Hidden Away (KGI #3)(61)

She was quiet for a moment before she laid her head back down against his shoulder and tentatively trailed her hand up his arm until she tucked her fingers around the ball of his other shoulder.

“I owe so much to Marcus. I can’t—won’t be used against him. He should never have done what he did. But he did it for me. Because he loves me. I know he isn’t perfect. I suspect he’s done some not-so-nice things, but thinking and knowing are two different things. No matter what he’s done, I won’t have him imprisoned because of me.”

Garrett had to bite his tongue to keep from telling Sarah just what a bastard Marcus was. She’d already been dealt a shock, on top of a traumatic attack. He couldn’t—and wouldn’t—further destroy her illusions. Not until he had to.

CHAPTER 22

DESPITE her conversation with Garrett, Sarah pulled out her laptop from where she’d hidden it underneath the sofa cushion and carried it into the bedroom so she could check her email while she packed. Or that was her excuse. She hadn’t unpacked. All she had to do was put on her shoes and she was ready to leave. Again. This time not alone. With Garrett.

The relief she felt over that detail was telling. It was staggering even. She was weary to her toes and tired of the fear that seemed to overwhelm her more with each passing day.

There wasn’t a new email from Marcus, so she opened a blank one and typed the longest message she’d sent to date. She allowed some of the emotion she’d kept under wraps to bleed into her words. She was still careful not to state specifics—she couldn’t be absolutely certain her emails weren’t intercepted. But she hoped she allayed Marcus’s fears by telling him she’d agreed to accompany the man he’d sent to protect her.

She looked up when she saw Garrett step to her doorway and knock lightly on the frame.

“We need to make tracks. One thing you should be aware of is that Allen Cross’s family has hired a private recovery firm to find you. His brother is footing the bill and apparently money is no object. It wasn’t hard to find you here, and I expect it would be just as easy for anyone else, given the right motivation.”

The blood drained from her cheeks, and she swayed from her perch on the edge of the bed. She put her hand down on the mattress to steady herself and gripped her laptop with the other.

“You won’t let them take me back,” she said in a low voice. She hadn’t intended it to come out as a question, but it was so hesitantly said, that it conveyed her uncertainty in neon glow.

“Over my dead body.”

Bolstered by the absolute confidence in his voice, she allowed some of the panic to recede. She hadn’t dared tell Marcus all of it—of Stanley’s involvement. Not after he’d killed Allen. There would be no more blood on her brother’s—or her—hands, if she could help it.

She was reaching for her bag when she realized she had no idea where they were going. Garrett intercepted the large bag that held her clothes and tossed it over his shoulder. She stood and stuffed her laptop into its case and glanced around to make sure she hadn’t missed anything.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

There was a slight quirk to the corner of his mouth, almost as if he was amused. “Alaska.”

Her eyes widened and then narrowed. “Alaska? I’d prefer to stay out of the U.S. I don’t want to risk going back there.”

“There’s nothing more risky than where you are right now. You’ve been found out at the two places you’ve chosen, so it’s my turn. That trust thing we talked about? Now’s the time for you to decide. I’m not going to do anything that puts you at risk, Sarah. Members of my team are already en route. They’re going to secure the location and remain at the ready while we’re there.”

She glanced down at the T-shirt and pair of shorts she wore and grimaced. “Isn’t it cold there?”

Garrett chuckled. “I’ll keep you warm.”

Just the words sent a blast of heat up her spine to her neck and over her cheeks. She couldn’t even meet his gaze, because he’d see the effect he had on her. He was teasing her, but the images of her wrapped in his arms—warm and safe—was such a powerful enticement that she longed to make the fantasy a reality.

He held out his hand to her. “Are you ready? We need to hit the road.”

The simple question was several inquiries all rolled into one. Did she trust him? Would she go with him? Was she agreeing to his protection?

She slid her palm over his and allowed him to twine his fingers with hers. He squeezed once and then leaned forward to brush his lips against her forehead. Then he tugged her toward the door and they walked down the hall. He veered toward the back door and tucked her securely behind him.

“I have the truck pulled up almost to the door. I’m going out and I want you to stick like glue to my back at all times. Don’t stick any body part out that you don’t want to part with. Okay?”

“You think someone’s out there?” she asked anxiously.

He shrugged. “I always assume there is. We can’t afford to take any chances.”

She swallowed and nodded her agreement. He gave a brisk nod in return and then opened the back door. He reached behind him and wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his back. He pulled out his gun with the other hand and stepped into the night.