Page 44 of Two Steps Ahead

“Now that Leo’s in a coma, they’ll come for you even harder. Staying here makes you both easier targets.”

She knew he was right, but her father wasn’t safe alone. “We can’t leave him here unprotected.”

“We won’t. My brothers will take turns watching over him.” He ran his thumbs up and down her arms. “I’m not letting anyone I don’t trust with my life near you or your father.”

It shouldn’t have meant so much to her, but hearing Weston’s conviction, seeing it in his face, was enough to soothe the very worst aches in her heart. “What about Jasper and his team?”

“Since we don’t know who we can trust, they’ve been temporarily removed from your dad’s service. Leo can sort it out when this is all over.”

She was about to voice her relief at that decision when there was another knock on the door. She thought it would be Gwendolyn returning, but it was Dr. Appleton.

“We have everything set up like you asked, Mr. Patterson. Your security team will be the only ones given access to this room.”

Weston nodded. “Good.”

“We’ll do everything we can to keep Mr. Delacruz safe. Security is aware of what’s going on and they’ll add an additional layer of protection while he’s here.” The doctor turned to Kayleigh. “I’ll keep you updated with his progress, as well.”

There was nothing else to ask. Her father would be safe and well cared for. All she had to do was agree.

It was still hard to leave him.

She crossed over to the bed and pressed a kiss to her father’s forehead. She couldn’t figure out how to tell him what she needed to say.

Don’t leave me.

I need you.

I love you.

She couldn’t say any of it. Instead she whispered, “Rest easy and wake up soon.”

She straightened, holding back the tears threatening to spill, and prayed this wasn’t the last time she saw him alive. No matter their differences, she didn’t want to live in a world where Leo Delacruz didn’t exist.

Warm fingers wrapped around hers and she clung to Weston’s hand like a lifeline.

“Let’s go,” she told him, nodding to the doctor.

Chance was waiting just outside the door.

“I packed the car the best I could. You’ve got plenty to keep you going until this is over.” He tossed his keys to Weston before smiling at Kayleigh. “We’re going to keep your dad safe, okay? I promise.”

She nodded, praying it was true. “Thank you.”

“Anything for family,” he said, winking at her. Kayleigh didn’t have it in her to laugh with him, but she tried to at least smile. “Be safe.”

“We will. Update when you can.” Weston clasped her hand and led her into the elevator. As soon as the doors closed, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick text message.

“Where are we going?” Exhaustion had her nearly swaying on her feet.

“Somewhere safe. I’d rather not tell you yet, if that’s okay.”

“You know what? I don’t even care where we go as long as I can take a shower.”

Weston chuckled and pulled her tight against his side. “I’m pretty sure that’s something we can manage.”

KAYLEIGHSTAREDOUTthe window as Weston drove, though her eyes were mostly unfocused. They pulled up to a stop sign. “Haven’t we already come this way?”

He reached over and gave her hand a quick squeeze. “Yeah. But I want to make sure we have no tails before we head to the house.”

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