Undaunted - Shirleen Davies Page 0,30

penned, never getting a single response. She’d fallen into a deep depression.

Fighting it for weeks without success, she’d given in to her mother’s urging to see a doctor. The woman had given her prescriptions and sent Brittany on her way. She’d set them on the bathroom vanity, never opening the bottles.

How strange it had come full circle. They were in his house, conversing when needed, with the one goal of keeping her alive. Except for those few minutes of insanity in this very room, Scott had been all business, treating her as little more than a stranger.

So why had he snuck in to stand beside her bed? Perhaps for the same reason she’d wanted to do the same. Watch the serenity of him in sleep. A glimpse of the man she still loved and wanted without the wariness and distrust.

Tossing the covers aside, she padded to a nearby chair, slipping into the robe Dani had purchased. The soft material fell to above her knees, covering the pink teddy.

She wanted to open the double French doors to the patio in the side yard, knowing it would draw the attention of those tasked to protect her. Instead, she looked out.

The room had a view to the barn, a structure large enough to hold several horses. She’d seen four in the corral. Brittany wondered if he’d let her ride while she was here.

She’d always loved the independence of riding, the feel of controlling such a large animal. The horses her parents kept had been the best therapy after letting Scott go.

Still not tired, Brittany picked up the computer charging on the dresser. Powering it up, she climbed onto the bed, resting it in her lap. Tapping a few keys, she connected to the secure internet and began downloading emails.

Scanning them, she gasped, the subject line of one catching her attention.

Found you.

Hands shaking, she opened it. The message a single, brief sentence.

You can’t hide from us. Say your prayers, pretty lady.

Heart pounding, she set the computer aside, hurrying to the hall. She had no idea where the men were located. Making a decision, she rushed to the other end of the house, taking a deep breath before knocking on Scott’s door, yelping when it swung open immediately.

“I…the…” She pointed toward her bedroom.

Resting his hands on her shoulders, his thumbs rubbed circles over her skin. Lowering his voice, he raised her chin. “You what, Brit?”

Instead of answering, she grabbed his hand, racing back to her bedroom. Picking up the computer, she shoved it at him.

Jaw tight, he read the message and sender information, anger coursing through him. Someone had breached the secure connection, frightened his woman. Fuse stilled before tossing the rebellious thought aside to meet her expectant gaze.

“Do you think they know where I am?”

Cupping her face, he shook his head. “No. If they did, you wouldn’t be getting an email. They sent this to scare you. There are six of us, all trained and ready for any threat. Plus, there are others ready to ride with a nod from me. Do you believe me?”

She gave a slow nod, tears burning the backs of her eyes. “Yes.”

The urge to pull her against him almost overwhelmed Fuse. Instead, he kissed her forehead, releasing his grip. “Good answer. I need to call Raider and notify the other men. Shut and lock the door behind me.”

“I’m going with you.”

“Brit…”

“Please. I won’t get in your way. I just need, well…to do something instead of sitting in here.”

Perhaps it was best to keep her with him until Raider and Wrath reviewed the latest threat. “All right. Stay right with me. I may need to leave you with Mitch and Gunner to speak with the others.”

“Thank you.”

He looked her up and down, settling on the low neckline of the robe and its length, displaying her über gorgeous legs. “I’ll wait while you change.”

She glanced down. “Change?”

“Put some damn clothes on.” He whirled around, staring at the door. Ridiculous, given he could draw every inch of her body in his sleep. “I’ll call Raider while you change.”

Dropping what she wore to pool at her feet, she tore through the bags, selecting a pair of jeans, bra, and long-sleeved blouse. Another bag held socks and tennis shoes. While she dressed, Brittany could hear him speaking with Raider, explaining the email. By the time she finished, he’d ended the call.

“Raider’s on it, along with Penny.”

She slanted her head to one side. “Penny?”

“Another hacker we use.” There were times the secrecy of the Brethren