Eve Vaughn by Resurrection Page A

together if we’re to see this thing through. It doesn’t matter anyway, we’re here now and I’m going to need some peroxide to clean his wound properly. Could you get some for me as well as bandages?” Chase nodded solemnly. “Will do. Of course I’ll want details of what happened.”
    “Of course.” Jack bobbed his head.
    “You two sure seem to be in a good mood for two people who have suffered through the ordeal you have.”
    Jack smiled. “Sometimes hardships don’t seem so bad when you have someone to count on.”
    “I’m going to take Jack to my room. You can bring the stuff to us there.”
    “Sure thing.”
    They didn’t make it up the stairs before Sydney was accosted by Bella and Holly.
    They barreled themselves at her, nearly knocking Sydney to the ground. “You’re safe!” Holly grabbed her in a bear hug, and Bella’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.
    Sydney shot Jack a pleading glance.
    He kissed her cheek. “I’ll meet you upstairs. You three go ahead and talk.”
     
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    A warm feeling spread throughout her body. She felt like a giddy schoolgirl all over again, and loving Jack had done that to her. “I won’t be long.” Jack smacked her playfully on the rear before heading upstairs. Her friends shot her knowing looks. “Okay, what was that all about?” Holly demanded once Jack was out of earshot.
    Sydney decided to mess with their heads a little. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
    Holly folded her arms across her chest. “Don’t play coy with us. Before you left, you were still having doubts about your feelings for him, but now you two are acting like lovebirds. What’s the deal?”
    Bella grinned. “Yeah, tell us what’s up, Syd.”
    Sydney poked her tongue out at them. “If you must know, Jack and I have come to an understanding.”
    “Which is?” Bella prompted.
    “We love each other. You guys were so right. There’s freedom in loving someone the way I do Jack. I think I might have fought so hard because I suspected I had these feelings for him all along. I was afraid he’d hurt me, but I realized I can’t dwell on the what ifs. When Jack was hurt, I knew I would never forgive myself if I didn’t tell him how I felt. I was being silly in my fears and I wish it hadn’t taken him getting wounded to see that.”
    “That’s fabulous news.” Holly hugged her.
    Bella smirked. “I knew you two had the hots for each other.” Sydney didn’t mind their playful ribbing. In the past it might have embarrassed her, but letting go of her inhibitions had opened her up to a whole horizon of emotions.
    “Yes, you did. I’m probably the only one who didn’t see it.” Holly placed her hand on Sydney’s arm. “So tell us what happened. That jerk Bennett told us about Jack getting wounded and you staying behind, but he wouldn’t give details.”
     
     
     
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    Sydney relayed the events, giving as much description as possible without including the more intimate moments between her and Jack. They were personal and she wanted those memories for herself.
    “Wow. You two have come a long way,” Bella observed.
    Sydney shook her head. “No. We’ve come a long way. Who would have thought out of such adversity we’d find the men of our dreams?” Holly’s cheeks colored to a becoming shade of red. “You’re right. I don’t know what I would do if it weren’t for Chase.”
    “And I feel the same about Dar.”
    “It certainly makes our upcoming task less daunting with them by our sides.” Sydney knew there were rough times ahead, but somehow she was no longer afraid.
     

Chapter Eight
    “Come on in, Chase,” Jack called out when he heard the tap on the bedroom door.
    To his surprise it wasn’t Chase, but Anna. She stepped into the room hesitantly.
    “Chase was called away for something. I hope you don’t mind my bringing the things you’ve requested up to you.”
    Jack stiffened. He knew Anna well enough to realize she had an ulterior motive for