Page 19 of Broken: Taylor

It was easy to see no one was in the main living area. Her apartment was open and bright, so he was quickly satisfied no one was about.

She went to the couch and collapsed. “Please take the bed. I sleep here on the sofa all the time. You’re bigger than me and will be more comfortable in there.”

His gaze went to the alarm. “What’s the code?”

After she gave it to him, he set it and stood at her kitchen counter. “Go to bed. I’ll be out here.”

“Nope. I insist you take the bed.”

“So you can protect me when someone breaks in?”

Allison gave him a droll look. “I’m sure no one will come up here. If they do, I’ll wake you up when I stuff myself under the bed.”

He didn’t smile. Instead he huffed and went to where she sat. Without warning, Taylor picked her up and stalked to the bedroom. Unlike every romantic fantasy she’d ever had with him, instead of lowering her to the bed and immediately joining her, he dumped her like a sack of potatoes and as she bounced almost falling to the floor, he walked out.

Twenty minutes later, she was in bed unable to sleep. She turned to the door. “Hey Taylor. You awake?”

“No.”

“What do you think will happen tomorrow? Do you think they know who he is?” she called out.

Her doorway darkened and to her surprise he came and sat on the edge of the bed. His wide shoulders and broad chest strained under the plain white t-shirt he wore. From what she could make out, he still wore his jeans.

“Don’t worry about it. They are questioning the deceased man’s closest relatives and acquaintances right now. Tomorrow will be more of the same. This is a small community. By mid-morning, they’ll have a list of possible suspects.”

“Do you miss it?” Allison studied his face in the dark and wondered if the man had any idea how handsome he was. His jawline was heavily shadowed, which suited him. Ruggedly handsome, he would make a good model for any western book.

His shrug was unconvincing. There was nothing casual about losing the ability to do the job you love. “Sometimes. Go to sleep.”

Allison eyed the doorway. “You sure he won’t come tonight?”

With a resigned sigh, he leaned back onto the pillows ensuring to keep one foot on the floor, which made her grin. Was he scared she’d take advantage. As enticing as the idea was, she always hated movies where people stopped for a passionate kiss or to make love, while being chased by a killer.

While distracted, people made for an easier target. Duh.

“When I was a little girl, I saw a man try to snatch another girl. The police asked me a lot of questions and I was a total wreck for a long time. My parents took turns taking me to school and if they didn’t show up on time to collect me, I would freak out.” Allison told him about how the girl’s family had given her a huge gift for saving the day. Her screams of terror had scared the would-be kidnapper away.

At first, she wasn’t sure he was snoring. But then a few moments later, it was clear she’d succeeded in putting him to sleep. Allison’s lips curved into a wide grin when he shifted to his side. “Aha,” she whispered.

Then ever so slowly, she slid from the bed and pulled a blanket over him. Once she was satisfied he’d not awaken, she tiptoed out.

The living room was quiet, the only light from the street lamps outside.

Her eyes barely able to remain open, she scanned the room one last time. Felt under the side cushion for her Glock and promptly fell asleep on the couch.