are moving the second he does it.
I don’t hesitate running back into the house where the man who terrorized me lies dead on the carpet in a pool of blood. I don’t give the police and Cerberus guys milling around a second glance. The moment Colton and Rick are in sight, I rush to them and wrap my arms around them both.
They envelop me in an embrace, both of them clinging to me. I sob from fear and relief, from knowing how close I came to losing this. God, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let them go. Warm tears combine with mine, and I look up to see utter devastation written all over Colton’s face.
“Shh,” I say, pressing a shaking finger to his lips before he can speak.
I know what he’s going to say, but warnings against loving him isn’t something I can take right now.
“We’re fine. We’re safe.”
“I’m smothered,” Rick jokes as he takes a step back, but the evidence of his own fear continues to pour from his eyes.
He notices me looking at him and quickly wipes his eyes.
“I’m going to stay with Landon tonight.”
“Like hell—”
“I think that’s a great idea. He’ll be safe on Cerberus property,” Dustin says as he steps up to us, clearing his throat. “I imagine you two are going to need some time alone.”
My cheeks flame. Telling your dad you love someone is worlds away from one of the guys on his team, a man that helped raise me, hinting at anything sexual in nature.
“Landon needs me,” Rick argues, his eyes now pleading with his dad to understand.
I know Colton has the same suspicions as I do when he gives his son a simple nod. Rick groans when Colton wraps his arms around him one last time, squeezing him to his chest, but as much noise as Rick is making, I don’t miss the fact that he holds his dad even tighter.
“Be safe,” Colton whispers. “Call me if you need me.”
“I will, Dad.” Rick walks out of the house with Landon and Dustin.
Colton wraps his arms around me once again, and there’s so much emotion between us, it’s as if we can both just forget about the dead guy ten feet away and the people walking around.
“We’re standing in the middle of an active crime scene,” I mutter against his chest, reluctant to ever let go of him again.
“You have to give a statement.”
I know I do. I’ve been on the other side of this situation before, but having lived it makes each one of those scenes I went to with him seem different. Being the victim sucks, and although I know I may never get this night out of my head, I hope I can move past it.
“He’s the one that sent that letter.”
“A warrant was signed that day, and people have been actively looking for him, but a man who doesn’t want to be found can easily avoid detection.”
My fears, something I tried to convince myself were an overreaction, are justified.
“Look at me.” Colton takes a step back, holding my face in gentle palms as he looks me in the eye. “I took that situation seriously. I did everything I could to track him down and bring him in. I don’t want you to think tonight happened because I thought it was no big deal.”
“I know.” I nod my head, hoping the action combined with my words are enough for him.
As much as Colton complained about being distracted with me around, the man did damn fine police work. Downtime was nearly nonexistent where he was concerned, and I think that was a lot of his appeal. Maybe it’s another one of those traits from my dad—that daddy positivity—that made him attractive to me. I know a good man when I see one because I was raised around a dozen of them growing up in Cerberus.
“Can she give her statement in the morning?” Colton asks over my shoulder, and I turn, meeting the eyes of Chief Monahan.
“First thing,” Monahan confirms. “So that means you need to pack a bag and get out of here. I’ll make sure crime scene cleanup is scheduled for when we’re done.”
I don’t know how but I manage to fall asleep nearly seconds after Colton drives away from his house. I wake as he lifts me out of the seat.
“Where are we?” I whisper against his warm, firm chest.
“Hampton Inn.”
A laugh escapes my lips, and I can feel his chest moving up and down with