He’d never been anybody’s salvation before. It made him feel quite good. Her lithe body rested against his, her soft hair caressed his cheek and he remembered the nights they’d spent together. How he’d comforted her, made her feel safe, and provided a tantalising distraction to the stressful situation they were in. The sex had been great, but he’d always known she was doing it out of a need to feel appreciated, and as a way of forgetting where she was, if only for a few hours. For her, it had never been love.
He, on the other hand, had flirted with the idea that they might have had a future, and if he was honest, he felt a momentary pang he wasn’t the man staying behind with her. But he shook it off. This was no time to get sentimental. Everything was as it should be. Sarah was with Chris, her one true love, the father of her child. He’d have to face charges and may do some jail time, but it wouldn’t be long, and she’d wait for him. Of that, Crane was certain. He detangled himself from her embrace and stepped back, trying not to show how reluctant he was to let her go.
Chris watched him, probably trying to work out the nature of their relationship. Crane would leave that up to Sarah. It was her decision whether she wanted him to know how close they’d become – or not. It wasn’t his place to cause trouble, not now they’d just found each other again.
He kept his voice even. “I was happy to help and I’m glad everything has worked out for you.” He meant it. She deserved to be happy after living as a virtual prisoner for so many years. It must have been hell.
She smiled, her face full of gratitude. “Thank you, for everything.”
Chris held out his hand. “Yes, thank you for coming to find me. If it wasn’t for you, I’d still be living in the Caymans, hiding in the shadows.”
“Don’t mention it.” They shook hands.
It was time to leave.
“All the best,” he said to Chris, then he glanced one last time at Sarah before he left the room. She was in the best possible hands. Chris was a good man. He would love her and look after her much better than Crane ever could. Plus, they’d be a proper family.
With his torrid past, his solitary lifestyle and unpredictable job, what kind of partner would he make? Besides, she’d undoubtedly move to L.A. now to be with her child, and that was one place he didn’t want to live. No, he was happy with his dogs, his kayaking and living in the forest, close to nature. It was the way he’d always been. One thing he knew about himself was that he wasn’t the marrying type. Never had been. Never would be.
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LOUISE ROSE-INNES
Louise Rose-Innes writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She lives in leafy Surrey with her family, and when she’s not writing is traipsing through Richmond Park or kayaking on the river Thames.
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Undercurrent: A P.I. Munro Crane Romantic Suspense Thriller Page 26