Page 128 of Hot for Hostage

I was vaguely aware of us moving, but all I could do was hold on to Davian and the broom. It wasn’t until a door clicked shut and Davian set me back on my feet that I left the safe haven of his neck.

We were in a different room than where I’d been kept, and this one was completely bare.

I reluctantly let Davian pull back, and he placed both hands on my shoulders as he looked me over with a frown.

I shifted my weight under the inspection. It definitely wasn’t my cutest hour, and I hoped he didn’t judge my hair too harshly.

“Did those boys hurt you?” he asked, and I fought back a shiver when I recalled exactly what he’d promised to do to Zain if he so much astouchedme. Davian’s gaze flicked up to mine and narrowed. “Sadie?”

Using my free hand to clasp the front halves of my shirt together—because standing in front of Davian in my bra had thoughts entering my brain that were completely inappropriate for a hostage rescue—I shook my head. “No, they were very well-behaved after the call.”

Minus Zain’s little temper tantrum.

“Good. Now, come here.” Davian shrugged out of his suit jacket, and I stepped closer so he could drape it over my shoulders. He helped guide my arms through the sleeves while I juggled the broom between my hands.

His jacket was large and cozy, and I was never going to take it off.

Davian standing in front of me still felt so surreal. I wanted to know how he was feeling and if he really forgave me for that mess of a call when I was in the Dog-Mobile. “Dav, listen. I’m sorry about earlier?—”

“Later.” He made quick work of buttoning the front of the jacket, then squeezed my shoulders and gave me another once-over. His sharp nod of approval made my stomach somersault. “We need to move. Come with me.”

He cracked the door open behind him and looked out into the hallway.

“Wait! Davian, listen for a second. Please. I need to say this.” I grabbed his arm. He glanced over his shoulder before easing the door shut. I had his full attention, and I wet my lips. “You were right. I ran because I was scared. And that meringue metaphor wasn’t fair to you. I’ve had time to think about it, and I actually think we’d make a great soufflé?—”

Davian reached for my face—his hands cupping my cheeks—officially breaking my concentration and making the words die on my tongue.

“Sadie,” he said patiently as he held my gaze. “I promise I want to hear everything you’re saying right now, but my men are dealing with live fire downstairs so I can get you out. We’ve got to go. Now.”

“Right. Of course.” Silly me. Now was obviouslynotthe time to blurt all my feelings. I gripped my broom with a determined nod to let him know I meant business. “Yes. Let’s do this thing.”

Davian’s lips twitched, and he pried one of my hands off the broom to hold it in his. “Stay close to me.”

“Happily,” I whispered as he led the way, pulling me along behind him.

But a glint of metal in his other hand stopped me short as we reached the door—which made Davian pull to a stop, too.

I swallowed, staring at the gun in horror. Memories of Fessy being shot bombarded me. “You’re not going to shoot anyone again, are you?”

Davian opened his mouth, then caught my look and closed it. A beat passed before he answered slowly. “Only if I have to.”

That did little to reassure me, but it was better than nothing, so I nodded.

Davian studied my face, then pulled me through the doorway, but we didn’t make it far before reaching the slumped goon I’d taken down.

He still hadn’t moved.

“I’m not sure why he’s still unconscious,” I whispered with a wince. “I didn’t think I hit him that hard.”

Davian looked my way with a raised brow. “You did this?”

I shrugged modestly. “I’ve heard I’m quite lethal with a broom.”

I wasn’t about to tell him I’d only meant to scare the man off and not flatten him like a pancake. It seemed cooler to own it.

The wicked grin that spread across Davian’s lips made my heart pump just a little bit faster. “Good girl.”

My stomach had no business filling with butterflies at the praise, and I ducked my head to hide my answering blush.

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