Nichole Severn - Rules In Rescue

“What did you tell them?” she asked.

He turned the key in the ignition. The engine growled to life and he forced his eyes to focus on the road. “That we were looking to spice things up in our sex life.”

She smoothed her expression. “And they believed you?” Motioning to his clothing, she leaned against the passenger-side door. “You, in all this Kevlar, with at least three weapons strapped to your chest? They believed you?”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t give them your real name.” In reality, Anchorage PD hadn’t asked too many questions about what he’d been doing in the house at all. After what had happened back in November, they recognized him and understood what kind of work he did on a regular basis. And who he did it for. Blackhawk Security had become a company the police could rely on after its CEO, Sullivan Bishop, had taken down one of the worst stalkers in city history, a case the department had moved to the bottom of their priority list. Anthony shoved the vehicle into Drive.

“Very funny.” She crossed her arms over her chest, accentuating the lean muscles through her forearms. “What are you doing? We can’t leave.” She surveyed the cul-de-sac as he swung the SUV around, spinning her upper body toward him from the passenger seat. Her icy glare shot through him, but he wasn’t about to stop. “That body is our only lead to finding my partner. Do you trust the police to fill us in if they find something?”

“We searched every inch of that house tonight, sweetheart. What exactly are you hoping they’re going to find that we couldn’t?” Anthony pressed his foot down on the accelerator when they hit Spenard Thruway. “Besides, you’re beat. We need to take a look at that wound again, then you’re going to get some sleep while we wait for the ballistics report on that bullet to come in.”

“I’m fine.” She settled back into her seat. “And don’t call me sweetheart. You’re here to protect me while I search for Bennett. Nothing more.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Tightening his grip around the steering wheel, Anthony studied Westchester Lagoon as they headed south. Nothing but blackness and the hint of lapping waves stared back at him. Wasn’t that just the perfect metaphor for the growing silence between him and Glennon? Damn, he’d screwed things up with her to hell and back. He should’ve been there for her while he’d still had the chance, should’ve been satisfied with what he’d done for his country the first four times instead of hopping on the next transport. Maybe then she wouldn’t treat him as though he were a stranger now.

He headed farther south, out of the city. Miles of nothing but trees and starlit sky stretched out before them. It was the best place to hide. No one would be able to track them out here. And even if they did, he’d be ready. The familiar rise and fall of the south end of the Chugach Mountains indicated they were close. A few more minutes and he could relax in his own territory.

“Where are you taking me?” Her voice barely overrode the sound of the heater, and he chanced a quick glance toward her. Adrenaline could only take the human body so far, and Glennon’s supply had run out. Lids closing, she fought to stay awake, but wouldn’t last much longer.

“Where no one can find us.” Within a few minutes, gravel crunched under the SUV’s tires as he pulled into a long driveway. The cabin was dark. Isolated. And, after discovering the shooter’s body in that furnace, it was the best chance they had of recovering in peace.

He pulled to a stop beside the small lakeside cabin and then unloaded his gear as she made her way inside.

Dropping everything on the floor, Anthony turned on the nearest light switch. “The place isn’t much, but it’s fully stocked and secure.” He studied her expression, trying to read any sign of what she had planned for their next move, but she’d always kept a good handle on the thoughts running through her head. “You can take the guest room at the back. Bathroom is right next door to it. Just the one, unfortunately, so we’ll have to share. I never bring anyone up here.”

“Never?” She surveyed the two-bedroom, one-bathroom space then moved to the front window. “It’s perfect. Suits you.”

“Thanks.” He liked his solitude, but liked it better with her here. Hoisting his bags over his shoulder, he felt the first effects of having gone over twenty-four hours without sleep. Her call had pulled him off another assignment, but he couldn’t fault her for that. “Let me unpack my gear while you settle in, and I’ll bring you something to eat in about ten minutes.”

“Thank you.” She forced a smile but the exhaustion weighing her down didn’t let it reach her eyes. She headed for the back of the cabin empty-handed, taking nearly every ounce of his control with her. Damn, he’d missed her, and no matter how many times she reminded him nothing would happen between them again, he couldn’t help but imagine what they could’ve been together. Stopping shy of the hallway, Glennon turned back. “For everything.”

Ten minutes later her voice stopped him just outside her cracked door, only a sliver of light spilling into the hallway. He pushed it open a few inches.

“I know what I said.” Her back was to him where she sat on the bed, but her words registered crystal-clear. “Things are...more complicated than I thought they’d be here. It’ll be a couple more days. Can you please put him on the phone? I just need to hear his voice.” Dressed in a set of his oversize T-shirt and sweats, Glennon shifted on the guest bed, head down, legs stretched in front of her and ran her hand through her hair. The sight rocketed his pulse into dangerous territory. “Hey, baby.” Her voice lightened in an instant, a beautiful smile spreading across her expression. “I know. I’m sorry I woke you. I just missed you so much. Are you being good for Grandma?”

Anthony settled against the door frame, entranced by the sudden shift in her mood. The plate grew heavy in his hand, but he’d stand there all night if there was a chance he’d get a glimpse of that smile again.

“You went to the zoo without me? That sounds fun. Can I call you again tomorrow so you can tell me more about it?” Those mesmerizing green eyes brighter than he’d ever seen, she leaned back against the headboard and crossed her legs over the pillow top. A laugh escaped from between her perfectly pink lips, tightening his insides. “Okay. Go back to sleep, my love. I’ll see you soon.”

He couldn’t move. Couldn’t think. In the few seconds she’d spoken to her son, he’d felt her undeniable love, and something inside him splintered. He gripped the plate hard. She would’ve made an amazing mother to their kids. Hell, she was obviously an amazing mother already. Couldn’t even keep herself from calling her son so early in the morning. Anthony ignored the tightness in his throat and straightened. Didn’t matter. She’d made it clear how their relationship would proceed. As partners. Nothing more.

With three knocks, he shouldered his way into the room with everything on a plate. “Hungry? I made your favorite. Aspirin, clean gauze and my special egg salad sandwich.”

“Yeah.” Glennon shot off the mattress, wiping at her face. A split second later she turned toward him again, locking down any hint of emotion. She sniffed as she maneuvered around the bed. “I’m starving. Thanks.”

His stomach sank. She was getting far too skilled at hiding those emotions of hers, to the point he questioned whether he’d really seen her smile a few minutes ago. “Was it something I said?”

“What? No. It’s not you. I appreciate you letting me stay here.” She shook her head, a flush of pink rising in her cheeks. Her long fingers brushed against his as she reached for the plate. Heat seared through him as she took a step back and raised the plate in acknowledgment. “And for the food. I—”