Set Me Free (A Fugitive #2)(33)

I closed me eyes, swallowing back the blissful sigh that wanted to escape.

"I'll stay awake for now." He kissed the top of my head. "You get some rest."

"Thank you," I whispered, already lavishing the state of euphoria I was tucked in.

It took me ages to get to sleep. At first my brain was too filled with loved up images of Zach and I tangled together in a bed of crispy white sheets. Not being able to play out my fantasy soon became too much and I had to force my mind to other things. Unfortunately, the only other things invading my thinking space were terrifying, but once I hooked onto those thoughts, I couldn't seem to let go. My brain kept bouncing me awake with the terrifying reality of what we were actually doing. Thankfully, Zach's soft fingers running through my hair in a steady rhythm soothed my tremors and I was able to drift into a light sleep.





*****





"Okay, it's go time." Something sharp slapped my shoulder and I sat up with a jerk. My blurry eyes took a second to focus as I rubbed them. Light was shining in through the windows, illuminating Zach's sleepy face. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he groaned and slowly came too. He was so gorgeous, that square jawline did me in every time. It was an effort not to lean forward and kiss it as he sat up.

"What's happening?" he mumbled. Tugging his shirt straight as he swiveled around to look out the back window. "Where's Elliot?"

"Gone to pee." Alex pointed around the corner.

I wrinkled my nose as Alex kept talking, "There seems to be movement in the house now. I stayed up until nearly three and there was nothing. It's now seven and I saw the curtains open a few minutes ago. I wanted to get back to the car so we'd be ready to go if he comes out." Alex glanced at his watch. "He should be leaving for work soon."

"Where'd you hide?"

I looked out the back window, craning my neck to see down the road.

"There was a front yard back there with a pretty decent bush. I just tucked myself in there."

Peeking over the front seat, I took in his dirty appearance and nodded.

"I know, I know." Unbuttoning his shirt without a second thought, he whipped it off and threw it at our feet before scrambling under the passenger's seat for a new one.

I couldn't help noticing his toned body. No wonder he had so much sex. Not that I was overly surprised before. He was a real charmer, but nothing compared to my Zach.

My Zach.

I liked the way that sounded in spite of the thorn of sorrow that embedded itself in me every time reality hit. My Zach? Was that even possible?

Biting the inside of my lip, I squeezed the seatback in front of me. Elliot returned a second later, his fly still wide open. I closed my eyes against the flash of green underwear.

"Dude, flying low," Zach muttered, throwing me an apologetic look.

"Huh? Oh." Elliot arched back in his seat, doing up his fly as if it was the least embarrassing thing in the world.

I pressed my lips together, quelling the giggle that suddenly wanted to break free.

"So, there's definitely movement. I heard the garage door opening as I peed."

"You peed by his house?" I gaped.

"Two birds with one stone. I went around to his back yard. No one saw me."

My bulging eyes matched the army of nervous hacking at my stomach. These guys had no idea how lethal Tenner was. Had I not explained myself clearly enough? He'd probably shoot some kid for peeing in his yard. He was a—

"Look, someone's coming."

Zach and I spun around, squishing to the edge of the window. A blond guy with a buzz cut jogged down the driveway, a football tucked under his arm.

"That must be his kid, Billy."

"Billy the kid," Elliot snorted as we all watched him.

Zach rolled his eyes at me, then suddenly spun as we noticed the guy take a turn in our direction. I kept my head low, not wanting to be spotted. Alex rubbed his forehead, trying to look casual as Billy passed our car.

"Don't worry, he didn't even look our way," Alex mumbled.

I sat up to see Billy walking up the street. "Do you think we should follow him? It might be a good way to Tenner."

Where the hell that came from, I will never know, but Alex loved the idea and before I could even think of a protest, Zach and I were strolling up the street behind Billy Tenner.





Chapter 18





LUCY





Catching my fidgeting fingers, Zach stilled them in his hand and smiled at me. "Hey, this is way better than just sitting in a car. It's good to be doing something."

"I don't know if this guy can get us in and I don't even know what I mean by in." I grimaced.

"His house maybe?"

"Are you insane?"

Zach quietly chuckled at my horrified expression. "Don't you think it's worth a shot? Who knows what he's got locked away in there. His son could lead us to a gold mine without even knowing it."

"I hate using people this way." I made a face.

Zach squeezed my hand. "You're too sweet sometimes, you know that?"

I shot him a look that said otherwise. He just grinned at me and pulled me down the next street.