Page 36 of Preying Heart
“Feeling better?” I walk over to her in case she needs a hand.
“Hungry.” Her smile is sweet.
“That’s great, because I grill the best steaks this side of the Rocky Mountains.” I dig in the cooler and offer her a beer. “I love evenings out here on the deck.”
“You do have a beautiful place.” She wanders to the edge of the deck and leans over where the view extends all the way down to the bridge. “Think we can go on a hike sometime?”
“We can do anything you want.” My arm goes around her shoulders, and I’m relieved she doesn’t flinch. “Unfortunately, until the coast is clear, you’re going to have to stay in hiding.”
“I can’t believe they’re only offering ten thousand.” She chuckles. “Guess I’m not that important to them.”
I’m not going to comment on the letter I got from the Million-Dollar Dude. No need to worry her. He knows nothing unless someone like Lucy blabs.
“You’re important to me.” I notice she’s washed her hair with the new shampoo—an herbal, woodsy scent. “Look, we might not have gotten the right start, but I’m glad I got you out of harm’s way, and I’m glad you chose to come back to me.”
“You didn’t abandon me.” Her sea-green eyes moisten as she turns her face toward mine. Dimly, I’m aware I need to take the steaks off the grill, but I can’t lose this moment. She gets me. Understands what I’m about.
“I never leave anyone behind, and I never will.” I capture her lips, and she presses a kiss on me. I let it linger, lightly, because everything is up in the air and I don’t want to scare her. Yes, I’m a brute, but I never take unless a woman gives.
She briefly sucks on my lower lip and backs off. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“Why?”
“Because the steaks are burning.” She pushes me toward the grill and laughs. “Good thing Glock got his piece already.”
ChapterThirteen
Heath
Lucy is tired out by the time I bring her the lettuce salad I made for her. It delights me that she’s hoarse from all the shouting and cursing. She really should control herself better.
“I saw you two on the deck,” she grumbles as I unlock the handcuffs. “Couldn’t even wait for the sun to go down.”
“Does it bother you?” I hold on to her hands in case she takes a swipe at me.
“Nope. She’s not a trafficking victim—just some pregnant chick you picked up who has you convinced she’s a damsel in distress.”
“I’m glad you’re not jealous. Are you going to cooperate?”
“No. You’re going to give me my car keys and let me go.”
“Not until you understand the danger to Blair.”
“Her name’s not Blair.” Lucy tries to wrest her wrists from my grip. “I tested her already. Called her Blair and it took her a split second too long to respond.”
“Well, give the doctor a prize. You’re right. But I can’t let you go until you agree to keep your trap shut. Except even if you agree, you’ll let the cat out of the bag because you have a big mouth.”
“I have a sassy mouth.” She snarls and I let her go. “At least I’m not a doormat.”
“No one can ever accuse you of that. Now, if you behave, I’ll let you out. Otherwise, I’ll watch you use the bathroom and eat before cuffing you back to my bed.”
“I’ll gladly occupy your bed to keep you and Blair out of it.” She strides to the bathroom and slams the door.
I chuckle to myself, even though it isn’t funny. She’s jealous and that presents a danger to Remi.
Remi
I’m going stir-crazy being left alone with a silent dog while Heath and Lucy duke it out verbally. I can hear them but can’t make out what they’re saying. Whatever it is, there are sparks, and I wonder if I stepped in the middle of a lovers’ quarrel.
