Page 59 of Unseen Danger

He scanned the darkness behind the garage. He didn’t know where she and Jazz started their patrol patterns. They were supposed to vary them every night so no observers could predict where they’d be at any given time.

Movement caught his attention along the east fence.

Even in the moonlit night, there was no mistaking the silhouette of Nevaeh’s mass of curls and curvy figure. Or the way his heart pounded harder at the sight of her.

But it wouldn’t do to be caught staring. Especially when she was just starting to warm up to him.

He forced himself to focus on the gate repair. Better push it into the closed position first to see how much he needed to raise it for connection with the latch.

He grabbed the gate and swung it across the driveway, grimacing at the loud scraping sound of trembling chain links and metal along the blacktop.

Loud barks made him stop.

His gaze instantly shot to where Nevaeh had just been.

Alvarez stood in the shadows, barking.

Where—

Nevaeh’s body was crumpled on the ground.

Eighteen

She cowered behind the desk, covering her head with her arms and hands.

The blows didn’t stop.

He’d been so friendly. So normal.

What had she missed? Why had she turned her back?

“I ain’t good enough for you, huh?” Another punch to her head.

“Won’t even give me your keys.” A smashing kick to her ribs.

Searing pain. Trying to crawl away.

Grabbed. Pinned for more blows.

Helpless, powerless.

“You don’t say no to Buzz.”

Hands on her shoulders. Shaking her.

“Nevaeh?”

She tightened her arms around her head. Couldn’t survive another blow.

“Nevaeh, honey, it’s okay. It’s me, Branson.”

The voice was deep. Deeper than Walter’s. Someone else?

“You’re safe.” Strong arms went around her.

But it didn’t hurt.

She blinked, her senses and vision clearing.

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