Page 103 of Captured

And finally, a sharp cry of anguish followed by silence.

As I stood shivering, a bright light blinded me, voices surrounding the hole. Then the beast was tossed into the pit beside me, his neck obviously snapped in two. I stood gaping in horror and joy, barely able to catch my breath.

“No. No. No! Who’s up there?” I whispered, the racking sobs taking what was left of my strength.

And the moment someone jumped into the hole, my legs almost gave out.

“No. Please,” I whimpered. “Don’t hurt me.”

“Baby. I found you. I have you.” As strong arms were wrapped around me, a heated body crushed against mine, I didn’t just recognize the man’s voice but his incredible scent as well.

“I thought you were dead. I knew it. I felt it.”

Styx chuckled, the sound full of exhaustion. “If I hadn’t worn the bulletproof vest, I would be. But my ghost would have protected you. Nothing will ever keep me from you. Nothing and no one.”

“You saved me,” I managed, pushing away from him. I wanted to see his face, his eyes. And I did and it was the best vision in the world. I was shocked and horrified, grateful and tingling all over. He was here. He was alive. He was my hero.

He cupped both sides of my face, his chest heaving as he lowered his head. “You’re safe now, baby. Safe.”

Styx was here. He was alive and he’d saved me. I repeated it over and over again like a mantra, still finding it hard to process everything that had occurred. As he crushed his mouth over mine, I clung to him with everything I had left in my shaking body.

I never wanted to be away from him again.

My stalker.

My lover.

My savior.

EPILOGUE

Two years later

Styx

A smile crossed my face as I jerked up from my desk, immediately grabbing my keys. It was time to get the hell out of here. I was whistling as I slipped on my jacket, eager to head out for the day. Tonight was a special night, a true celebration, one a long time coming.

After two long months, I’d see my baby again.

The champagne was chilled for our return and the fire would be lit as soon as we arrived. I couldn’t help but grin as I slid my phone into my coat, taking a long stride around my desk.

My baby had told me in no uncertain terms being late was unacceptable. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away tonight. Not a chance in hell.

When my door was thrust open, I took a deep breath.

“Dr. Saint. I could really use your expertise on a surgery. Do you have the time to work with me on this? I would love if you’d scrub in.”

I moved closer, grinning at the man. “Not a chance. You’re an excellent surgeon, Dr. Michaels. You’ll do just fine. I’ll be happy to check on the progress when I return to the hospital in a couple days, but I have very important plans tonight. I hope you understand.”

The truth was I didn’t care if he did. Nothing was going to ruin tonight.

“Damn. I get it. You deserve a break,” Ken told me. We were colleagues, someone I’d provided several surgical consultations to. He was a good guy, an excellent surgeon, but way too tentative.

“Yep. I do. Plus, my virtuoso would kick my butt if I missed her concert.” The tour had finally landed in Boston, allowing Emily to return home. I was more eager than I wanted to let on. The few weeks without her had been grueling. I’d been busy both at home and at the hospital, enjoying seeing her live out her dream, but I felt like a kid on Christmas morning that she would be in my bed tonight. Plus, I had even bigger responsibilities, ones I enjoyed more than being a surgeon. Still, I’d never missed anyone so damn badly in my life.

And I had every intention of devouring her.

Maybe I’d shackle her to the bed, feasting on her for hours. Yep. That’s what I’d do.

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