AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Sawyer, it’s been hours. Where are you? Are you both okay?” Logan asks, the worry evident in his tone.
“We’re good. Sorry I didn’t call sooner. I needed to get Hallie as far away from Hilton Head Island as I could…” I pause and run my hand through my hair. “Was it him? Did the CCTV show anything?”
Logan sighs, and I already know the answer. “Yeah, Sawyer. Multiple cameras in the town picked him up. It was definitely him.” I close my eyes and drop my head. I was hoping the sighting was a false alarm, our need to leave so quickly unnecessary. It seems I’d made the right call.
“Did the cameras show which way he came in and out of the town?”
“We saw him come in off the coastal road, but the interstate cameras are out.”
“Shit. So, we lost him?”
“He’s either still on the Island, or he left via the interstate.” He exhales. “But yeah, we’ve no idea where he is.”
“What about the girl? Any news?”
“Nothing. It’s a clusterfuck. Where are you? Do you need me to organize a safe house?”
“No. We’re good. We’re about an hour or so from Hilton Head Island. I’m taking Hallie to my parents’ place outside of Summerville.”
“Do you think that’s a good idea? Wouldn’t a safe house be better?”
“It’s my call, and I’m taking her there. It’s secluded, and no one knows about it. Can you let her parents know she’s safe? Her phone is dead, and we don’t have a charger.”
“I trust you, Sawyer. I’ll let her parents know.”
“Thanks. Keep me in the loop.”
“Will do. Stay safe.” I end the call and lie back on the bed. Noticing I can no longer hear the shower, I roll to my side as the bathroom door opens and Hallie walks out. Her long hair hangs wet down her back, and her face is pink from the hot water. She still has her shorts and tank on, but as my eyes sweep over her body, I see she’s not wearing a bra. My eyes widen as her nipples pebble against the material of her top, and my cock hardens. Thankfully, she hasn’t noticed me staring at her. I quickly adjust myself and avert my gaze before she sees how much I want her.
“God, that feels better.” She stands in front of the mirror and braids her long hair in a plait down her back. “Did I hear you on the phone?” She finds my eyes in the mirror and raises her eyebrows in question.
Sitting up, I hold her gaze. “Yeah. I checked in with Logan. I’ve asked him to contact your parents.”
“Thank you. I can’t imagine how worried they are.” She walks to the side of the bed and pulls the comforter back. I stand, and she climbs into the bed, wrapping the comforter around her.
“When we get to the cabin, you can call them from my phone. I’m sure speaking to you will put their minds at ease. For now, they know you’re safe.” She smiles before letting out a yawn. “Go to sleep,” I say with a chuckle. “I’m going to take a shower. I’ll sleep in the chair tonight.” I gesture to the lounge chair in the corner of the room.
“You won’t get any sleep in that. The bed is big enough for both of us.”
“Hallie—” I start, but she cuts me off.
“Sawyer, it’s fine. I trust you.” She rolls away from me, indicating the conversation is over, and I walk to the bathroom.
Her words play over and over in my mind.
She might trust me, but I’m not sure I trust myself.
It’s going to be a long night.
ChapterSeventeen
Hallie
Lying under the comforter while I wait for Sawyer to finish in the shower, my mind swirls with everything that’s happened today. Although no one knew for sure Matt had taken the young girl on the Amber Alert, I knew it was him. There were too many coincidences for it not to be. It broke my heart knowing how terrified and alone she would be feeling. I almost wish I could take her place, save her the heartache I know only too well she will face.
When Sawyer took the call from Logan, I could tell something was wrong by his face. Knowing Matt had followed and had no doubt watched us while we had been on the beach made my skin crawl. I’d been that close to him without having any idea, and that scared the hell out of me.
It finally hit me.
