Page 99 of Secret Mission

“I’m holding up my end of the deal. Shower's just ahead."

He turns me loose with a gentle brush along my lower back. "Go on in. I'll grab you something to wear."

Unable to stop myself, I catch his wrist as he turns to leave. "Thank you. For everything."

His palm goes to his heart. “Those darned helicopters are back. Whirring, thumping, and dipping inside my ribcage.”

When I tilt my head, confused, he laughs.

"Nothing. I just got this thing going on inside of me… But you don't have to thank me, sweetheart."

"I do." I hold onto him with all my might because I need to say this. "You were on a mission to find me and protect me. I didn’t even know men like you existed."

He holds his breath, then sighs with his gaze dropping to the floor. “Not sure why, but you saying that feels like a cool, comforting breeze washing over me. Brushing away the fire that’s singed my soul since Hope died. Like I’ve been forgiven for my greatest error.”

Emotion claws up my throat.

I shake my head and let him go. “If you keep talking like that, I’m never going to get to wash my swamp hair.”

But it’s him that steps toward me, hemming me in against the door frame with his tall body as he cups my face in both his hands.

One of his muscular thighs brushes on the outside of my leg.

There’s fire in his gaze.

"Listen to me, sweetheart,” he says in a slow, rough tone. “We’re in this together now. I’m not stopping. Whatever's going on, whoever is hunting you, no matter how long it takes to make sure you’re safe, I’m with you. You're not alone anymore."

Oh, god. That’s the key to unleash the waterworks. Swallowing becomes impossible.

It’s silly how overwhelmed he makes me. “Sorry, I’m so sappy right now.”

“Don’t cry. Babe, I can’t take it. That’s why I took you on the run.”

I blink at him, trying to clear the waves in my vision. “What do you mean?”

He’s silent as he studies me. “We have a lot to talk about.”

He kisses me deeper this time, his mouth insistent, his tongue thoroughly wrapping and tangling with mine.

I’m dizzy and not thinking clearly when he pulls back and moves into the bathroom.

"Let me start the shower for you."

“Come with me.”

He locks up, his hand on the shower knob. “You won’t get the relaxing shower you deserve.”

“I’m okay with that.”

Chapter Thirty-One

Be strong.

Do what’s right.

Steam quickly fills the small bathroom as hot water pounds against the colorful tiles. When I turn back, Allison is watching me.

Hunger.

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