Page 38 of Sniper

“Bossy,” I mumbled under my breath as I got up and got dressed for sunshine, whatever that meant. Not that it really mattered since I had a very limited wardrobe for the past year. The upside was that it didn’t take long to get dressed.

***

Twenty minutes later we were on his bike and a short ride on the highway later we pulled up to the most unexpected place. “A carnival? You don’t strike me as a carnival type of guy.”

He let out a deep laugh and took my hand. It was an unconscious move that I decided not to question. “Who doesn’t like overpriced games? Carnival food? Rides?”

“Good point.”

“I know.” He wore an arrogant smile but since my limbs were relaxed and the sun felt good on my skin, I didn’t call him out on it.

“How about we get some funnel fries?” I hadn’t eaten since last night and sex was an excellent calorie burner, at least sex with Sniper was.

“Sounds good.” We stood in line, and I let the sun warm my skin while I tried to find my courage to tell Sniper everything.

We walked around the carnival grounds and shared the fries. “I’m sorry about all of this. I know you agreed to help me, but I thinkthis,” I motioned between the two of us, “is more than you bargained for.”

He took the empty container from me and tossed it in a trash can as we passed it and then hooked an arm around me. “I didn’t agree to a certain amount of trouble, Katey. I agreed to do whatever it takes to keep you safe, so don’t go worrying that I don’t know what I signed up for.”

I sighed. “It’s not that, it’s just a lot and well, I’m sorry that I’m so much.” It was the story of my life, at least before Ethan. I was too focused on my studies. Too serious.Too inhibited. And then with Ethan I was never enough—never pretty enough, or smart enough, or fun enough.

“Look at me Katey.”

My gaze obediently shot up to meet his.

“You’re notso much,” he sighed heavily and grabbed my chin so that I couldn’t look away. “You’re sharp and feisty, kind of grumpy as fuck, sexy even though you’re in desperate need of a few extra pounds and you are… just right. Even when you’re a pain in the ass, I like you and I shouldn’t.”

“Because you’re protecting me?”

He laughed. “Because what the fuck would a doctor want with a guy like me?”

“Besides the physical package, you are entirely too appealing, Sniper. Believe me.”

He grinned. “You’re hot for my body?”

I rolled my eyes. “Obviously.”

“Good.” He took my hand and clasped it palm to palm with his before dragging me to several different rides.

I couldn’t remember the last time I smiled and laughed so much, probably back when I was an undergrad, back when I had girlfriends and when bad boyfriends meant a weekend of too much sugar and cheap booze. We spent hours going from game to game, ride to ride until we were tired, and our skin was sun kissed. “You were right, this is just what I needed.”

“I’m usually right about most things.”

I laughed again and looked up at him with what felt like genuine affection. I knew I was in trouble—funny since I wasrunning from trouble of the same variety, but I couldn’t seem to help myself. “And so modest too.” I pointed to the giant Ferris wheel with the flashing lights. “Are we ready, or are you scared of heights?”

He glared at me like he was seriously offended. “I’m not scared of anything.”

“I’ll bet there’s one thing you’re afraid of,” I told him, but I didn’t expand on it. In my experience men were afraid of one thing above all else. Their emotions.

“It’s not a fuckin’ Ferris wheel,” he grunted and tugged me into place at the back of the line.

“I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?” It was fun, teasing a big strong guy like Sniper and feeling confident that he wouldn’t hit me for dinging his ego.

He held my hand as we advanced in line and even once we were seated inside the cage he kept hold of me. It was a heady feeling, to think someone actually gave a damn about me enough to want to protect me. To think I was worth protecting. “I need to tell you something.”

My body stiffened but I relaxed immediately and nodded. Of course that’s what this was about. This whole day wasn’t about me or us because there was no us. I wriggled free of his grasp and held my hands in my lap. “Okay.”

“Ethan is up to something.” Sniper fidgeted with his hands as he spoke. “Last night I learned that he knows where you are and that he’s coming for you.”

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