Page 155 of Unseen Danger

She moved toward him but froze when a muscled man thundered down the stairs behind him.

The man’s head came into view as he grabbed the gunman from behind, knocking the gun from his hand.

Branson.

Her heart squeezed in her chest. He had come for her.

Grunts jerked her gaze back to Walter just in time to see him kick at Alvarez.

The K-9 couldn’t dodge the blows forever.

She hurried back to help her partner and dropped to the floor behind the flailing man. She wrapped her arm around his neck for Sof’s favorite chokehold.

Seconds later, Walter was unconscious.

“Alvarez, out.”

The K-9 instantly released his bite as Nevaeh pulled away, letting Walter slide to the floor. He wouldn't be out for long.

Strong hands came into view. Branson.

He rolled Walter onto his front and wound a zip tie around his wrists.

“Are you okay?” Branson’s deep voice traveled through her, infusing her with excitement, peace, and happiness, all at the same time. His fingers cradled her elbows, and he gently lifted her to stand, guiding her away from Walter.

The man of her nightmares moaned as he came to.

But she barely heard him as her gaze feasted on the sight of the man of her dreams.

He’d rolled up the sleeves of his white dress shirt, revealing the muscular arms that the fitted shirt couldn’t hide anyway. His tie and jacket were gone, his slacks wrinkled. Similar wrinkles creased his forehead as he stared at her, blue eyes filled with worry. For her.

“Oh, yeah. I’m having the time of my life.” She grinned. “Can’t you tell?”

A disbelieving smile crept onto his face. He shook his head. “You are incredible, you know that?”

“Oh, yeah. I get that a lot.” Her grin stretched wider. “In fact, I—”

In one quick motion, he closed the gap between them and claimed her lips with his while his strong arms cradled her in heavenly warmth.

A laugh bubbled up even as she savored the incredible thrill of his kiss. She couldn’t help it. She was just so crazy happy.

He pulled back, keeping her in his arms as he gave her that adorable look of bemusement, like he couldn’t figure her out but loved her anyway.

Loved her.

Nevaeh’s heart lurched. Was it true?

“I’m sorry, Nevaeh.”

Her dancing pulse slowed. Not the words she’d expected to hear.

“I shouldn’t have kissed you.” He slid his hands down her arms as he stepped back. “I can’t date you because—”

“Wait.” She moved closer to him again. “Is this because of how I don’t…,” she searched her memory for the terms she’d heard Cora use, “share your faith?”

Furrows formed between his eyebrows as he nodded.

“But I do now.” She pressed even closer and slid her arms around his waist. “God showed me a lot of things today. And I guess I’m a Christian now.”

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