Finding Carly (SEAL Team Hawaii #5)(17)

“I can’t,” Carly said, her voice trembling.

“You think I’m gonna let anything happen to you?” Jag asked with a tilt of his head.

Carly’s breathing had sped up at the thought of walking on a public beach, out in the open. “I’m not ready,” she told him, avoiding answering his question.

“You are,” he insisted. “You’re not fighting by yourself anymore, angel. I’m right here.”

Carly closed her eyes and felt Jag’s thumb brushing against the sensitive skin on her neck. She wanted to insist that he bring her back to her apartment, where she could lock herself in once more and try to process everything the detective had told her. But that would be cowardly. A step backward. She wanted to believe no one was gunning for her. That no one was out there, biding their time…but it wasn’t that easy.

Hating her rolling emotions, Carly tried to bring forth the anger she’d felt earlier. “Okay,” she whispered.

“There she is,” Jag said.

Carly opened her eyes and met his gaze.

“My brave angel. We’ll make it a short walk. Then we’ll grab some takeout on the way home and I’ll call Baker.”

His hand began to slide away, and Carly reached up and grabbed his wrist. He stilled.

“Thank you, Jag. For everything. I’m trying, but I can’t shake that feeling of being watched.”

He immediately turned his head to look out the window on her side, then to his own. Only when he was sure no one was lurking around their car did he look at her. “Let him watch,” he said firmly. “He’ll know you’re no longer alone. If he tries anything, he’ll regret it.”

Carly wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that, but Jag had already turned to start the engine. He pulled out of the parking spot and they headed out of the city.





CHAPTER FIVE





The rest of the late afternoon had gone fairly smoothly. Carly was tense and obviously on edge while they walked on the beach, but Jag had done his best to put her at ease. After a short fifteen-minute stroll, they were back in his car, headed for his apartment complex.

He picked up some Italian food on the way home, and he hadn’t missed the way Carly’s shoulders slumped in relief as soon as the door shut and locked behind them. He hated that she felt so vulnerable and scared when she was out in public, but he honestly couldn’t really blame her.

Hearing the detective say that the investigation had essentially hit a brick wall, that he hadn’t found any evidence anyone was working with Carly’s ex, made him furious. Someone had plotted with Shawn. Someone had willingly gone along with his plan to kidnap and torture Carly. Just because the detective hadn’t figured out who or someone was possibly an expert liar, didn’t mean the threat to Carly was over.

It had been a mistake to let as much time pass as it had before acting. Carly had suffered needlessly, alone in that apartment, and Jag wouldn’t soon forgive himself for that.

Jag was glad he’d at least been able to convince Carly to call Kenna on the way home. She’d seemed buoyed after the short conversation.

It was only a matter of time before she rekindled the close friendship she had with the other woman, before she was sucked back into the girl tribe. He had no doubt she and Monica would get along when they got to know each other. Monica was a bit standoffish, and that would probably endear her to Carly even more. Yes, Carly was previously outgoing and gregarious, but after the last couple of months, she certainly understood the appeal of keeping to herself. She’d respect that aspect of Monica’s personality.

He’d sent a text to Mustang letting him know that they needed to talk, but later, when he didn’t have to watch what he said around Carly. It wasn’t that he wanted to keep secrets from her, but he did want to shield her from any more of his anger over the situation. He’d been an asshole earlier, letting her see his frustration after talking with the detective. He didn’t want to give her any reason to compare him to Shawn.

But Jag was definitely furious about the situation. At the police. At himself for not bringing her here sooner. At whoever was out there in the shadows, watching and waiting.

Carly said she felt as if she was being watched, and Jag had no doubt that the mysterious accomplice was out there. There was a reason she’d hidden herself away in her apartment, and feeling as if someone was watching her every move was a damn good one.

“Why don’t you head to bed?” Jag suggested after it had gotten dark outside. Since dinner, Carly had been reading a book on her phone, or at least trying to. Her eyes kept closing involuntarily. She reminded him of a kid in school who fell asleep in class. Her head bobbed down, waking her up before she did her best to concentrate on her book. But inevitably her eyes would close and her head would droop once more. She had more sleep to catch up on.

She stared at him, and he could read the question in her eyes. Jag had done his best to give her space. Had longed to sit right next to her on his couch and pull her against him, but he’d resisted. He’d moved fast enough as it was. The last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable with their living situation.

Jag liked having her here. He’d spent too many nights worrying about her. Wondering if she was eating, sleeping all right, if she was scared. Having her here went a long way toward soothing the part of him that wanted to take care of her. Make sure she was all right.