Page 138 of Hot for Hostage

Sadie grabbed my arm, hugging it tight and killing my momentum. “Dav,please. He’s had enough.”

Zain moaned in pain, and I shoved him away. He staggered back, cupping his nose, which was still streaming blood.

Chief Peterson walked up to my other side with a sigh, his gaze steeped in quiet reproach. “You said you wanted to talk to him.”

“Did you miss the knife he pulled on me?” I pointed at the fallen blade. “That was textbook self-defense on my part.”

His flat stare spoke volumes.

“Stop giving me more paperwork.” He waved one of his men over, pointing at Zain. “Get him to a medic.”

Peterson left without another word, leaving me alone with Bear and Sadie—who stared at me with a dropped jaw as she let go of my arm. “Okay. You want to explain whatthatwas?”

“Thatwas a lot nicer than what I planned on doing to him when I saw you tied to that chair.”

She huffed, and her throat worked as she swallowed. “I know it probably looked bad on the call, but he really didn’t hurt me. Nothing worthy of a broken nose.”

I flexed my stinging knuckles before wrapping an arm around her waist. “He took you. That was enough.”

She relaxed against me at that—even wrapping her arms around my waist as she slowly shook her head. “You know, Ithink you would really benefit from one of Ryan’s lessons on pacifism and seeking peaceful resolutions. He hosts a weekly group discussion that meets at the shelter. Want me to give you his number?”

I couldn’t think of a single thing less appealing than that.

“Sadie? Is that you?” a deep voice called from the street, saving me from answering. One of the officers jogged over, wearing a puzzled smile. “I thought I recognized you. What are you doing here?”

“Oh. Hello, Officer Murdock.” Sadie stayed leaned against my side, offering a tired smile. “It’s a really long story.”

My brow rose, and I lowered my voice. “You know this guy?”

She nodded. “The shelter is part of Officer Murdock’s patrols. He comes by to help sometimes, like when Bear was taken.”

I took a longer look at the man. Maybe a couple years younger than me, he was clean cut with short brown hair and an athletic build. He stood tall, with his shoulders pulled back like he thought very highly of himself. His police badge was extra shiny and prominently displayed on the front of his uniform.

“Not much help, was he?” I asked, not bothering to lower my voice this time.

Sadie’s elbow found my side with a swift jab, and I grunted. Her smile froze. “Ignore him, Officer.”

“Come on now, Sadie,” Murdock said with a smooth, pretty-boy smile that made me want to deck him. “How many times have I told you to call me Jake?”

What an asshole.

Sadie was polite enough to laugh. “Oh, that wouldn’t be appropriate.”

I agreed. Highly inappropriate. She shouldn’t be calling him at all.

The asshole had the nerve to step closer, and a low growl rumbled from Bear’s chest as he inched forward in warning.

“Bear,” Sadie scolded, shortening the leash before he could pounce. Pity. “None of that. You remember Officer Murdock.”

“He’s fine, he’s fine.” The piece of shit’s smile only widened. “I’m just glad to see you’re both all right.”

How sweet of him.

Unable to help myself, I moved my hand up to the base of Sadie’s neck and let it rest there, rubbing my thumb along the top of her spine. “Jake, is it? Why don’t you run along now. Sadie and I are a little busy.”

She tensed against my side, gaping up at me.

The pretty-boy smile froze on his face, and he glanced between us. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but the chief sent me over here to ask the victim a few questions while everything is still fresh. I didn’t realize it was you, Sadie, but this’ll be quick. If you’re up for it?”

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