Page 51 of Edge of Danger

“Sorry.” Brax held up his hands, coming around in front of her. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

A stunned little laugh bubbled up from her chest. “You’re the least of my worries.”

“Understood.” His brows drew together. “Come on. Weston’s going to get you two to a safe house. You’ll be fine there.”

Fine. As if anything could be fine. She almost laughed again, but the little bit of self-possession she still had told her it wouldn’t be a good idea.

He walked her to Weston’s car and opened the passenger side door for her to sit inside while Luke set up the car seat in the back. When Brax reached for Walker, she only held on tighter.

Brax’s face fell, which was what got through to her. Knowing her reaction had hurt him. He had never done anything to hurt her or the baby. He didn’t deserve this.

She extended her arms and held Walker out to him. Brax took the baby and fastened him into his car seat. He would be safe. Her son would be safe. Even if she still felt like she was going to fall apart.

The impulse to scurry over the center console, get behind the wheel, and tear off into the night with her son was so strong she almost couldn’t resist it.

All that mattered was keeping him safe. She had to keep him safe. His life meant more than hers—after all, what had she ever done that was worth anything?

Giving birth to Walker had been the only worthwhile thing she’d ever done. He was her one good thing. And she’d come so close to losing him. Again.

She studied Brax’s face as he looked down at her from outside the car. He had that look in his eyes. That sad, fallen sort of look like when she’d held Walker away from him. Brax hated this as much as she did. Maybe more, since he felt responsible. Nobody had to tell her that. She just knew.

He crouched beside the vehicle. “It’s going to be okay, I swear. Once we get you and Walker to the safe house, there won’t be anything to worry about.”

His hand covered hers. “You’re not in this alone. I’m going to keep you both safe. I swear on my life, Tessa. Nothing matters more to me than you and Walker. You’re my priority, and I intend to make your safety my life’s mission. Do you understand?”

The conviction in his words shook her to her core. The strength in his voice. His confidence. A man with a mission was a powerful thing.

And he had the power to make her believe him.

She turned her hand upside down so they were palm-to-palm and laced her fingers with his. “Yes. I do.”

“Good.” He cupped her cheek with his free hand and sealed his promise with a kiss that soothed her aching heart.

“Let’s roll.” Weston slid behind the wheel. “Meet you there.”

Brax gave his brother a nod, stood and looked at her one more time before closing the door. He lifted his hand in a wave before backing away.

“Don’t worry. We’ll split up on the way, just in case anybody’s watching—which they aren’t, but we can’t be too careful.” Weston stole a glance her way and cleared his throat. “Why don’t you get some rest while we drive?”

“Where are we going? I mean, exactly where. Don’t take it personally, I’m curious.”

“I don’t blame you. You have the right to be curious about where we’re placing you for the time being. It’s an apartment on the north side of San Antonio.”

“Okay.”

He eyed her. “Seriously. You look like you’re ready to fall over.”

“I didn’t get any sleep tonight, even before this whole nightmare started.”

“Then by all means.” He gave her knee a gentle pat. “Rest while you can. Something tells me that come morning, your little guy isn’t going to care very much what went on tonight.”

He made a good point. Walker couldn’t exactly tell time.

She’d close her eyes for just a minute...

“Tessa? We’re here.”

Her eyes snapped open. Not a second had passed.

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