Page 128 of Counter Attack

Alex refused to look toward the tree where Kayla had held Nathan prisoner, and instead faced west as the sun dipped over Eagle Ridge. It would be dark in another couple of hours, but with Indian summer temps, it was comfortable. And any other time she would’ve noticed the beauty of the area.

Sweat bloomed on her hands, and she wiped them on her pants. “Let’s get this done and get out of here.”

Nathan took her hand and squeezed it, then gently drew her into his arms.

“I thought you were going to die when I saw that rope around your neck.”

His body tensed. “And I was afraid she would kill you.”

Alex slipped her arm around him, and he relaxed into her touch. “I know. I thought...” Alex shivered.

He turned her to face him. “The worst thing was when I saw you coming down that road, and I was afraid one or both of us might die...” He gently cupped her face in his hands. “I prayed I’d have a chance to tell you how I felt.”

“I...” Alex swallowed hard as his thumb caressed her jaw. “I can’t do it.”

His thumb stilled. “What do you mean?”

She stepped back, a band constricting her heart so tight she couldn’t breathe. “I thought you were going to die. And ... I just can’t do it.”

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The finality in her voice was like a dagger to his heart. “You can’t do what?” He had to make her say it.

Alex palmed her hands, as if to push him away, then pressed them together prayer style against her lips. Nathan pulled her hands away from her face. “Say it! Tell me you don’t love me.”

She turned her head. “That’s just the problem. I do love you.”

“I don’t understand.”

Alex wrapped her arms around her waist. “Didn’t you ever wonder why I never had a pet?”

“What? What does not having a pet have to do with this?”

Her chest shook as she took a breath. “Everything. Think about it. What happens when you have pets?”

“You love them?”

“And then they die.” She was practically shouting. “I can’t ... I just can’t.”

He had to make her see the risk was worth it. “Alexis, you can’t”—a text on his cell phone dinged and he silenced it—“please—”

“You better check that.”

Nathan stared at her, wanting to make her understand. “Not until we settle this.”

Alex lifted her chin. “I’m sorry, but it’s settled.”

There was no getting through to her. Another text came in, vibrating on his belt. He grabbed his phone. “The drug dealers will be here by eight.”

She frowned. “Is that enough time to pull everyone together?”

“It has to be.”

“Then we better get back to town.”

Nathan wasn’t done with their earlier conversation, but this wasn’t the time to have it.

At seven that night Nathan scanned the room in the Russell County Sheriff’s Department where he and Alexis were holding a joint briefing. She stood behind the lectern, explaining their plan.

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