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She spun around, startled by Nick’s voice. He was stepping into the garage wearing a different jacket and carrying a large plastic bag.
“Sorry,” she said quickly. “I guess I’m a bit jumpy.”
“Understandable,” he remarked, placing the bag on the floor in front of her seat. “I thought you might like a hot drink. There are two travel mugs of coffee in there, and some muffins and other snacks.”
“Thank you, I’m starving,” she managed, then lowered her gaze and tried to swallow back the unexpected heat burning the back of her throat.
“Bianca?”
His strong fingers wrapped around her forearms, but she was sure, if she dared to speak, she’d be unable to hold back the heavy swell of emotion about to engulf her.
“Hey, you’re safe,” he said softly, abruptly pulling her against his chest and holding her tightly.
“S-sorry,” she blubbered, losing the battle. “I’m n-not like this.”
“There’s no need to apologize. I don’t know everything that’s happened, but I’m sure it’s been terrifying. The good news is you’re with me now, and I know how to deal with shit like this.”
“You d-do?” she sputtered.
“I do, and right now we need to hit the road.”
As he loosened his hold, she let out a heavy breath and stepped back.
“I don’t usually f-fall apart,” she stammered, her tears still falling as she wiped her hand over her wet face.
“You can fall apart any time you want, but if you drink some coffee and have something to eat, it will help.”
“Th-thank you, I m-mean, really. You’re amazing.”
“I was just in the right place at the right time, and I think fate may have had a hand in all this. Jump in and let’s get out of here.”
“Yes, let’s g-get out of here,” she repeated, beginning to feel a semblance of control, but climbing into her seat and watching her hero walk around the SUV, she didn’t know what to make of him. He was a complete stranger, yet he’d set out through treacherous weather in the middle of the night to find her.
“Drink that coffee and eat something,” he repeated, climbing behind the wheel.
He’d sounded like he was delivering an order, and she flashed back to the sharp slap he’d delivered in the bedroom. Intrigued by his take charge attitude, and wondering what he did for a living, she lifted the grocery bag onto her lap.
“Just so you know,” he declared, backing out to the street, “I work in security. I know what I’m doing.”
“Really?” she said, wanting to add,and are you a mind reader as well?but held her tongue and pulled out one of the mugs. Seeing tiny containers of cream and packets of sugar, she added both, took a long drink, then leaned back her head and let out a sigh. “You make great coffee.”
“Thanks, but it’s pod coffee. I can take no credit.”
She turned her head and stared at him. “What you said about fate—maybe you’re right, but I still have to ask, why did you come to my rescue? You may know my identity, but you don’t know me, and Matteus looks like a brute. Why would you take such a huge risk?”
“I’m going to answer that question with a question,” he replied. “Why did you ask me to help you?”
“Uh… I was desperate.”
“Exactly,” he said solemnly, “and I knew that the moment you came out of the water. The clothes you were wearing told me you’d bolted away the second you had a chance, and you ran into rough seas even though you’re not a strong swimmer. Matteus flashed a badge, but I knew he was lying when he said you were under witness protection. When I searched your name on my laptop and found out you were Lorenzo Albertini’s daughter, there was no way I could leave you at the mercy of him or whoever he’s working for. But even if I hadn’t found out about your family, I still would have done what I did, though that piece of information escalated my sense of urgency.”
“Why didn’t you just call the local police?”
“You know the answer to that,” he replied, shooting her a look.
“Yeah, I do,” she mumbled with a sigh. “Matt may have already paid them a visit.”
“Exactly, but we’re about to reach the main road. Take the sim card out of your phone and toss it when I tell you.”
