Fast Burn (Body Armor #4)(59)
The stylist had visited Becky and done an amazing job. Her hair had stunning highlights and a new cut that better suited the shape of her face. Her new makeup showcased all her best features, features she shared with her son, like her dark eyes, long lashes and high cheekbones.
In the middle of an important meeting Sahara had gotten first one text, then another and another, all of them selfies from a very pleased Becky. The clothes had arrived, too. Becky was disappointed that they couldn’t go out to shop, but still overjoyed with what Sahara had chosen for her. In one of the photos, Sahara could see that Becky wore a new outfit.
Sahara knew she had good taste, and she was a decent judge of character, so she’d pegged Becky as someone who would react positively to gifts that showed off her figure and made her feel more like a desirable woman.
Not that she’d discuss it with Brand. No, a son wouldn’t want to think that way about his mother—especially a mostly estranged mother.
She was determined that she’d visit with Becky again, but first she wanted to enjoy her hectic weekend.
She’d just closed out her computer when Brand stuck his head in the door.
“Enoch said you were done for the day.”
“Enoch is always correct,” she replied, already coming out from behind her desk. She paused to stretch her aching shoulders. “I’ve finally gone through every contact I could find associated with my brother.”
“And?” Brand turned her and began gently kneading the tensed muscles in her neck and shoulders.
Sahara tipped her head back, eyes closed. “Nothing. I couldn’t find a single man who even resembled my kidnapper.”
“I’m not sure I like you referring to him as yours.” Brand kissed the side of her throat.
“I didn’t mean it affectionately, but I’m very invested in this. Territorial, maybe. I want to find him. I want revenge.”
“And you want to know what he knows about your brother.”
“Exactly.” She needed to know. It was always there, chewing on her peace of mind. How could Scott have any association with a vile kidnapper?
“You’re getting tense again.” His fingers carefully pressed deep, working her, almost forcing her to relax.
“You’re good at that.” She twisted to see him, eyeing the trim beard he had now. She liked it. “You’re good at everything, aren’t you?”
He smiled. “If we take this upstairs, I can show you just how good I am—with a proper massage.”
“Proper, huh?” She groaned and collapsed back against him. “Tempting as that is, I have to go to my house tonight. I need to get my party clothes for tomorrow.”
“All right. I can take you there now.”
She beamed at him. “It’s like having my very own hot chauffeur, who’s also a sexy roommate and a kickass bodyguard.”
“I’m a jack-of-all-trades.” As she went to get her coat and purse, he added, “It’s starting to rain and the temps have dropped. Want me to warm up the car?”
“Thank you, but it’s not necessary.” She turned up the collar. “We’ll go from the parking garage to the garage at my house. It’ll be fine.”
On the way out, Brand called Leese to let him know their plans. “Just to be on the safe side,” he said. Brand still wasn’t convinced that it was just a bystander who’d locked eyes with him a few days ago, or that it hadn’t been the kidnappers at the house pretending to be landscapers.
Sahara didn’t think it was, not after studying the security cam photos and seeing no resemblance to the body types. Still, she appreciated Brand’s caution. In so many ways, he’d make an ideal bodyguard, his instincts already perfectly aligned for the job.
As usual since the kidnapping, Brand stayed alert to their surroundings, even on the drive to the house. All looked quiet as they drove in, but then, the guys had taken turns randomly stopping by to check on things. Anyone watching the house would have realized that Sahara wasn’t there, and it was well scrutinized for intruders.
When they stepped inside, Sahara glanced around in surprise. Somehow the house felt even bigger...and emptier.
Brand peeled off his jacket, laying it over the volute at the bottom of the handrail. “I still can’t believe you live alone in this place.”
“I know.” Her heart beat a little faster when she looked up the long stairs and at the dim landing at the top. “I used to feel completely safe here, but after being in the suite, this place feels... I don’t know.” She shivered and said, “Vacant.”
Brand slipped his arm around her. “You were attacked in this house. It makes sense for you to feel differently here now. You won’t be here alone. Not for a very long time.” He got her moving. “Not until you’re ready.”
Was Brand already looking for an end date to their relationship? She hoped not, but even if he was, she wouldn’t return here. She’d stay in the suite...which would also feel empty without Brand in it.
How had she gotten so attached to him, so quickly?
She leaned against his side. “Don’t ever tell anyone, but I’m a little spooked.”
“I’ll be right here with you.” He kissed her temple. “And honey, you know it’s okay to be human, right? No one expects otherwise.”