Page 22 of Ranger’s Protection

"It's perfect," she says. Then she turns to face me, and her eyes are wet. "Thank you. For everything. For coming to get me. For keeping me alive. For... for all of it."

"You don't need to thank me."

"Yes, I do. You could've died today because of me. You almost did die. That matters."

I want to tell her that's what I do. I calculate risks, execute plans, protect people who can't protect themselves. That today was just another operation, successful completion of an objective, nothing personal.

But I'd be lying.

It became personal the moment she opened that motel room door.

"Get some sleep," I tell her instead. "I'll be right down the hall if you need anything."

She nods but doesn't move. Just stands there looking at me like she wants to say something else but can't find the words.

"Delilah—"

"Will you stay?" she blurts out. Then immediately looks horrified. "I'm sorry. That's inappropriate. You barely know me. I shouldn't have—"

"Stay how?" I interrupt her.

"Just... nearby. Not in here. That would be weird. But close. So, if I wake up terrified I'm not alone." She's talking faster now, embarrassed. "Forget it. That's asking too much. You probably have things to do, other responsibilities—"

"My room is two doors down," I tell her. "I'll leave both doors open. If you need me, just call out. I'll hear you."

The relief on her face is almost painful to witness.

"Okay," she whispers. "Thank you."

I show her how the lock works, make sure she knows where everything is, and leave her to decompress in private. Two doors down, I enter my own room and immediately feel the tension of the day start to drain. I strip off my jacket, check my weapon, and sink onto the edge of my bed.

My phone buzzes. Text from my sister, Quinn: *Heard you had an exciting day. Everyone okay?*

I respond: *Everyone's fine. Witness secured. I'll fill you in tomorrow.*

**Quinn:** *You sound tired.*

*Three-day op compressed into three hours. Comes with the territory.*

**Quinn:** *Get some sleep, big brother. Stop being a hero long enough to take care of yourself.*

I almost smile at that. *Yes ma'am.*

I set the phone down and lie back, staring at the ceiling. My body is exhausted, but my mind is still running scenarios, replaying the day, analyzing what went right and what could've gone wrong.

The sound of water running through the pipes tells me Delilah is in the shower. Good. She needs it.

I close my eyes and try to force my brain to shut down. Fifteen minutes later, I'm still awake when I hear her door close. Then silence.

I count to sixty. Then another sixty.

Nothing.

Either she fell asleep immediately, possible given her exhaustion, or she's lying there staring at the ceiling the same way I am.

I'm about to give up on sleep myself when I hear it. Small sound. Barely audible. Could be nothing. Could be crying. I'm on my feet before I consciously decide to move, crossing the hallway in three strides. Her door is closed but not locked. I knock three times.

"Delilah? You okay?"