Hidden Away (KGI #3)(53)

“You need to get some rest. While you sleep, I’ll figure out where we’re going.”

“I haven’t said I would go anywhere with you,” she said in a low voice.

“And we’ll talk more about that after you’ve gotten some sleep.”

It was really hard to maintain any semblance of anger or argue with him for that matter, when all she wanted was to lie down and do exactly as he suggested. And if he was telling the truth and really was here to protect her, then she could sleep without worry of who or what was out there.

“Yes, we’ll talk,” she said by way of agreement. “I want to know everything.”

He nodded. “As do I, Sarah. There’s a hell of a lot I need to know if I’m going to keep us both alive.”

She was careful not to show any outward reaction, but panic curled in her stomach. She merely returned his nod, not trusting herself to speak. He wanted to know all, and she needed time to determine just how much of the truth she could tell him without telling him everything.

“Show me around the inside of the house. I want to make sure you’re going to sleep in a secure area where there isn’t a threat from the outside.”

Her stomach still churning, she guided him toward the large open living area that served as dining room and living room all rolled into one. He alternated between shaking his head and cursing under his breath.

“You don’t go into this room. Period. And stay the hell away from the windows.”

“But this is where I stay most of the time. I can see everything from here. I’d know if someone was approaching.”

“Like you knew I was here?” he asked balefully.

She flushed. “You aren’t most people. You were probably skulking around in the bushes wearing camouflage paint and wearing shrubs on your head.”

He stopped and held up his hand, and she braced herself for the lecture she knew he was about to deliver.

“First of all, if you can see out, they can damn well see in. And at night, you can’t see a damn thing out there, but with the lights on, they can see you bright as day. Second, anyone who comes after you is damn well not going to walk up and knock on your front door. He’d position himself out there in the bushes and he’d put a bullet through your head the minute you stuck your head out of the house.”

The blood drained from her face and she closed her eyes. “You’re right. You’re right, okay? I didn’t think ... I mean I don’t know how to think like a ... a killer.”

“That’s why you have me,” he said. “Now let’s get the hell out from in front of these windows. From now until we leave, this room is off limits.”

She nodded and followed him toward the hall where the two bedrooms were located. He poked his head in the first and promptly backed out, shaking his head. “Not this one. Too vulnerable.”

She sighed.

He opened the door at the end of the hall and stood in the entryway for a few moments before motioning her in. It was the smaller of the two bedrooms with only a twin bed, but at the moment, she didn’t care. There was only one window, a small square situated at the top of the wall just under the ceiling. Just right to let sunlight pour into the room but not large enough for a human to get in or out of.

He turned and nearly bumped into her. He grasped her shoulders to steady her and then guided her toward the bed.

“I want you to sleep. I’ll wake you in a few hours and we’ll get on the road. I’d rather not stay in Mexico a minute longer than I have to.”

“We’ll talk first,” she said softly. “And then I’ll decide whether or not I’m leaving with you. Marcus said I’d be safe here. I only just got here. Why would I leave?”

He gave her a look that suggested she wasn’t going to get a choice in the matter. She glared back and curled her lip to show him her irritation. He merely winked at her and her mouth fell open in shock. He’d winked at her? Such a playful action was in direct contradiction to every opinion she’d formed about him. Then she scowled because she realized he was just messing with her.

“All yours,” he said, gesturing grandly toward the bed. “I’ll mosey on out—unless, of course, you need my help undressing.”

“Don’t push your luck,” she muttered as she shoved by him to sit on the bed. “I’m too tired to get undressed anyway.”

She flopped back onto the mattress and closed her eyes. The bed dipped, and alarmed, she opened her eyes only to find herself staring up at Garrett as he loomed over her.

He had both hands planted on either side of her shoulders and his knees were straddling her. He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. This time he didn’t linger. Didn’t wade into a long, hot exchange as he had before. He touched his finger to the spot he’d kissed and then murmured, “Sweet dreams, Sarah. You’re safe now.”

Then he backed off the bed and left the room without a backward glance. She lay there, stunned by her reaction to him. More stunned by the yearning that kicked through her soul with enough force to make her heart ache.

She needed to email Marcus and ask him about Garrett, but her laptop was in the living room shoved under one of the cushions of the couch. As soon as she got up, she’d take care of contacting Marcus. Maybe by then she’d be able to think. Perhaps Garrett was the solution. She could accept Marcus’s protection—through Garrett—without having to be in close proximity to Marcus. They’d both be safe.