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A trap. Another person hurt, like me. A wounded animal that justsoundslike a human.

On soundless feet, I creep forward. Closer. Closer. My panic ebbs as my training kicks in.

I used to be Special Forces. The best of the best. I work for one of the top security companies in the country. I can face anything.

Then.

On the ground; I see it.

A spill of shiny blonde hair peeking from behind the shrubs.

A hand outstretched, nails tipped with pale pink.

The last of the puzzle comes together.

My chest clutches.

Tatum.

The cabin.

The intruders.

Fighting against three of them while the fourth attacked her. Knocked her down. Punched her.

And then all four of them on me.

Fuck.

Three; I had a chance. But four? And with my gun still in the bedroom, because, dammit, I thought the cabin was safe.

Sostupid. I thought my security system would be enough.

And when Tatum showed up at the door, nearly drenched but smiling so sweetly, offering me food and supplies she ventured through a thunderstorm to bring me…

All I was thinking about was talking to her. Danger was the last thing on my mind.

Until the cabin was attacked. And one of those fuckers injected me with something…

Fuck.

But it doesn’t matter now. What matters is Tatum. Finding out how badly she’s hurt. Or if she’s?—

No. Don’t think it. Not beautiful Tatum with the endearing smile and big blue eyes and a body I haven’t stopped thinking about since I met her. Not thoughtful Tatum who came to visit me—a virtual stranger—because she was worried about my comfort.

Everything fades in importance as I race to her, a silent prayer like a mantra.

Please be okay. Please.

If her bright light is snuffed out…

Crashing to my knees beside her, my gaze roves across her motionless body in a quick assessment.

A purpling bruise mars her cheek, and a trickle of dried blood disappears into her hair, staining the blonde a violent red.

Her eyes are shut, her lashes a sweep of shadow beneath them.

Skin pale, but not the telltale bluish skim-milk tint I’ve seen too many times before.