Jen_C’s Reviews > Trust Under Fire > Status Update

“You’re staying? Even though, you know…we’re not doing it?” she asked. He laughed, his gaze both hungry and amused. “Doing it? You mean making love?” And then his smile turned wicked. “Sweetheart, trust me. We’re gonna be doing it like a couple of horny rabbits, as soon as you can move without wincing. In fact, I suspect, we’ll be doing it, for a very long time.”

He gunned it, crushing the accelerator with his boot. The dog had to be chasing Emma. Had to be. He’d never been one for praying. Hell, he couldn’t remember ever praying. But he prayed now. Prayed like a motherf-er. Offered every deal he could think of, including his own life, if he could just get Emma back. Alive. In one piece. Who the f--k had taken her?

Just one shot…maybe that should have reassured her, but it didn’t because Lucas hadn’t returned. Where was he? He’d said he’d come for her, but that had been five torturous hours ago. Hours consumed by endless horrific images spun by her imagination. Images of Lucas going down, of his body bloody and still, of his eyes glazed and empty.

“Thanks. For everything.” Her throat tightened. Her eyes started to burn. She was just tired, that’s all. The sting of tears had nothing to do with how quietly supportive he’d been all day and after she’d been such a bitch to him the day before. “I honestly can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you did for me today.”

Pride was all good and well, until it got you killed. She would have died today if Lucas hadn’t showed up. Apparently he thought she was still resistant, because a harsh, humorless laugh broke from him. “Relax. I’ll forgo my usual fee of sexual favors. Hell, I’ll even split, if that’s what you want. Tag can play bodyguard. But babe, you’re coming with me, even if I have to kidnap you myself.”

“Look, go away, alright? I don’t need your help.” The request came out much sharper than she’d intended. Something he’d obviously picked up on since that earlier wariness returned to his square face. Ambivalence, Emma. No hurt. No anger. No embarrassment. No emotion. He said something softly beneath his breath. Although she hadn’t heard it clearly, she was pretty sure it was a swear word.

The shock vanished beneath a blast of fear. She went queasy and lightheaded in an instant. Are they still here? Are they hiding? Are they waiting for me? That blurred sense of movement from earlier slammed into her mind. She backed up, a thin sheen of sweat slicking her spine. Get out of the house. Into the car. Call the police.