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Sawyer cursed. “That’s Joseph Gallant and he’s bad news.”
“The hitman that Vander mentioned. The one who takes souvenirs.” She hated the idea that this man had been creeping around her house, taking her things.
“He’s dangerous because he’s good, and quick, and efficient. I think he’s the man who attacked you on the beach, but keep looking at the photos. I’m thinking there is more than one asshole hunting you. There were definitely at least two people at Mama’s.”
“More than one person out to kill me? You’ve got to be joking.” She shoved her chair back. She couldn’t stay sitting there any longer.
“Hollis—”
“I need… I have no idea what I need.” She took a few steps, her heart beating hard. “I want to punch Michael Reuben in the face. Why does he think he can end my life?” She shook her head. “I’m sick of being anxious and afraid. Worried that someone will attack me.” Or hurt Sawyer. Somehow, she’d gotten very lucky when this man had arrived to turn off her smoke alarm.
“Gorgeous.” He spun her to face him. Then he cupped her jaw and kissed her.
The kiss was slow, and oh, so sexy. With a low moan, she leaned into him. His strong arms closed around her.
“That,” she murmured. “That’s what I needed.”
“You’re not alone in this. I’m right here.”
She hugged him hard. His big hand pressed against her back. A part of her was so afraid to lean on him, to get used to him being there, and that one day she’d wake up, and he’d be gone.
She lifted her head. “Reuben needs to be stopped. Whatever he’s into can’t be good. And the fact that he hired someone to kill me—” she shook her head “—or more than one person… I’m going to take him down.”
Sawyer smiled. “Hell, yeah. We’ll take him down together.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Hollis woke and stared blindly at the unfamiliar bedroom. Sunshine was shining in through the thin curtains.
Everything rushed back in. They were in Upcountry. Assassins were hunting her.
But Sawyer was with her.
She turned her head and looked at him beside her. Her heart did a hard thump. He was still asleep. Propping her head up on her hand, she took her time looking at that rugged face. His big body made the bed feel tiny.
His eyes opened.
“Morning,” she murmured. “I like watching you sleep. In a very uncreepy way.”
He focused on her. “What time is it?”
She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. “A little after six-thirty.”
“Really?” He sat up and swung his feet off the bed. He bent over, his elbows resting on his knees.
She stared at his back and frowned. “Sawyer?” She crawled across the bed. “What’s wr?—?”
Suddenly, he grabbed her and hauled her onto his lap. She gasped and grabbed his arms.
“I slept through the night.” His voice was a little hoarse. “I slept through the night, with no nightmares, and your body tucked up beside me.”
Her heartbeat echoed in her ears. “Yes.”
He pressed his forehead to hers. “Haven’t slept through the night for two years, Hollis.”
Emotions swelled inside her.
“You’re a fucking miracle,” he whispered.