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Dammit. “Okay, okay.” Part of him was filled with the fierce urge to keep her safe, to calm her fear.
Who the hell would hurt a woman? Especially one with delicate features and skin that looks so smooth and soft.
Hendrix, focus.
He fumbled to reach his cellphone, then scrolled through until he found the contact he wanted.
It rang and rang.
“Come on, Rex.”
Finally, it connected.
“What?” a deep voice growled.
“I need your help.”
There was a pause. “Atlas all right?”
“He’s fine. Rex, bring your bag, and don’t rush. Just act normal, like you’re coming for a regular visit.”
There was another pause. “Fine. I’m coming.”
Boone glanced out the window. Gemma can’t have been in the river too long. It was clear she’d escaped someone.
So where were her captors?
And were they still looking for her?
He tightened his grip on her.
“No one’s going to hurt you.”
CHAPTERTHREE
He was holding Gemma tight when he heard the crunch of tires on gravel. He knew the rumble of Rex’s truck, but he wasn’t taking any chances.
Boone settled Gemma on the couch. She didn’t move or make a sound. He tucked the blanket more securely around her.
Atlas was sitting as close to the couch as he could.
“Stay close, Atlas. Protect her.” Boone patted Atlas on the head, then nabbed his Glock 19 off the side table.
He strode to the window, scanning outside through the curtains. He spotted Rex’s battered red truck and the man circling it. Boone met his uncle’s friend at the door.
Rex grunted. “What’s the emergency? And what’s with all the cloak-and-dagger?”
“Come in.” Boone was used to Rex’s gravelly voice and gruff demeanor.
The man wasn’t tall, but he was still in shape—with broad shoulders, and a barrel chest covered by a red-flannel shirt. His hair was gray and buzzed short. He was carrying his black leather bag. He and Boone’s Uncle Ben had served together in the Army.
“You can’t tell anyone about this.”
Rex’s bushy eyebrows drew together. “About what?”
“Her.” Boone walked over to the couch and crouched beside Gemma. Her hair was dry now, and a lush chestnut brown. He wanted to touch her, but instead curled his fingers into his palm.
Rex just stared. “Did you kidnap her?”
