Page 43 of Hero's Heart

Lincoln nodded, already typing. “Yeah. Let me find a safe house nearby. Give me a sec to check.” With that, he disappeared from view, leaving Callum and Sloane alone with the gravity of their situation.

Callum’s mind raced, calculating risks and potential moves. Jakob’s vendetta complicated things significantly. They’d need to be extra cautious now, always looking over their shoulders. He glanced at Sloane, noting the concerned expression on her face. “It’s going to be okay.”

That didn’t reassure her. “But Jakob…”

“We just make sure he doesn’t find us.” He offered her a smile.

She smiled back, but it definitely didn’t reach those blue eyes. The harsh glow of the computer monitor cast shadows across her face, accentuating the dark circles under her eyes. She looked utterly exhausted, her shoulders slumped with the weight of their ordeal.

He hated to see her look that way again.

He would much rather see her look like she had during their kiss in the garage.Damn. Memories of that were going to be seared into his brain for a long time. He’d meant it as a simple goodbye kiss, but it had quickly escalated into something much more passionate.

The softness of her lips, the sound of her sighs, the spark of something electric between them… It had been intense, wholly unexpected, and fucking amazing. He hadn’t held back because he’d thought it was their last few moments alone together.

Now, that wasn’t the case.

And damned if in the dim light of this internet café, he didn’t find himself wanting to reach out and kiss her again.

“You okay?” he asked softly instead, his voice barely above a whisper.

She managed a weak smile. “Just tired. And scared, I guess.”

He nodded, understanding all too well. “We’ll get through this.”

Just as he was about to say more, Lincoln’s face popped back onto the screen, grabbing their attention.

“Got somewhere for you,” Lincoln announced, his excitement palpable even through the pixelated image. “It’s not much, but it’ll keep you off the grid for a bit. Should have some supplies already stocked too.”

“Secure?”

“Definitely. One of Zac Mackay and Uncle Finn’s old military contacts.”

It didn’t get more secure than that in Callum’s experience. “Good.”

Then Lincoln made a face. Thatwasn’tgood.

“What’s wrong?” he and Sloane both asked at the same time.

“Nothing. Just…it’s small. Like,hope you enjoy cuddlingsmall.”

Callum pointedly avoided Sloane’s gaze. “It’s secure. That’s what matters.”

He memorized the address as Lincoln gave it then showed a map for further directions. It wasn’t too far from where they were.

“No problem.” Lincoln typed some more, his attention already turning to the next thing. That was how the man’s giant brain worked—always fourteen steps ahead of everyone else. “Contact me tomorrow. I’ll have info on a drop box with some gear for you. Should help you stay alive a bit longer.”

Yes. That was what Callum needed to focus on. Not kisses. Nothope you like cuddling. Not big blue eyes.

Keeping them alive. That was the most important thing.

Chapter 15

Sloane stepped into the tiny studio apartment, her eyes immediately drawn to the one bed against the far wall. Her heart fluttered as she remembered waking up in Callum’s strong arms this morning, though she quickly pushed the thought away.

Because thinking about that was going to lead to thinking about this afternoon’s kiss, and who knew what that would lead to thinking about.

Callum moved past her, his broad shoulders nearly brushing the doorframe as he entered.

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