Rescued by Dr. Rafe Read Online Free Page A

are.’ She spoke casually, even though she knew that the words would be like a red rag to a bull.
    â€˜You will not.’
    â€˜Just watch me, Rafe.’ She threw the retort at him, watching as the group across the river retrieved the second bag. As they did so, a crack sounded across the water. One of the ropes came whipping towards them and she felt herself falling sideways as Rafe tackled her to the ground. The rope described an arc in the air above their heads and flopped down next to them.
    â€˜Ow! Did you have to do that?’ Mimi rolled away from him, straight into a patch of mud. She’d been trying so hard to show him that he didn’t need to protect her any more. Rafe sweeping her off her feet, however dispassionately he’d done it, was the last thing she needed.
    â€˜Nope. Could have just let it take your head off.’ He had the audacity to grin at her.
    â€˜I’m beginning to wish you had.’ She brushed herself down, resisting the temptation to thank him. Instead she turned to the group on the other side of the river, who were standing motionless, staring across at them.
    Mimi took her phone out of her pocket, dialling Cass’s number.
    â€˜Sorry about that. You okay?’ Cass’s voice sounded down the line.
    â€˜Yes, fine.’ Rafe was behind her, muttering something about tying her to a tree to keep her out of trouble, and she ignored him. ‘I’m going to try to get to you. I might be able to get through on the other road into the village...’
    â€˜I doubt anyone’s going to get through safely tonight.’ There was a pause. ‘Jack said that he’s getting in contact with the HEMS team. When the rain gives over a bit they might be able to make it. If there’s anything he needs, you’ll be the first to know.’
    That was sensible. And, coming from Cass, it didn’t sound like a put-down. ‘Okay, thanks. Give him my love...’
    â€˜Will do. When this is over, there’s a bottle of red with our name on it, if you fancy a night out.’
    â€˜I’ll be there.’ She waved across to the group on the other side of the river and ended the call. Thankfully, Rafe had decided not to make good on his threats and was already unclipping the remaining rope from around the tree, watching as it was hauled back across the water.
    â€˜We’re going.’ It was an obvious statement, but it made Mimi feel good to be the one to say it. Turning away from him, she started to walk back towards the road as the rain started falling again.
    They made the journey in silence. Perhaps Rafe was figuring out what he was going to save her from next. When they reached the stricken ambulance, he walked over to it.
    â€˜I don’t think I’m going to be able to tow you out...’ He was peering underneath the vehicle. ‘In any case, it looks as if there’s a fair bit of damage, here.’
    â€˜I’m going to call for a tow truck.’ Thanks, Rafe, but you’re no longer needed. You can go now. Treacherous regret tugged at Mimi’s heart at the thought.
    â€˜Don’t forget the CD safe.’ There was a barb in his tone.
    No, she hadn’t forgotten the controlled drugs that the ambulance carried, and she did know that she had to remove them.
    â€˜I’ll let you get on.’ She turned, making for the back doors of the ambulance, and felt his grip on her arm.
    â€˜Let me go, Rafe.’ She pulled against him, but he didn’t relent.
    â€˜What are you expecting me to do? Leave you here with no shelter and no transport?’ He gave an incredulous shake of his head. ‘Think again.’
    â€˜Let. Go.’ Every time he touched her, it was the same. The memories were almost like solid, living things, tearing at her heart and reminding her that once upon a time, in a land far, far away, she’d craved Rafe’s touch.
    He uncurled his fingers from her wrist. Not too