Page 29 of Holding Out For A Holiday Hero

Once clear of that cursed display room, Jake lowered True to her feet. He ripped away the gag. Tore off the ropes that bound her wrists and ankles.

When she was free, True threw herself against him. Her small purse banged into his side. Her purse—the purse that must have her phone inside it. His arms closed around her.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t find me.” She shuddered and clutched him even tighter. “I could barely move. I was freaking out, and I thought you wouldn’t find me.”

Oh, the fuck, no. The killing rage just flared hotter within him. “Baby, I’d find you in hell, then I’d beat the shit out of the devil who took you there.” Over her shoulder, he glared at a gaping Braden. “Call the cops, now.”

Braden yanked out his phone. He called the cops, and Jake held True as tightly as he could.

“Don’t leave me,” True pleaded.

Rage twisted within him. “I’m not going anywhere.” His fear was too raw. His rage too savage. Someone would pay for terrorizing her. Jake would make certain of that fact.

You’ve just fucked with the wrong Santa.

Harris ran his index finger along the bridge of his nose as he studied Jake. “Santa, huh?”

“Fuck yourself.”

“Is this a new fashion choice, were you hit hard by the holiday spirit, or were you?—”

“I did it for True.” A True who was currently sitting at the desk in her office, with her shoulders hunched, and her beautiful eyes darkened by far too many shadows. Jake stood right beside her, and he found himself touching her every few moments.

Running his knuckles over her cheek.

Holding her hand.

Squeezing her shoulder.

Wanting to pull her into my arms and run the hell out of here with her.

But first, he had to deal with the cops. Or rather, one cop in particular. A currently annoying Harris.

“Can we get back to the freaking crime?” Jake snapped. “Or do you just want to ride my ass about the Santa suit all night?” He still had on the suit, so sue him. At least he’d ditched all the extra padding—it was in the chair to the right. He hadn’t left True alone for a moment. Would not leave her. So he’d just be leaving that museum with the big red coat on.

Harris’s gaze darted over to True. “You’re sure you never saw your attacker?”

She swallowed. “It was dark when I went inside the exhibit area. N-not totally dark. It should have been. The door was ajar—that shouldn’t have been the case, either. I locked the exhibit before the holiday event so no guests would wander inside. But someone got in.” Her words came faster. “Someone had a light on inside. A small light—like a flashlight. And that someone—” Her breath panted out. “He put a hand over my mouth before I could scream. Everything happened so fast. I tried to fight, but he threw me in the sarcophagus.” A shudder swept over her. “I tried to punch him, but he tied my hands. My feet. It was so fast. He was too strong. And then he sealed me up.” Another shudder. “He sealed me up,” True repeated, seeming dazed.

Shock.

Jake turned her chair toward him. Then he dropped to his knees in front of True so she had to stare straight at him. “Hey, sweets.” His voice was soft. Gentle. For her. “I want you to focus on me.”

She stared straight at him.

“Pull in a deep breath for me,” he urged her.

She did.

“Let it out.”

She slowly exhaled.

He nodded. “You’re not sealed up.”

True shook her head. Her dark hair slid over her shoulder.

“You will never be sealed up again. We’re going to find him, and I swear to you, he will pay.”

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