Page 6 of The Hero She Loves

“We had a dangerous fugitive escape custody yesterday,” she said.

“Don’t care.”

She arched a brow. “You don’t care that a dangerous criminal is on the loose in your area?”

Park crossed his arms over his bare chest. “No.”

“He killed two marshals.” Her mouth flattened and something flashed in her eyes.

Hell. Park knew how it felt to lose friends that you worked side-by-side with.

“I’m sorry,” he said gruffly.

She took another step up. “I need your help to find him.”

“Hell, no.” He went to close the door. “You have an entire service of marshals, you don’t need me.”

She moved fast and jammed her boot in the door. “I do need you, Parker.”

Their gazes clashed. Her eyes were blue. They had a darker rim and were paler in the center. For a second, he felt the air charge. They stared at each other, part challenge, part…something else.

He uttered a curse. “This isn’t my circus.”

She shoved against the door and took one step inside. “I don’t believe you. I know you’d want to help stop this man.”

“You don’t know me.”

“I know you served your country. I know that you were a member of Ghost Ops for several years, and were damn good at it.”

Park scowled. That was classified information. “It seems you know a lot about me.” He didn’t like it. “Then you should also know that I’m retired. I just want to live in peace and quiet.”

“I know you’re a man with principles, Mr. Conroy. You won’t let a murderer and rapist roam the countryside.”

Shit. “Rapist?”

“Yes. He likes to hurt women then shoot them between the eyes. He’s well-trained. It’s a miracle we caught him the first time.” She looked away, her face tight.

He felt the frustration radiating off her. A part of him stirred.

No. He stomped on it. He was out. This wasn’t his problem. He didn’t want to get dragged back in.

“I can’t help you.”

She turned her head. Her blue eyes weren’t cold. There was heat in them. “You’re the only person who can help, Parker.”

He growled. “Why? Why me?”

“Because the fugitive we’re hunting is former Ghost Ops.”

The news was like a punch to his gut. “What?”

She straightened. “Vander Norcross recommended you. Said you’re the only person who could outthink this man and help me apprehend him.”

Shit. Hell. Fuck. Park felt a storm of emotions. Vander had been one of the best commanders Ghost Ops had ever had. One of the best Parker had ever served with. He respected the hell out of Vander.

But it was the thought of this woman, Jenna Sheridan, hunting this asshole down alone that left him most unsettled.

He sighed and pushed the door open. “Come in.”

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