Page 98 of Billionaire Protector

By his ominous tone, it was not the same revelation she had planned. Concern squeezed her chest. “Okay.”

He took a breath. “It’s something you probably already realize, or at least suspect from our past conversations. I’m just not sure how to put it into words.”

She reached out and grasped his muscular arm. “You just saved my life, Cole. There’s nothing you can say that would make me think any differently of you.”

He hesitated, nodded. “I believe you. I think I have–” He shook his head, started again, “I’msureI have a problem.”

Empathy softened taut muscles, but she didn’t show it. Cole neither needed nor wanted her pity.

“You were right about my nightmares. It wasn’t the first time, or even the hundredth. Every single night, I dream of my troops. You can’t imagine what it’s like to see your friends die, with nothing you can do.” Haunted memories darkened his eyes, a hundred losses she couldn’t conceive.

She spoke softly, “You did make a difference. You saved so many people.”

He gazed up at the brilliant sunrise. The morning stars twinkled with unknown power, far bigger and stronger than their pinprick images revealed. “There were too many I couldn’t save. Kids barely out of high school. Young men with families. My best friend…” His voice faltered. When he started again, it was once more filled with strength. “I never truly faced it.”

Like her, he always showed strength and independence. Yet no one was invulnerable, and running from challenges risked far worse consequences. Perhaps they were more alike than she realized. “That’s why you’re having nightmares. You went far and beyond and then some. You returned to dangerous condition to save more people. You risked your life when others would’ve fled. When you were injured, they had to drag you away because you refused to leave.”

He whipped his head around. “I should have saved them all.”

“You have to accept that wasn’t possible.” Sarah grasped his hand, impossibly cold after the heated night. Survivor guilt was a powerful thing. “You may be an extraordinary human, but you’re still human. You did everything you could.”

He gazed at her for an eternity’s second, gave a short nod. If only she could make him believe it. She would try for as long as it took. “So many people come back from the service in the same situation. Do you know how proud I am of you?”

A ghost of a smile played on his lips. Yet it disappeared a second later. “There’s more. The nightmares haven’t just occurred at night. I’ve had… visions… a few times during the day. Once when I was in the tree at Mrs. Carmichaels’ home, and then again during the fire.”

So that’s what happened when he went into a trance. She kept her voice soft. “That must’ve been difficult.”

He exhaled a shuddering breath. “I thought if I ignored them, they would go away, but it’s only getting worse. So I’m going to get help. But I need to know if you’re okay with this. I never want to be a burden.”

“You think you could ever be a burden?” Sarah put her hands on her hips. “For goodness sakes, you’re like Superman.”

Cole smiled widely as Sarah closed her eyes. “Can we forget I just compared you to my elementary school crush?”

His smile widened even more.

“Can we forget I just admitted my elementary school crush was a comic book character?” She cringed. “The point is you could never be a burden. You’re the bravest man I know, and I want to help you through this. I’m behind you… always.”

He grazed her cheek. “I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

She was the fortunate one, to have this man she loved with all her heart. By his expression, the feeling was mutual. She took a deep breath, and so did he. Was he about to admit his feelings?

“If you don’t need anything else, I’m going to go.”

What?She blinked. “You’re leaving?”

He nodded solemnly. “We need to talk, but there’s something I need to do first.”

She tried to hide her disappointment, but it was as obvious as her recent disguise. She’d hoped he’d come home with her – and never leave. “It’s barely morning. I have so much to tell you.”

“Me too. But I can’t plan the future until I settle the past. I promise this will be the last time I leave.” He leaned in, whispered so only she could hear, “You can’t get rid of me.”

She shivered at the possessive tone. She would never let him go, either.

He edged away, clearly as reluctant to leave as she was to have him go. “I’ll see you at the council meeting.”

“They’re still having it?” The words emerged sharp, loud and incredulous. Were they planning to fire her? Everyone knew she was innocent, and the true criminal had been caught. Yet it had taken a long time, with nearly fatal results. No one would fault them if they took her badge.

“It’s still on,” Cole confirmed, “but don’t worry. Your job isn’t in danger. They’ve decided to go in a different direction.” His voice softened. “Go home and get some rest. Donovan is going to drive with you to make sure you get home safe. I’ll grab a ride with one of the firemen.”

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