Page 48 of Security Breach

He winked at her. “You just let me know if you need to hear my voice.”

Jon snorted as he entered the large living room. “Only if you want him to drive you crazy.”

“Aww. I knew you loved me.” Eli punched his friend lightly on the shoulder.

David handed Eli his comm device. “Where is Emma’s room?”

“Second floor, last room on the right. Her room is the best protected. Your room is next to hers. The rest of us will occupy the other rooms on that floor. We’re leaving one room open for your brothers.”

“Perfect.” He accepted their bags from Rafe. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Take your time,” Jon murmured. “We’ll set up watch shifts while you’re upstairs.” His lips curved. “Hope you don’t need sleep.”

David rolled his eyes and ushered Emma toward the stairs.

Emma drew in a deep breath. Maybe now she would obtain answers from David. He hadn’t told her everything, and something told her the information he’d withheld was bad.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

David escorted Emma to the second floor of the safe house and down the hall to her room. Setting his bag by the door, he carried hers to the queen-size bed.

While Emma glanced around the room, David checked the two windows to be sure no trees were close enough to be a security risk. Satisfied with what he observed, he turned back to see Emma close the door behind her and lean against it, watching him.

Uneasiness curled through his gut. “What’s wrong?”

“You tell me.”

David grimaced. Should have known better than to hide something from Emma. “This isn’t a good conversation to have before you sleep.”

She hugged him. “There’s never a good time for bad news. No more secrets, David. I’ve had enough of those to last a lifetime.”

David looped his arms around her waist with a sigh. If she wanted the truth, he wouldn’t hide it from her. “The Butcher sent a message through the FBI.”

She stilled. “What did he say this time?”

“If you don’t dump me and come out to play, he’ll hunt in our backyard.”

Emma sucked in a ragged breath. “Oh, no.”

When she tried to wrench herself out of his arms, David tightened his hold. “The message doesn’t change our game plan.”

“Everyone we care about is at risk because of me. I can’t let them die.” Her voice broke on the last word.

“Baby, stop. Take a breath.”

“I’ve lived with this nightmare for more than a year. I don’t want to lose my friends. I don’t want to lose….”

“What?”

“You,” she whispered, tears sheening her beautiful eyes. “I can’t live with that. I can’t lose you, David.”

“You’re not getting rid of me.” His mouth brushed hers. “I’ve already lived without you once. I’m not willing to do it again.” Did she feel the same about him?

“The separation would be temporary.”

Even the thought of another separation sent a stab of pain through his heart. Obviously, David’s explanation was lousy. Her rejection would gut him. His heart rate increased.Man up and tell her the truth, Montgomery. “I’m not talking about a separation.”

“What do you mean?”

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