Free Marie, Laura - Miss: Senorita and the Soldado [The Miss Series 2] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) by Laura Marie Page B

In fact, it appeared as if he snarled at her. That bad, creepy feeling consumed her as she instantly thought about Armando. The guard nodded his head, and Elloisa followed his line of sight towards another guard. That one was speaking on a cell phone. Uncertain of what to do, she moved closer to Gustavo, and simultaneously, he took her arm as the sound of a car approaching caught her attention. It was black with tinted windows, a Mercedes, and she swallowed again as the headlights turned on. Squinting against the glare from the lights, Gustavo pulled the Jeep across the security check and up the road. He parked behind the Mercedes. “Let’s go,” he told her then quickly took her hand and led her towards the car.
    She was grateful that he held her close. Exhaustion was kicking in, and even she was amazed that she hadn’t passed out yet. She knew she couldn’t. At least until she was certain that she was safe.
    He guided her by the arm, the back passenger door opened, and a second later, they were all driving down the highway.

    * * * *

    The smell of the leather upholstery mixed with perspiration and cologne filled her senses. By the looks of the shadowed beards that appeared on each of the men’s faces, they had been waiting for her and Gustavo awhile.
    Two men sat in the front seat, and Gustavo and another man sat on either side of her in the back.
    The men eyed her then smiled. She wondered what the hell was going on as she glanced back toward the guarded posts at the border. The tinted windows blocked a clear view. She leaned closer to Gustavo and whispered.
    “The guards at the posts—”
    “It’s okay. You’re safe now,” he whispered back.
    The man in the passenger seat spoke on a cell phone.
    “Yes, sir, he got her across. She’s safe, and she’s with us. Okay, sir, we’ll continue to follow the plan.” He hung up the phone.
    Gustavo pulled off his hat and jacket.
    Elloisa pulled off the habit and looked at Gustavo. They exchanged a meaningful look. She was grateful he was with her, but he seemed unemotional that they made it across alive.

    * * * *

    “Hey, Montoya, great job, and just in the nick of time, too. He’s on her tail and too close for comfort.”
    Gustavo nodded.
    “Miss Givani, I’m Agent Franks. This is Agent Perkins.” He motioned towards the driver. “That’s Agent Monroe, and you’ve already met Special Agent Montoya. We work for the Drug Enforcement Agency. You had us all worried for a while, ma’am. We never thought you’d try and escape on your own, never mind make it across those mountains and that desert. Very impressive.”
    “No thanks to any of you!” she blurted out, and they appeared taken aback by her anger.
    “What do you suddenly want from me, and where are you taking me?” she demanded. Gus cleared his throat and looked at her with his eyebrows raised. He thought she was pretty damn tough for such a petite little thing. She was obviously in great physical condition and must be strong as hell to survive more than a year as Armando’s prisoner. If she really was. Gustavo still questioned her sincerity. Was she a prisoner, or did she enjoy his company?
    It annoyed him to think about her with Armando, and the thought of the man touching her, possessing her, really pissed Gustavo off. Now that he had been by Elloisa’s side during her escape, he felt a bit possessive himself. He took a deep breath and tried to eliminate the foolish thought by focusing on the other agents.
    They explained their investigation a little and tried to make her more comfortable.

    * * * *

    “We’re headed to the airport then to New York,” Agent Franks stated, and she eyed each agent, not bothering to hide her scrutiny. They were dressed casually, in jeans and sweatshirts. Each of them carried a sidearm, just like Gustavo.
    “I’m sure you can’t wait to see your family,” Agent Franks stated, and Elloisa shot him a look as if he’d insulted her.
    “What did you