The Midnight Hour - Brenda Jackson [78]
CHAPTER 11
"Sandy?"
Ashton's voice trembled and Tori knew it wasn't from fear but emotion. He wasn't afraid of anything or anyone, however, when it came to those he cared about, he felt deep.
"Yes, Ash, it's me with a new face, nice dental work, and better skin in some places-all compliments of my country. I asked for a boob job, but they turned me down claiming it wasn't medically necessary."
She watched as his features, which had been full of tension, slowly relax. He continued to stare at her, speechless. Then he smiled, a huge rich grin, and reached out and pulled her into his arms. He held her tight and all the emotions he felt poured straight through to her. He finally let go and gazed down at her. "But-but how? Why?"
She took his hand and together they sat down on the sofa. For the next fifteen minutes she told him what had happened after the explosion in Haiti. He listened attentively, not saying anything but she could tell by the intense look on his face that he was taking everything in. Deep understanding lined his eyes.
"Now I know why you were at the hospital that night to see Drake."
Tori inhaled deeply. "When I heard that he was… dying, I had to do something, Ash, even if it was against Hawk's orders. What I did may be the reason I'm in this mess now, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat to help Drake."
"And you think Cross has discovered your real identity?"
"I'm not sure. Hawk doesn't think so. He thinks if Cross knew that I was Sandy, he would be furious enough to come after me himself."
Ashton nodded. "Knowing how much he hates Drake and blames him for his wife's death, I have to agree with Hawk. Cross has gloated at the thought that he's been the cause of Drake's pain and suffering for the past five years. And if he found out that he'd been duped, I don't want to think about what method of revenge he would use on the both of you."
Ashton then looked at her and asked, "I take it that Drake doesn't know you're Sandy?"
Shutting her eyes, Tori felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. She slowly opened them. "No, but I plan on telling him tonight. According to Hawk, the agency intends to use me and Drake as bait to get Cross." She then told him what Hawk had told her about Cross wanting them taken alive and how her abductors were supposed to deliver them to some drop-off point. It was the CIA's intention to monitor the exchange and be there to apprehend the elusive Cross.
"I can't believe they're willing to take a chance like that on your and Drake's lives. Anything can go wrong and I don't trust Cross to do things according to plan."
Tori nodded. "Neither do I, and knowing Drake, he'll have those same thoughts as well."
When they heard the sound of Trevor and Drake returning, Ashton stood and pulled her up. "Is it all right for me to tell Trevor you're Sandy?"
"Yes. I plan to tell Drake later anyway."
Ashton nodded. "Trevor and I will leave so you can talk to Drake. As soon as you tell him the truth the better."
Tori nodded. She knew that was true but she definitely wasn't looking forward to it.
Tori could barely drink her water with Drake standing across the room, leaning against the kitchen counter and watching her every move. They had eaten the food that Trevor and Ashton had left and now Drake stood waiting. She had told him during dinner that she wanted to talk to him after they'd finished eating.
He had asked to take a shower first and he had come back into the kitchen afterwards. He stood tall, powerfully built and wearing nothing but a pair of jeans. He possessed a commanding presence.
Over the rim of her glass her gaze roamed his body, centering in on his wide shoulders and muscular arms. Then there was the hair on his naked chest and how it tapered down his fiat stomach going past the waistband of his jeans. Although her vision stopped there, she was well aware of how things looked beyond that point, specifically how well