Page 58 of Explosive Vengeance

Fleur. “You didn’t fail anyone. And if Fleur cared about you half as much as you did her, you winding up dead or in prison for the rest of your life isn’t what she would have wanted.”

When she protested the tug on her hand his patience came to an abrupt end. He bent to scoop her up in his arms, ignoring her protests. “You’re soaked and freezing. We’re getting you warmed up and in dry clothes, then the others are coming to meet us.” And this time he wouldn’t be leaving her alone in the bathroom.

Rather than argue, she seemed to sag in his hold and dropped her head against his shoulder. It twisted his insides, seeing this strong, fearless woman spent to the point that she’d lower her guard and lean on him.

Thankfully, there was no one else on the sidewalk on the way to the hotel. The lady at the front desk gasped in alarm when she saw him carrying Chloe. Chloe shifted in his arms and said something in flawless French to the woman, giving her a smile. The woman returned it, though she still seemed a bit worried.

“What did you say to her?” Heath asked as he carried her into the elevator.

“That I twisted my ankle and you were being my hero by carrying me to our room.” She pushed gently at his shoulder when the elevator doors slid shut. “You can put me down now.”

He didn’t want to. “Maybe I like carrying you.”

Those deep brown eyes lifted, and he found himself wanting to do whatever it took to erase the painful shadows in them. If she’d been injured, he could have fixed it. This…

Though it went against every instinct that wanted to comfort and protect, the logical side of him knew she would resent him if he didn’t let go, so he set her on her feet. He stayed right behind her as they walked down the hall to her room, then followed her in and locked the door before grabbing her hand and leading her into the bathroom.

Without a word he started the shower then turned to face her. She took a step back, frowning. “I can manage.”

“I want to make sure you’re not hurt.”

“I’m not.”

“I want to see for myself.”

She heaved an irritated sigh and rolled her eyes, then started taking off her sodden uniform. He helped her, tugging the wet material down her arms and legs. She had scrapes on her knees, elbows and the heels of her hands, but otherwise appeared unhurt. When she was naked, he urged her into the shower, stripped and stepped in behind her.

She looked at him over her shoulder. The exhaustion that had dulled her eyes was gone, replaced by suspicion. “I’m fine.”

Physically, yeah. The rest, not even close, no matter what she said. “Pass the shampoo.”

She stared at him for a long moment, then relented and handed the tiny bottle to him. The invigorating scent of mint and lime filled the shower as he spread it between his hands and began lathering her hair.

Chloe was stiff at first, but as the hot water beat down on her shoulders and his hands massaged her scalp, she began to melt. Soon she let out a groan and let her head drop forward, her eyes closing as he worked the lather into her hair.

After rinsing her hair thoroughly, he used the shower gel to gently wash the salt from her skin, making sure to keep his hands away from her breasts and between her legs. When he was done, he shut off the water, wrapped her in a big towel and lifted her from the tub. She put on a hotel robe while he got dressed again. He came out of the bathroom to find her sitting on the end of her bed, plaiting her damp hair into a long braid over her shoulder.

Heath sat down beside her, unsure what to say. He’d never been in a situation like this, and talking about painful things had never been his strong suit. Still, for Chloe he was willing to try. “You want to talk about it?”

She shook her head. “There’s nothing else to say.”

Okay. “I’m sorry about Fleur. I know it hurts.”

She looked at him, studied his eyes. “Yeah, I guess you do know.”

He damn sure did. He’d lost his mom, and friends in the line of duty. Had been unable to save them, or avenge them later. Lifting a hand, he ran it over the crown of her head, pausing to curl his fingers around her nape. “Dubois will pay for what he did.”

She searched his eyes, then nodded. “Yes. He will.” She stood and walked around to the head of the bed. “I’m tired. Think I’ll crash for a bit.”

Heath was relieved to hear it, though he would rather she ask him to climb in next to her. “Sure.” She’d gone without sleep for too long, and after the emotional toll she’d just withstood, she needed rest.

Still, he couldn’t help pausing to admire the sight of her naked body as she let the robe drop to the floor before sliding between the sheets. Tucking them around her, he placed his hands on either side of her head and bent to kiss her temple. “Sleep tight. I’ll be right through that door if you need anything.”

Leaving the connecting door between their rooms open so he could keep eyes on her this time, he pulled out his phone to text Ty.

Chapter Nineteen

“How’s she doing?” Ty whispered when Heath let him into his room a few minutes later.

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