Fast Burn (Body Armor #4)(29)

She had blood on her shirt. “Yes.”

He stared into her eyes. “Do you need any help?”

“Did you want to have sex?”

Taken aback, he asked, “Now?”

Sahara pushed free of his hold. “If you’re helping me change clothes, then you’re damn right, now.”

His chest expanded on a deep breath. “I was asking if you were too shaken—”

“I’m not.” Why she took her fury out on Brand, she couldn’t say. She only knew she wouldn’t be whiny again. Anger was preferable to that. “Give me five minutes.” Not about to enter the dressing room, she went into her closet and closed the door to change in private.

She heard Brand say, “Take all the time you need, honey,” in a very understanding way.

Damn him. Not since Scott’s disappearance had anyone treated her with kid gloves. If Brand didn’t stop, she’d end up crying, after all, and then he’d really feel the brunt of her anger.





CHAPTER SIX

IT WAS THE first time Brand had ever seen Sahara really dressed down, and he could barely look away.

Somehow, the faded skinny jeans and soft blue sweatshirt made her more beautiful, and even sexier.

By the time she’d stepped out of the closet, he’d almost finished cleaning the blood. Because she’d said she’d do it herself, he’d waited for her protests. She’d surprised him with a mere sound of frustration before marching into the bathroom and closing that door much as she had the closet door.

Shutting him out.

He deserved it after he’d screwed up so badly, not only by hurting her feelings, but by failing to ensure her safety.

Sometimes he forgot she had feelings, she could be so mercenary in her efforts.

Maybe if she’d acted a little more upset over her abduction, and been a little less on the make, he could have kept his priorities straight.

When next she’d emerged, it was without her makeup and with her hair loosely braided.

He’d been struggling with a powerful surge of lust ever since.

While Justice, Miles and Leese investigated different areas of the break-in and assault, Brand kept his eyes on Sahara. It bothered him that she’d gotten so quiet, sitting alone on the steps, her thoughts hidden.

The urge to promise her...everything kept his focus unwavering.

Part of it, he knew, was his inner caveman getting to play dangerous games of rescue. He understood now why his friends liked this security shit so much. For an alpha male, it fed a very basic instinct. A larger part, though, was Sahara herself. Being with her kept him on his toes, and in the normal course of things she gave as good as she got.

Today had not been normal, and seeing this softer, more susceptible side of her only made her more appealing.

She wasn’t the in-control business shark as much as a woman who needed and appreciated his help.

The various facets to her personality fascinated him. He admired her strength, and was drawn to her softness.

Taking care of someone else hadn’t been on his agenda. Hell, he’d been struggling with unexpected responsibilities already.

With Sahara, it was different because she was different. He relished the chance to care for her.

Brand was just about to join her on the stairs when Justice returned from his investigation of the security panel. “Could the kidnapper have known Scott well enough to know your passcode?”

On the bottom step of the right staircase, her arms around her knees, Sahara shrugged. “I don’t think Scott would have given those codes to anyone, but I can’t say for sure. Why?”

Brand considered sitting with her, but she’d been giving him “don’t touch” vibes ever since the attack. “You think that’s how he got in?”

Leese, who’d just stepped in after searching the yard, said, “He might’ve used the tree to leave, but I don’t think he climbed it to get in. That first branch is too high to reach, even with a jump, and the tree is too wide to shimmy up.”

Sahara snickered. “How do you know? Did you try it?”

Leese had no qualms about sitting with her. In fact, he took the step above her then put a hand on her shoulder.

Miles leaned against the newel post next to her. “Climbing out of your window to the tree and jumping down from the last branch wouldn’t have been too hard. But I agree with Leese. He got in another way.”

Justice nodded. “I’m thinking he came in right through the front door and then reset the alarm system. When you didn’t show up alone, he hid—and it paid off.” He said the last as an accusation aimed at Brand.

Brand started to reply, but Sahara beat him to it.

“Brand doesn’t work for me, and he hasn’t had the same training as you three.” She shook her head. “No, this is on me. I’m the one who insisted on coming here.”

“He should have gone upstairs with you,” Justice stated.

Sahara lifted a brow. “Once I made up my mind to go upstairs alone, do you honestly think he could have stopped me?”

Not as abrasive as Justice, Miles said, “Stopped you, no. That’d be like trying to stop a stampede. But he still should have gone up with you and checked the room first.”

This time Brand cut off Sahara before she could reply. “I agree.” He knew he’d fucked up. “Believe me, it won’t happen again.”