Page 57 of Christmas with Her Bodyguard

‘What’s he saying?’

‘I think it’s his mother. Possibly pregnant, collapsed on the other side of the river.’

Rae’s head jerked up.

‘Well, how did he get here?’

‘I’m guessing the bridge. He mentioned that no one at the camp could help unless his mother got to the bridge herself.’

‘If she has collapsed then surely she won’t make it.’

Half a statement, half a question. Myles simply shook his head curtly.

‘Probably not.’

Rae already knew the answer to her next question, so it was pointless to ask it. Still, she couldn’t keep it in.

‘There’s no way we can drive up there? Cross the bridge?’

‘Not a chance. Not going against all those people. It’s like a swarm. That’s why no one at the forwards camp could. Besides, anyone crossing in that direction risks getting shot by border patrols.’

‘We can’t leave her.’

‘No,’ he agreed grimly.

‘What are you doing?’ She hurried after him as he vaulted into the back of the four-by-four and methodically began to open supply boxes.

‘Looking for a rope.’

‘Why?’

When he didn’t answer, she peered around, her mind spinning. The dirty, wide river frothed angrily as it raced across the land.

Her heart lurched sickeningly.

‘Oh...no. You can’t possibly be thinking of that.’

‘It’s the only way.’

She mustn’t panic. She mustn’t.

‘That current is far too dangerous.’

‘Which is why I’m going to tie the rope around my waist and then attach it to the truck.’

‘Myles.’

What else was she to say? How could she possibly convince him that this whole idea was insane? That he was risking his life. That she didn’t want him to risk his life. Not now. Not ever again.

Because the possibility of losing him hurt too much.

Which was insane, because she didn’t even have him to lose. And she never would have.

‘Do you want me to help this woman, or not?’

; She shot him a look that was anger mixed with pure fear.