Page 13 of Hitman's Prize

I don’t know any better but to let my poor heart beat harder for the guy.

* * *

“Are we there yet?” I ask for what feels like the hundredth time as I watch trees pass by. When he said we’ll be staying in a cabin in the middle of the woods, he wasn’t kidding. There’s literally nothing out here but nature.

The guy realizes that if he wants to go anywhere, he’s going to have to drive at least thirty minutes, right?

“So, are you retiring?” I ask as I see another familiar set of trees pass by. I am definitely going to get lost if I ever try to step out of my new home.

“Yeah.” Maybe it’s because of the topic at hand, but he doesn’t expand on his answer. I don’t blame him for not wantingto talk about it, but I don’t want him to think that his profession will make me uncomfortable. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen the worst of it.

“Do you ever think people are trying to track you down for what you’ve done? Am I going to have to worry about that?”

He looks over at me, his brow lowered. “I’ve taken the measures to make sure that won’t happen. If anyone manages to locate me and wants revenge, then I will handle it. You won’t need to think about all of that. I’ll protect you.”

He has no idea how that promise of his makes me feel. I know he will keep it even if it involves him blooding his hands.

“I won’t worry then. I trust you,” I admit all too easily. Being the truth, it’s no wonder he gives me this weird look. Maybe I’ve gone crazy. After last night, there’s been a shift in our relationship.

While I know what I want, I’m hoping he’s not just looking for a roommate here or someone to keep him company. If he is, then he’s got some explaining to do after what he said after everything has been said and done last night.

The truck hits a few bumps and after another few minutes, we slow down.

“This is it?” I ask as I lean out the window to get a closer look at the cabin. It’s large and dare I saycute. When I spot a body of water, my excitement grows. What am I going to want to do first, swim or fish? “This is perfect.”

“You haven’t even looked inside yet,” he reminds me as he puts the truck in park.

I hear him curse when I jump out to get a closer look.

“Tell me there are bears out here,” I say excitedly. I’ve never seen a bear before. Honestly, I haven’t seen much of nature in a long while. Not while it’s been so cold out.

He joins me after a minute, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, there might be a black bear or two if you’re unlucky.”

“Unlucky,” I repeat before swatting my hand, “I’m looking forward to seeing one.”

Walking in the direction of the pond, Javier sticks close to my heel. He’s looking at me, I know it. I can feel his stare on the back of my neck.

“This is perfect…” I mumble as I look across the waters. “I’m really going to be allowed to stay here with you?”

“You can stay here for as long as you want,” he tells me as he looks out to the water. “You can also leave whenever. It’s up to you.”

He’s got no idea that I don’t plan on leaving ever. I hope he knows exactly what he’s promising here.

Javier is stuck with me.

Javier

She’s been smiling ever since she left the truck. Her lips are like a magnet, drawing my eyes every time she passes by.

I suppose compared to the attic she told me about on the way here, this place is a bit bigger. I have no doubt that Sammy is ready to call this place her home.

It all feels so unreal to me. Everything I’ve done in my life shouldn’t lead up to a happy ending, yet that’s exactly what this feels like. Last night cleared up my feelings real quickly. There’s no doubt how badly I want the woman.

Despite her not bringing up what happened between us, I’ve still caught her quick glances and small smiles. I am pretty sure she has no intentions of leaving my side either, even if I really don’t deserve it.

After claiming the shower for herself, we each take turns getting cleaned up. Thanks to the cherry blossom body wash I bought her, the aroma has plagued my senses since, staining my nose.

I think it’s become my favorite smell, especially since it’s been clinging to Sammy’s skin since.

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