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“We’ve got some time. They’re on foot, near the end of the driveway.”
She quickly pulled her hair into a ponytail then tossed her bag over her shoulder. Her eyebrows knitted together. “Is there another exit?”
He snorted. “Didn’t get that far.”
With her hair tied back and her face free of makeup, she looked soft and pretty. He rested his palm on the column of her throat. “You’re safe.” The promise burned with sincerity on his tongue.
Last night he’d been helpless to heal her hurt and ease the burden she carried. Helpless to protect her from her past. But he’d make damn sure no one ever hurt her again.
Danny Carrington included.
Her tongue moved over her lips as if to hold in words. She nodded. He pulled his gun from his waistband and caught her hand, leading her to the staircase.
Savannah remained silent as they reached the living room. He hoisted his duffel bag onto the coffee table then pulled another gun from inside and passed it to her. “Don’t shoot unless you’re cornered. I don’t want them spotting you.”
She swallowed but kept the gun in her grip. “You say that like you’re not going to be here.”
Cupping her cheek, he locked down the adrenaline and anger that made him want to run through the woods and take out both the motherfuckers. “I’m not leaving you.” The statement came out strong and clear. He couldn’t leave her if he wanted to. “C’mon.”
He slung his bag over his shoulder and made his way to the front door. They shoved on their shoes and then Toth paused and scanned the yard outside. Even if their assailants were running the whole way, they’d still be a good ten minutes out. Nonetheless, he studied the swaying bushes and tall, military-steady trees. “Stay close.”
He pushed open the door, waited for Savannah to close it behind her, and made his way down the steps toward the detached garage. The dewy grass slipped beneath his shoes as they crossed the lawn. Keeping his fingers loosely around Savannah’s wrist, he stopped at the man door at the side of the garage, dug out his keys, and fit the correct one into the lock.
Dust and the faint scent of gasoline hit his nostrils as they entered.
Savannah quickly went to the passenger’s side of the vehicle then paused at the open door when he didn’t follow. “Aren’t you coming?”
He tossed her the keys and her face paled. “Toth,” she hissed. She dropped her bag inside, shut the door, and came to stand beside him. “You said you wouldn’t leave me.” Accusation clipped her words.
“I’m not.” He matched her heated glare. He wasn’t doing a good job of sharing his plan. Maybe because it was only coming together on the fly, or maybe because he couldn’t stand the thought of someone getting a bullet in her.
“Lock the door behind me and hop in the driver’s seat.” He took out his encrypted phone and handed it to her. “If things get hairy or I’m not back soon, drive out to the road and call the last number that came through. Got it?”
She worked her pretty jaw from side to side, defiance hard behind her glare.
“Savannah,” he growled.
“Fine. Got it.” She lowered her gaze.
He swooped his hand behind her head, catching her ponytail in his fist, and drew her a few inches toward him. “It’ll be fine. There’s only two of them. I’m just being careful, all right?”
Eyes small, she nodded.
He brought his mouth down to hers. Her scent filled his nostrils, and he twirled the silky strands of her hair around his fist. Christ, he’d take her right here and now if he could.
She pulled away and her breath hitched. “Save that thought,” she said, almost pleading.
He brushed his lips across her forehead. “Don’t forget to lock the door.” His voice came out rough and strained. It took all his willpower to back away and step outside.
***
Savannah blew abreath through her lips and shook off the sensation of impending doom. Of course now that she’d learned Toth wasn’t a douchebag, was good in bed, and made her feel almost whole, he’d run off to possibly get himself shot in her honor.
After locking the man door, she went to the SUV and placed the key in the ignition. If she needed to get out of here in a hurry, she’d only have to turn it. Her blood rushed through her veins, her heart pumping erratically as she paced to the window. She kept her grip on the gun tight. Her other hand trembled at her side. She made sure to stay out of view but close enough to the window that she could see the woods beyond the front of the house.
Fear made her work for every inhale. The side of the house, the driveway, and the woods were clear, from what she could see. Toth had to be close, but maybe hiding. She kept her gaze trained on the forest, waiting for movement.
Nothing.
