulky bandage on her left arm.
    Plus assorted bruises in varying shades of purple and green.
    “Ready to leave?” Mark smiled at her.
    “More than ready.”
    He stepped aside and introduced Nick and Coop.
    “It’s nice to meet you.” Emily took their hands in turn. “Mark’s already told me about both of you.”
    He ignored the suspicious looks they sent his way.
    “Nick’s going to go on to your place while we stop for that drink. If you’re up for that.”
    “Just try to talk me out of it. I’m not letting you off the hook because of a little gunshot wound.” She dug around in her purse and handed over her keys. “You’ll need my security alarm code too. Let me find a piece of paper and write it down.” She began to rummage through her purse again, but Mark touched her arm.
    “Just tell us. We’ll remember.”
    “Okay.” She recited it.
    “Got it.” Mark passed her keys to Nick. “We convinced the nurse to forgo the wheelchair.”
    “Thanks.”
    She scooted to the edge of the bed, and Mark moved beside her. “On the condition that you lean on us.”
    “That’s no hardship.” She angled a look at Mark but turned to include Nick and Coop as well. “I can’t recall ever having had this many handsome men at my beck and call.”
    “Flattery will get you everywhere.” Coop grinned and moved beside her as she and Mark reached the end of the bed. Nick picked up her overnight case in one hand and juggled the vase of flowers in the other.
    They escorted her down the hall, but when she paused at the bank of elevators, Mark urged her forward. “We’re taking that one.” He indicated the