Page 103 of Saving His Heart
His words have an effect on me, though, and I feel my panties dampen.
Wrapping a hand around my waist as our family and friends clear a path to a makeshift dance floor, he leans in to whisper, “I bet I can make you come with only my words, though.”
“Oh, God.”
“That’s what I can’t wait to hear, sweetheart.”
We start to sway to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect”, and for the first time in my life, I feel at peace.
“How did you get those houses to the beach so fast? And what in the world are you going to do with them now?”
Preston chuckles. “Don’t look at Easton’s knuckles. He was out here all night with a crew to build them.”
“What? Are you serious? All that work for an hour?”
“Not an hour, Emory. I needed to prove to you that I wasn’t just looking for someone. I was looking for you. He will take them down tomorrow and rebuild them at some of the local Children’s Homes for kids to play in. He’ll have time to actually build walls and a roof for them, though.”
“That’s really amazing, Preston.”
“So are you, Ems.”
“We have so much to talk about still.”Does he know how much work we have to do to make this work? Don’t ruin everything, Emory.I realize I’m holding my breath, waiting for him to answer.
“We will. We have a lifetime to work it out, but not tonight. I promised Dr. Terry we would be back in the hospital by six. For now, just dance with your husband.”
“Preston?”
“Hmm?”
“I love you.”
He pulls back to look me in the eyes. “I love you forever, Emory.”
Chapter 43
Loki
Arriving in Preston, Maryland, has taken a lot fucking longer than I expected. I can’t remember an entire month, which means I don’t know who my enemy is right now. It also means that everyone is the enemy. I’ve had to travel back roads and by nightfall. The infection in my leg is getting worse, and I could do nothing about it until I reached this safe house.
I’ve been watching this shack in the woods for six hours to make sure it hasn’t been compromised. So far, so good. When dark falls, I cut through the clearing to the bomb shelter hidden in plain sight.
After I place my palm on the reader, a small door clicks open. Lowering my body so my eyes are level with the laser, I force them to stay open while it scans my retinas. After what feels like an eternity, the deadbolt opens with a pop. Glancing over my shoulder one last time, I slide into the darkened space.
I know the lights will flicker to life the farther I go, so I move on instinct down the narrow path leading underground. Slowly, the lights fight to activate, and my body finally attempts to relax. I will be safe here for a few days, at least.
As I round the corner, the narrow dirt path opens to a more sterile environment. I move quickly to open the flue to allow fresh air into the compact space. Pulling it back and forth a few times to ensure proper airflow, I put it back in neutral so it doesn’t attract attention from ground level.
My vision is blurry from exhaustion, so I quickly grab a bottle of water and rubbing alcohol before falling onto the small cot set up in the corner. Removing my tattered clothing, I flush the wound with water, then pour alcohol directly on it.Motherfucker, that burns,is my last thought before darkness consumes me.
When I open my eyes, I don’t know if I have been asleep for hours or days, but since I’m not sure what day I started this journey, it doesn’t really matter. Stretching to work out the kinks, I’m relieved to notice my head isn’t pounding quite as much, so I get to work.
Opening the cabinets that are all locked with biometric security, I set up shop. There’s a generator that will allow up to four hours of power at a time. I hook up the laptop and start pulling out all the devices I’ll need. Opening my network, I’m bombarded by messages, but the one that assaults me is the one I sent myself. “Four months. They know she’s with you. Red.”What the fuck does that mean? Who is she?
The four hours go by far too quickly, and I’m pissed to realize I found nothing in my research. I’m no closer to finding out who is after me or why.Unless I didn’t get everyone? Is it possible that I missed someone in their organization that would have the means to track me?I pull at my hair in frustration, then yell, “I can’t remember an entire month. How the fuck am I supposed to know who’s after me?” My voice echoes in the small room, but then I hear a motor.
I jump from the desk and close the flue, then shut down everything. Grabbing the guns from the closet, I sit facing the door. If someone is out there, they’ll be waiting for me to exit the way I came. Lucky for me, I’ve always been a paranoid fucker.
When everything has been wiped, I press the button on my ring, and open the half-door. Lowering myself to my knees, I know crawling out of here with this leg will be a bitch. But, life or death doesn’t give a shit about a little pain.
