Page 23 of Guarded from Treachery

“Isla.” It’s gentle but firm. “I’m sure. I already texted Hawk. He’s on the way. When he gets there, he’ll give you a phrase so you know it’s him. It’sde oppresso liber. The motto of the Green Berets. And I’ll send you a photo of him, as well. Okay?”

I wrap my arms around my legs, tucking myself into a ball. “Okay.”

“Just hang tight,” he adds gently. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Isla,why don’t you try to get some rest?”

Hawk turns away from the window to look at me, his features creased with concern as he continues, “I’ve got things under control here. I promise. No one is going to hurt you. It’s really okay if you go to sleep.”

“I know,” I start. “It’s not that. I just… I can’t.”

Running his hand through his spiky hair, Hawk crosses the room to sit on the other end of the couch. His hazel eyes are kind as he meets my gaze. “I know. You want to see Matt.”

I’m so tired I don’t have the energy to attempt to hide the truth. “Yes.” Apologetically, I add, “It’s not that I don’t think you’ll keep me safe. I just… I know Matt. And he…”

The corner of his mouth tugs up. “I get it. I’m a poor substitute for him.”

“No. That’s not?—”

“It’s fine.” He leans back and stretches his arms over his head. Intricate tattoos cover his forearms and biceps, the designs flexing as he moves. With a wry smile, he adds, “It’s alright, Isla. I’m not insulted. Matt’s a great guy.”

“It’s not like that,” I reply quickly. “He’s just helped me a lot. And I… want to be awake when he gets here.”

Also, despite how capable Hawk seems, there’s no way I could relax enough to sleep.

Since he got here, he’s been great—helping me deal with the police, who dismissed me again, big surprise, setting up all the security gear Matt gave me, and pacing around the apartment at regular intervals with an intense look in his eyes.

Honestly, if anyone is thinking about breaking into my apartment right now, all they’d have to do is catch a glimpse of Hawk—tall, tattooed, heavily muscled, tamped danger in his gaze—and I’m pretty sure they’d reconsider.

So it’s not that I’m afraid. I just want to see Matt. As irrational as it may be, he’s the only person in my life right now that makes me feel even close to okay.

Lifting my laptop off the coffee table, I grimace as my gritty eyes try to read the screen. “I should probably email my boss and tell him I’ll be late. I’m not sure I’ll be able to get into work by eight.”

Hawk frowns. Hesitates. Then, in a kind tone that’s incongruous to his intimidating appearance, he says, “I’m not sure if going into work is the best idea. Not tomorrow—” Pausing, he amends, “Today. I can’t speak for Matt or the B and A team, but personally, I would want to wait. Have a security plan in place before you head off to work.”

“I get that. But I have to work. It’s not an option to just stay home.”

“I’m sure Matt can help,” he replies.

“How?”

Hawk smiles, and his entire countenance changes. He goes from intimidating to charismatic in a blink. “Didn’t Matt tell you? He’s a computer genius. There’s not much he can’t do with a computer. So I’m sure he can figure out a way to cover you for work.”

“Um. I’m pretty sure Matt can’t do my job for me,” I reply with a little laugh. “Computer genius or not.”

“You’ll see.” A beat later, his phone buzzes. Glancing down at the screen, he says, “Ah. He’s here.”

My heart jumps. Grateful tears threaten.

Less than a minute later, a series of quick knocks echo on the hollow metal of the door. As I start to rise from the couch, Hawk touches my arm lightly. “Let me get it. I know it’s supposed to be Matt, but I’d rather not take any chances.”

In a sickening swoop, my heart plunges to my feet. Then it launches into my throat.

Horrible scenarios fill my head.

What if it’s not Matt? What if someone else is out there? What if they hurt him?

What if Matt’s terribly injured and it’s all my fault?

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