Marcus

Chapter Thirty Four

Sorry loves! I fell asleep while I was editing last night and didn't get a chance to publish! 

Caroline ~

Caroline was only able to sleep for two or three hours before her eyes refused to stay closed any longer. She sat up in her bunk and stretched, feeling anxious and full of energy.

How the hell am I going to get myself out of this and back to Marcus where I belong?

It was a little after 5:30am and the base was slowly starting to stir.

Caroline changed and made her bed and decided to go for a run to clear her head.

She took off with her mind racing as she worked through every scenario that could possibly result in her being released from her contract. Unfortunately that list was short and far-fetched.

A small group of enlisted men had the same idea and ran alongside her.

"Mind if we join you?" One then asked.

I'm not in the mood for company, but beating you three slaps in a foot race might elevate my mood.

"Sure as long as you don't talk." Caroline said honestly.

"Heard Ma'am" one of the others said.

They ran as a unit around the outer perimeter of the base hearing gunshots in the distance. Caroline secretly hoped one of those stray bullets would fly over and hit her in the leg or maybe the ass, Forest Gump style, so she could catch a flight home. But as they rounded the corner the gunshots became faint and her opportunity had been missed.

The longer they ran on the outskirts of the base the more she noticed the men around her with their heads on a swivel as if they were looking for something. The last leg of their run was across the plane hangars.

She saw a figure in the distance and realized Nate was standing near the last hangar, watching with his arms folded over his chest.

"Race you to the last hangar boys." Caroline announced taking off in a sprint as she led the small pack.

As soon as they reached Nate he grinned and sipped his coffee, giving chin lifts to the enlisted men who had joined her as if he knew them.

"Did you send these guys to run with me?" Caroline asked breathlessly.

"Maybe."

Nate walked up to the largest of the men and gave him an endearing slap on the shoulder.

"This big guy here is my buddy Tex's little brother. And with all the shady shit going on around here I thought a little company might be a good idea." Nate said.

By company he means witnesses and he's absolutely right.

"Thanks fellas."

"Anytime ma'am."

Nate and Caroline peeled off from the group and walked together back toward the barracks.

"You heading out soon?" Caroline asked.

"Had my flight changed to later on this evening." Nate said with a smile.

"Of course you did." Caroline sassed.

"But I'm really okay. I can handle myself here on base and I'll keep an eye out. Plus I've got Cooper to watch my back."

"I bet I got someone better for that job." Nate said with his smile growing wider.

Before Caroline could analyze his statement, Fox appeared from one of the buildings they passed with coffee in his hands as well.

"Got a minute?" Fox asked.