by Barb Han
Being so close to him, Sadie could smell the cinnamon.
Nick made a disgusted noise from his throat. “Don’t you have a girlfriend somewhere?”
Luke didn’t immediately speak. What flashed in his eyes? Hurt? Anger?
An expression crossed Nick’s features that Sadie couldn’t quite put her finger on. Was it regret? Did Nick wish he could take those words back?
She braced herself for more bantering. Instead, Luke’s smile morphed to a serious expression, and he gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Nope. You’re looking at a free man.”
“Lucky for single women everywhere,” Nick said, easing the tension.
She made a mental note to ask about that later.
“Aren’t you on a case?” Nick glanced at Sadie when he said, “Luke works for the FBI.”
“Coffee’s for you, by the way.” Luke held out a cup toward his brother.
Nick took it and held the cup to his lips for a few seconds before he took a sip. “Thanks, man.”
“No problem. I’m around until after Gran’s birthday. Do I need to be checking the rearview or did you ditch the son of a bitch who redecorated your face?” All the charm in his features returned full force.
“Just a couple of bumps and bruises. Nothing permanent, like a bullet hole. I think we walked far enough out of the way. No one should be able to track us.”
Sadie leaned into Nick for warmth.
Luke’s expression turned serious again, all cute playboy disappeared, when he asked, “What are we dealing with here exactly? I take it she’s one of yours in the program.”
Nick nodded. “Except she wasn’t mine before. I inherited her when her handler was killed.”
“And this guy being killed put her at risk?”
“She was relocated two years ago after testifying against Malcolm Grimes and assigned to a marshal by the name of Charlie.”
Luke clenched his jaw muscle. “The Malcolm Grimes? One of the biggest crime figures in Chicago?”
“The very one.”
“I read about that case, but I don’t remember you being involved in that one.”
“I wasn’t,” Nick said, taking another sip of coffee. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes for a moment. “That’s good. Really good.”
“Isn’t that case old news?”
“It was until Grimes broke out of jail and her handler was found murdered.”
“That’s not good. Sounds like a mess. And an inside job. Does everyone at the U.S. Marshals Service check out?”
“Nope. This case has a stench so strong even my boss wants away from it just in case our channels of communication are dirty,” Nick said. “A supervisor who was spotted with Grimes’s men has now gone missing.”
“Damn. Okay, so she testified and put the bad guy away. Why come after her now? They have to know the agency would be watching.”
“You’d think. My predecessor relocated her after the trial twice, the last of which was to a small town where she should’ve been able to live out her life in peace.”
“Until her man breaks out of jail and comes after her with reinforcements.”
“Exactly,” Nick agreed. “Possibly with her handler’s help. And, worst-case, a supervisor’s.”
“That stinks to high heaven.”
“Don’t I know.”
“And you think you can help her if...” Luke let his sentence die. He was silent for a minute, chewing on more than his gum. “Even so, taking her to the ranch?”
“I know what you’re about to say.”
“Then you know you can’t break protocol. Not even to keep her safe. And you also know I mean this in the best possible way. God knows I invented doing things on my terms. But stashing her with us? Not a good idea.” Luke turned to Sadie and said, “No offense.”
“None taken. I agree with you,” she said.
“True,” Nick interjected. “Here’s the thing. Everywhere I take her, these guys show up. They’re barely a half step behind. The man power they have is staggering. I thought about staying on the run. And I can. But what do I do when I need to investigate a lead? Leave her exposed, alone in a hotel room? I don’t have backup on this. And these guys are one step behind me out in the open like this.”
“From the looks of your face, they’ve been catching you, too.”
Nick pressed the heel of his right hand to his forehead. “It’s been a problem.”
“What about your boss?”
“He told me to go on Graco protocol, which basically means do whatever it takes as long as it’s legal.”
“I can see your problem. No one in the agency knows about the ranch.”
“I’ve thought about every other possibility. The ranch is the only place I can keep her safe while I find Grimes. I can’t leave her vulnerable in some random motel. I need backup I can trust, which means no one from my agency. I’m counting on you guys. I need everyone’s help on this.”
Luke didn’t hesitate. “You know I have your back. I have a hot case but you have every other minute of my time.”
“Chasing corporate spies again?”
“Nah. I got a serial killer on the loose in The Metroplex.”
“The one in the media? Ravishing Rob?”
Luke rocked his head. “He’s my guy.”
“I appreciate your offer of help, little bro. I’ll get back to you on that. Let’s get through the next few days, and we’ll see where we’re at after Gran’s party. You’ve got an important case of your own to work on.”
“Nothing’s too important for family. Besides, I’m a half hour outside The Metroplex on the ranch.”
“Don’t you mean forty minutes?”
“Not the way I drive.”
The two bumped fists. Sadie’s heart filled with warmth at the obvious affection these brothers had for each other. Their love came through even when they teased each other. And they were taking care of her, too. Not even Tom did that and she’d almost married him. Heck, when she’d caught a cold that turned into pneumonia, she’d asked if he could pick up her medication from the pharmacy and bring soup. He didn’t show up for hours. When he finally came through the door, she was exhausted and in tears.
He’d asked what was wrong.
She’d said she was starving and had waited for him.
He’d given her a shocked look and had said, “You know I always play poker with the boys on Thursdays.”
Where her relationship with Tom lacked in spark, he made up for in dependability—and he could be depended on as long as she didn’t ask him to upset his normal routine. She’d also learned that depending on others was the fastest way to get her heart broken.
Sadie didn’t let herself go there about how nice it would be to have a family supporting her. At least she had Boomer.
“You know I appreciate it,” Nick said.
Luke glanced at Sadie. “Sounds like a mess. But don’t worry, darlin’. I’ll do what this guy can’t. Keep you safe.”
“I’d be dead already if it weren’t for him.” She wasn’t sure why she felt the need to defend him against his brother’s teasing. Or why her heart squeezed when Nick smiled his response.
Luke cocked an eyebrow. His gaze shifted from Sadie to Nick and back. He placed his wrist on top of the steering wheel and drove.
Sadie leaned her head back.
She woke with a start, and realized she was still in the pickup.
“Sorry about the bumps. Need to fill the potholes. Gran ran out of gravel, so more’s on the way,” Luke said.
Nick’s eyes opened, and his hand came up to his forehead. Using the heels of his hands, he pressed against his eyelids. “Means we’re home.”
“I must’ve fallen asleep.” She stretched and yawned. “
It’s been a long night.”
She couldn’t see much except for shrubs lining the winding path. “I’ll be okay. Just need a boost of caffeine and then we can talk through our next steps.”
“Your immediate future holds a hot shower and warm bed.”
And leave her out of the important stuff? No way. “You have to let me help. It’s my life we’re talking about here.”
Nick started to protest, but she cut him off. “Look. I listened to the Marshals Service before and, with all due respect, I’m on the run again with no home and men chasing me with guns. I deserve to be included in any plans that involve me and my life. Clear?”
Nick emphatically shook his head.
Luke parked the truck and deadpanned his brother. “The lady has a point.”
“Damn right,” she said, grateful for the support. “And if you don’t let me be part of the solution, then I’m out of here first thing in the morning. I’ll figure out my own way. I can hide. I’ve gotten pretty good at it.” She wasn’t stupid enough to follow through on the threat. Her options were nil. She had no other leverage.
“Not a good idea. Promise me you won’t disappear on me,” Nick said. The worry in his tone almost shredded her resolve.
She had to be strong. Depend on him and she might as well roll up the tent because as soon as this assignment was over, he’d be gone. And she’d be left to pick up the pieces of her life again. Alone.
She glanced at Boomer.
Not completely alone. At least she had man’s best friend as comfort. He’d shown himself to be not only a dedicated companion but a force to be taken seriously, as well. No more Scooby Doo nickname for this guy. His new moniker would be Cujo.
She folded her arms. “Fine. I’ll agree to let you know when I decide to leave. And you owe me a promise, too.”
“I’ll include you. But you need to remember I’m the professional here. This is my job. I do this for a living and I’m trained. Not to mention I’m damn good at what I do.”
“I’ve seen that already,” she said. Then felt the need to point out, “We’re alive but someone seems to anticipate our every move.”
His downturned lips at the corners of his mouth told her everything she needed to know about how much she’d just insulted him. She wasn’t trying to get into a fight. She wanted to be dead clear about her intention to be involved in her own future. She’d relied on the U.S. Marshals Service to keep her alive for the past two years. In that time, she’d also picked up a few survival tricks on her own. She wasn’t as naive as when she’d first joined the program, wide-eyed, believing every word that came out of Charlie’s and his supervisor’s mouths.
Charlie.
Her heart still hurt at the thought he was killed most likely because of his involvement with her. If a criminal was powerful enough to get to a U.S. Marshal, what chance did she have? Even with Nick watching her back, there weren’t any guarantees. He’d done an excellent job of keeping them safe so far, but the government wouldn’t pay him to stay by her side 24/7. Surely he had other cases to work on.
Even if he was dedicated to her, how long before Grimes caught them? His men seemed to be one step behind so far, which blew her mind. Plus, life had already taught her that depending on others brought nothing but heartache.
“I understand you think my agency let you down. But from where I sit, they’ve also been the one thing that kept you alive.”
“I won’t argue that. I have a feeling if they’d sent any other deputy, I’d be dead right now and not here in this truck.”
He ground his back teeth. Didn’t argue.
Sadie knew she was right. “So, you won’t mind if I take more of an interest in where I go and what I do next.”
“What I say goes.” Nick palmed the empty coffee cup. “You don’t do anything to get yourself killed.”
“I’ll agree to consider your opinion but from now on I make decisions for myself. Whether you like it or not.”
Nick crunched the cup in his hand.
She made kissing noises at Boomer and he lumbered out of the backseat. “I don’t see the problem with sharing information with me.”
“Can’t tell you what I don’t know.” Was it frustration deepening his pitch?
He had a point. Admitting he had no idea where Grimes might strike next seemed to darken his bad mood. Everything was uncertain in her life. “When you do find out where he is and what he’s doing, you have to promise to keep me informed. I get to know everything, including your plans for apprehending him.”
“As long as you agree not to do anything stupid that could jeopardize your safety or mine,” he whispered, toeing off his shoe at the doorstep.
“Why would I do that?” she snarled, angry at the accusation. She deserved to be in the loop. It wasn’t like she was asking to be sworn in or anything.
“Just making sure we’re clear.”
“I’m not confused. Are you?”
He blew out a sharp breath. “You don’t leave without telling me first. I don’t make a move without informing you. Sound about right?”
“Yes. Break your promise and all bets are off.”
“Got it.”
Even with the lights off, she could tell she was being led into a ranch-style home.
Despite the bickering, Nick twined their fingers. He led her down a dark hallway with Boomer on her heels. Her faithful companion. He’d done well today.
When the chips were down, he’d stood his ground and growled.
Precisely what she planned to do from here on out.
Chapter Eight
By the time Sadie cracked her eyes open again, she could tell by the amount of light streaming in through the window that noon had come and gone. When was the last time she’d slept that well? Her queen-size bed, shaker-style, with a matching chest of drawers next to it made the room feel cozy.
The decor was simple. The white sheets were soft. The bed had four thick, plush pillows. A handmade quilt with alternating patterns of deep oranges and browns had warmed her through the otherwise chilly night.
Boomer lay snoring at her side. He didn’t budge when she sat up.
Poor baby. He must be exhausted after all the walking they’d done in the past two days.
“You did good, buddy,” she said in a low voice.
He didn’t budge.
There was clothing folded on top of the five-drawer chest. She slipped out of the covers quietly, so as not to disturb her hundred-pound hero who was now growling and panting in his sleep. No doubt, he was reliving the ordeal from last night.
Sadie placed her hand on his side and soothed him until his breath evened out and he snored peacefully again. She moved to the dresser and examined the clothes. Jeans and a T-shirt suited her just fine. Her pink silk bra and panties had been washed and folded neatly in the pile. Red heat crawled up her neck at the thought of Nick handling her undergarments. Warmth flushed her thighs. Because it wasn’t so awful to think of him touching her personal things...and she knew instantly she was confusing her feelings for him.
Feelings was a strong word.
She appreciated his help. He was her knight in shining armor, ripping her out of the hands of killers. Who wouldn’t be wowed by that? What she experienced was gratitude. Nothing more. So why did she feel the need to remind herself of the fact?
One thing she knew for certain was that she’d been so tired last night she scarcely remembered taking a shower or changing into bedclothes. Nick had brought them in while she was showering, saying he’d borrowed them from one of his sisters. She didn’t even want to think of the current running through her at the realization she was completely naked behind the shower curtain not five feet from him.
How long had it been since she’d been held by a man? Two years.
The last time she and Tom were together they’d had their usual Friday night movie at his place. He’d ordered deep-dish pizza from their favorite restaurant on the corner just as they had every week for the entire year and a half they’d been dating. If anything, Tom was consistent. Boring?
Where did that come from?
To be fair, her ex was a little too predictable, but he was also decent. There were no surprises when it came to Tom, and Sadie appreciated him for it. Wasn’t knowing she could count on someone a good thing?
Why did it suddenly feel as though she’d been settling?
Her aunt had been unpredictable, and look how their relationship had ended. Sadie had felt no need to visit the woman one last time before she’d left Chicago.
The time she’d stopped by after her first semester of community college, her aunt had practically blocked the door. Sadie’s excitement at having made good grades shriveled inside her at her aunt’s reaction to seeing her. She’d expected a warm greeting, and chided herself for being foolish when she didn’t receive one.
When she pressed to come inside so she could pick up a few of her things, her aunt had turned on the tears. She’d complained of not having space or enough money for rent before delivering a crushing blow. She’d sold all of Sadie’s belongings.
Her heart broke that day.
She’d left many of her prized possessions behind until she got settled in her new place. Between work, class and study, she hadn’t had time to stop by and retrieve them once the semester hit full stride.
Gone was her mother’s wedding ring. Gone was the baby blanket her mother had crocheted for her when she was born. Gone was her father’s revered vintage coin collection.
Everything from her parents had been sold, stripped away from her.
She’d stood in the doorway, feeling raw, exposed and orphaned all over again.
Her stomach twisted, the pain so very real. Even now.
Tom could be unyielding, but he would never have done that to her.
Did he make her pulse race the way being around Nick did? No. She and Nick ran from bullets and murderers. Of course her blood would be pumping and her adrenaline surging. And he did so much more to her on the inside. Her heart fluttered when he was close. Electricity pulsed between them. Her thighs warmed.