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The Dublin woman had been held for ten days.

“I think that covers everything for now.” Simon gathered his papers back into the folder. “I’ll head back to the office and start putting together a more detailed security plan.”

“I'd like to see your operation.” Seth stood. “If that's all right.”

“Of course. Randy, you're welcome to come, too.”

Randy nodded. “Yeah, I'd like that.”

After another round of handshakes and promises to stay in touch, the men filed out, leaving Graham and me alone in his dining room.

The silence felt heavy.

“How are you doing?” Graham looked down at me, his hazel eyes full of concern.

“Terrified.” The word slipped out before I could stop it. “The idea of being kidnapped, Graham. Of being helpless like that woman… I can’t. I just can’t.” My voice trailed off.

“Hey.” He pulled me into his arms, one hand stroking my hair. “That's not going to happen. You hear me? This bastard would have to get through me first, and I promise you, that's not happening.”

I buried my face against his chest, breathing in his familiar scent. “I know you'll protect me. But what if something happens to you? What if I lose you because of this?”

“You won't.” His voice was rock steady. “I've survived worse than one twisted stalker. A hell of a lot worse. We're going to get through this together.”

I pulled back to look at him. “Promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“Promise me you'll be careful. Don't take unnecessary risks just to protect me.”

Graham cupped my face in his hands. “I promise to be as careful as I can while still keeping you safe. That's the best I can do.”

It wasn't the answer I wanted, but it was the honest one. I nodded, standing on my toes to kiss him softly.

I picked up his hand and glanced at the watch on his wrist. “I need to get to work. I'm already late enough. Roxie's going to think I'm taking advantage of the schedule change.”

I got up off his lap and went to the kitchen to grab my purse from the top of the fridge, digging for my car keys.

“Nope.” Graham plucked the keys from my fingers before I could close my hand around them.

“What do you mean, nope?”

“I mean, from now on, I'm your ride to and from work. No more driving alone.”

I opened my mouth to argue, then stopped. The thought of the Dublin woman flashed through my mind, broken and traumatized.

“Okay.” I dropped my purse back onto the counter. “I guess there are some perks to having a stalker after all.”

Graham's laugh was strained. “What kind of perks?”

“Chauffeured rides to work.” I managed a weak smile. “Very fancy.”

He shook his head, but I caught the relief in his expression. “Come on, Princess. Your chariot awaits.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

The moment I pulled into the clinic's parking lot, I knew we had a problem. Cars packed every available space, spilling out onto the street in a chaotic mess of bumpers and bad parking jobs. A line of people snaked from the clinic's front door, stretching at least twenty deep with everything from nervous-looking teenagers clutching cat carriers to elderly folks with dogs that looked older than Moses.

“Shit.” Joy pressed her face against the passenger window. “I completely forgot. It's free vaccination day.”