Page 35

“I don’t care.”
He carried her inside and straight to her bedroom, then into her bathroom. He set her on the side of the huge tub while he started the shower running. He set the temperature to hot. Archer’s bathroom was three times the size of Sawyer’s, with glossy cream tiles and giant shower with lots of showerheads.
“Come on, you’re in shock. We need to get you warm.” He helped her up, kicked his wet boots off, then stepped into the shower with her.
“Your uniform?—”
“Will be fine.” He gripped her arms and carefully checked her over. He could see bruises forming on her arms in the shape of the man’s fingers. He locked down the rage burning inside him. “You should see a doctor.”
“I’m okay, Sawyer. I promise. I stopped fighting him to try and get him to let me go. I never swallowed any water.”
Seeing that man pushing her under… Sawyer ground his teeth together. He’d be seeing it in his head for a long time.
He tipped some shampoo into his hand and washed her hair. Then he pulled his wet clothes off, and wrung them out.
He felt her gaze on him. He was glad to see the shock and fear were wearing off.
When they got out, he wrapped a towel around his waist, then wrapped another around her. He dried her off.
“I have a bag with gym clothes in my SUV. I’ll go and get it.”
A flash of fear crossed her face before she hid it. He realized she was scared to be alone.
He grabbed her hand and squeezed. “I’ll be right back. I promise.”
When he returned, she was dressed in sleek, fitted pants and a light sweater.
Sawyer quickly changed. When he came back to the living room, she was on the couch, rubbing her arms. He sat down beside her. “You’re safe now.”
She swallowed and nodded. “I don’t understand why someone would do this.”
“Did you know the man who attacked you?”
“No. It was hard to see his face with the mask on, but I’m certain I’d never seen him before.”
“Hollis, I need to call a fellow deputy. Get him to come out and take your statement.”
Her mouth flattened.
“Jesse is a friend. He’ll be discreet. He’s not going to share with anyone that you’re on the island.”
She fiddled with her hair. With damp hair and her bare face, she looked so much younger.
“Hollis, he could attack and hurt somebody else.”
A stricken look crossed her face.” “Okay. Call your friend.”
“Good.” Sawyer squeezed her shoulder. “Then it’s time for you to tell me who you’re hiding from.”
Her mouth firmed into a flat line, but she gave him a small nod.
Still shaken,Hollis tried to get warm. She listened to Sawyer’s deep voice as he spoke on his cellphone.
If Sawyer hadn’t arrived when he did…
A violent shiver wracked her.
“Here.” Sawyer grabbed the throw blanket off the back of the couch and wrapped it around her. He sat down beside her.