Page 72 of Safe Haven

“There was something interesting though.” Maddox’s blue eyes move over my face. “We found a pretty sizable bloodstain on the carpet in the big bedroom upstairs.”

I bite into my pastry, eyes rolling closed at how good it is. After giving it a couple of chews, I swallow and ask, “Do you think someone else killed Trevor?”

Maddox lifts one shoulder as I take another bite of my pastry. “I can’t know for sure, but that’s my best guess. The power had been cut. Everything was torn apart, like someone was looking for something, and then we found the blood. When you add it all up, it seems like there’s a good chance Trevor was killed by whoever trashed the place.”

I keep chewing my breakfast, waiting. Surely I’ll feel something about Trevor’s demise at some point.

Right?

“But, until I have undeniable evidence he’s dead, I’m going to continue operating as if he’s alive.” Maddox’s expression is serious. “That means you can’t go back to work yet, and no one can know where you are.”

I swallow, finally mustering up some feelings. “For how long?”

I like the hotel we’re in. It’s beautiful. The bed is comfortable, the room service food is delicious, and there’s always hot water in the shower. But I’m starting to get stir crazy.

Maddox smooths down my hair as I keep eating, his fingers gently working through the tangled waves. “I’m not sure yet, but I should know more in the next few days.”

A few more days. I can probably handle that. If it keeps going, though? I might start climbing the walls.

I know I’m not changing the world or reinventing the wheel at my job, but I enjoy it. I love how busy it keeps me. The way it occupies both my time and my mind.

And my mind could use some serious occupying right now.

I sigh. “I guess I’ll just have to tough it out.”

After washing down another bite of pastry with a few swallows of coffee, I notice Maddox seems a little off. Quieter than normal. Less upbeat and easygoing than he normally is when we’re together.

“Is everything okay?” I set down my food and coffee and step close, resting both hands against his chest. “You seem upset about something.”

“I wanted to get your dog back.” Maddox’s expression turns hard. “I’m going to find whoever has her, and?—”

“Stop.” Stepping closer, bringing our bodies flush, I loop both arms around his neck, hating the turmoil in his eyes. “I came to terms with losing Coco a long time ago. I had to. Otherwise I wasgoing to end up crying every day. I don’t expect you to find her, so stop putting pressure on yourself.”

I know Maddox would do anything for me. But I also need him to know I don’t expect it. There are limits to what one man can accomplish.

And he does so much for me already. Feeds me. Protects me. Gave me full use of his phone and computer so I don’t feel completely isolated. Brought me to the nicest hotel I’ve ever been in so I can hide out in comfort.

And then there’s theotherthings he does for me. The ones that make me see stars. That already have me addicted to his touch. I only wish he’d let me do the same for him. I get more desperate to touch him every day.

Eventually I might just tie him up and have my way with him.

Maddox’s hand comes to my face, cradling my cheek. “Coco’s important to you, and you are important to me.” He leans down, pressing his forehead to mine. “If I can’t kill Trevor and I can’t bring you your dog back, then I’ve broken not just one, but two promises I made you.”

He would see it that way.

The more time I spend around Maddox, the more obvious it becomes why he was so easy to fall for. Most people don’t bat an eye at going back on a promise they made. Wouldn’t see a problem if what they’d offered to do became inconvenient or simply uninteresting.

Not Maddox. If he says he’s going to do something, he fully intends to do it. And when he can’t...

Apparently it doesn’t go over well.

“I guess you’ll have to come up with a couple new promises then.” I poke him in the chest, offering a smile. “But this time pick ones that aren’t dependent on so many other variables.”

I was hoping to lighten his mood, but Maddox’s frown holds. “I don’t want to keep making promises I don’t keep.”

“Then start making promises you can keep immediately.” I let one hand slide down his front. “Maybe you could promise you’ll have me naked and spread across the bed in five minutes.”

Maddox scoffs. “Five minutes?” His arms drop to band around my body, lifting me off the floor. “I can have you spread across the bed, naked,andcoming in under three.”

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