took a sharp breath, stiffened, then stepped backward.
She’d been leaning against him, so she almost stumbled, but he grasped her upper arms to steady her.
Pain shrieked through her sore muscles. She cried out.
He frowned and loosened his grip. “Let’s get inside.”
Even though the temperature was mild and summery, Sunny began to shiver. She let Griff lead her up the steps and into the house.
“Towels?”
She pointed at the door on the left side of the foyer. The downstairs guest room had its own bath. “I—I’ll get them,” she said through chattering teeth.
But Griff ignored her and disappeared through the door, reappearing a moment later with a white fluffy towel. He scrubbed his face and hair, then approached her.
She held out a shaky hand.
Griff cursed under his breath. “That sorry scumbag.” His voice was harsh as he reached out toward her, his fingers stopping a fraction of an inch away from her arm.
She winced involuntarily, then looked down. Large red ovals on her skin were beginning to turn a deep blue-black.
“He hurt you.” His voice was soft, but fury blazed from his eyes. “Did he—”
She shook her head, and rubbed her sore arms.
“Who was it? Did you know him?”
“It was Burt Means.” She shivered, reaching for the towel.
“You’re going to have to wait until the police examine you. Here. I’ll dry your face.”
Sunny closed her eyes as he gently, carefully patted away a few drops of water from her eyes. She shivered when he brushed a lock of wet hair off her forehead.
“He came here to get Emily.” Tears clogged her throat. “He doesn’t have her.”
“You’re sure?”
She nodded. “He was too angry. He’s convinced I’ve hidden her somewhere.”
“Yeah? Why would he think that?”
Sunny pushed a lock of wet hair out of her eyes. Because he’d seen her putting Emily’s diaper bag in her car.
She couldn’t tell Griff that. He would know immediately what she was planning to do. He’d know the kidnapper had contacted her again.
Holding her breath to keep from sobbing, she reminded herself that as tempting as it was to trust him, she couldn’t. She had to get rid of him and the police as soon as possible, so she could get on the road to Philadelphia, to her baby. She’d lost too much time already.
“He demanded I take him to Emily. I tried to explain that I have no idea where she is. That’s when he—” a shudder racked her body “—he said if I didn’t tell him, before he was finished with me I’d beg him to kill me.”
Griff’s face darkened ominously. His jaw clenched. Turning on his heel, he stalked over to the front window. “The officer in charge will be in here in a minute. He can take your statement.”
She stared at his broad back. His sport jacket and jeans were soaked, and clung to his lean, muscled body. His back was rigid, as if he was barely holding himself in check.
She shivered and felt her breasts tighten. Looking down, she realized what her wet clothes revealed. Her nipples were clearly outlined through the thin material of her top.
Oh no. She had on white slacks and thin silk bikini underwear. Everything—everything was probably visible through the wet transparent material. Her face burned. “I’m going upstairs to change.”
“No.” Griff turned. His gaze raked her from head to foot, lingering at the apex of her thighs. He blinked, then met her eyes, new fire burning in his.
Incredibly, Sunny felt her body react. She was terrified, still aching from Burt’s brutality, but Griff’s violet gaze stirred her.
“I told you, the police have to check your clothes and—you for trace evidence.” His throat moved as he swallowed.
Just as Sunny opened her mouth to ask if she could wait in the kitchen, a knock sounded on the door and the police were there.
It was almost an hour before the last officer left, taking her wet clothes with him. She’d promised the officer in charge she’d come down to the station in the morning to file a report.
By the time they left, her nerves were frayed to the breaking point. She surreptitiously glanced at the clock. Midnight.
She had to get rid of Griff and get out of here. Emily was waiting.
Just a little longer, she told herself. If she could stay calm just a little longer, Griff would leave, and she could get on the road to Philadelphia and her baby.
Watching him take charge of the scene, directing the officers, her heart had yearned for his strength. But if she showed up