Read Online Off Limits by Lindsay McKenna - Free Book Online

“If I were worth anything at all, I’d have gotten you back to the marine firebase by now.”
    â€œIf you weren’t worth anything, you’d have left me in that jungle to die or be captured.”
    Rubbing his face, Jim glanced down at Alex. “You carry the faith of the world in your large heart. You know that?”
    â€œI’m an idealist,” Alex agreed. “But then, so are you.”
    â€œMe?”
    â€œYes. My father’s a congressman, and he’s a realist. He’s always accused me—”
    â€œA congressman?” Jim turned toward her, astounded.
    Blankly, Alex studied his suddenly tense face. “Didn’t I tell you Father’s a congressman?”
    His mouth went dry. “No.” His mind whirling, Jim knew without a doubt that all kinds of rescue missions would be sent to find Alex. It had been three days since the crash. Maybe that’s why the VC activity around their tunnel had increased. The marines no doubt had sent in a recon team to try to locate Alex, or at least to investigate the crash sight.
    â€œWhat’s wrong, Jim?”
    He shook his head. “Nothing’s wrong.” Every firebase in the vicinity would be on the lookout for Alex. Getting her safely through the net of VC to the marines might be possible after all!
    First things first, Jim reminded himself grimly. “I need to get some antibiotics, Alex.”
    She watched as he moved to the other wall of the tunnel and retrieved his webbed belt with its numerous pouches and sheathed Ka-bar knife. “How?” Her voice sounded scratchy to her own ears, and she felt as if she were burning up.
    â€œThere’s a VC camp about two miles away.” He hooked the belt around his waist and settled his dark green utility cap on his head. “I’ve stolen from them before. I know where they keep drugs for their in jured.”
    Her eyes widening, Alex whispered, “No! You could get killed, Jim!”
    Surprised at her cry, he moved to her side. “Now, listen, gal, don’t worry your purty head about me. I don’t intend to get caught.”
    â€œBut,” Alex cried softly, tears forming and falling down her cheeks, “what if you are?”
    He stroked her wet cheek, wiping away the tears. “Now, now,” he soothed, “I’m not gonna get caught. Hush now, you just lie here and rest.”
    Reaching out, Alex gripped his hand and felt his strength, his gentleness, as his long fingers wrapped around her much-smaller hand. “I don’t know what you did, but it doesn’t matter,” Alex whispered, her voice cracking. “You’re worth saving, Jim McKenzie. You’re not a bad person, do you understand that? Whatever you’re running from doesn’t matter to me.”
    Jim smiled sadly down at Alex. “Gal, you’re the kind of woman a man would be proud to keep company with. If you knew what I’d done...well, you’d tell me to leave.” He gave her fingers a last squeeze and placed her hand on her blanketed stomach. “Don’t get all het up over this, Alex. I need you to rest and gather your strength. Worrying about the likes of me is a worthless cause.”
    â€œNo, it’s not!” Alex felt vulnerable as never before. Perhaps it was the fever making her feel helpless. Jim’s quiet and steadying presence had given her a fragile if illusory sense of safety. With him leaving, Alex felt a surge of panic.
    The urge to lean over and explore her soft, trembling lower lip struck Jim full force. How clean, innocent and trusting she was. He felt dirty and guilty inside. He didn’t deserve her. He patted her hand. “You’ll be okay, gal.” He slowly got to his feet, favoring his left leg. He motioned to his M-14 rifle lying on the ground, its wooden stock broken. “The rifle doesn’t work. If VC come around, you’re gonna have to be real quiet.