Page 38 of Freeing Savannah

“We’ve got an early flight,” Sawyer added, his tone flat and watchful.

Henry looked at Sawyer, the corner of his mouth twitching like he’d been challenged. “Relax, Voodoo. I’m just making friendly conversation.”

“She said no,” Sawyer replied coolly.

Kandy rolled her eyes. “Honestly, Voodoo. You’re more fun when you’re not acting like her guard dog.” She turned toSavannah with mock sympathy. “Does he ever take a break? Or is this whole brooding protector thing full-time?”

“He’s just doing his job,” Savannah said, a little sharper than she intended, ignoring the pang that struck her heart. Hewasjust doing his job. That’s what she was to him. A job that would eventually come to a close.

Henry’s gaze lingered on her too long. “You know, not every man here is trying to manage you, Savannah.”

“Good to know,” she said softly, edging closer to Sawyer.

Sawyer didn’t move, but his presence felt like a shield beside her. Tense, solid. Ready.

Kandy sighed dramatically and turned back to Sawyer, linking her arm through his. “Well, if you two are going to be no fun, maybeI’llfind someone more interesting to talk to.” But she didn’t let go.

Henry raised his glass in mock salute. “Until next time, darling,” he said to Savannah before strolling off, finally.

Kandy lingered a moment longer, giving Sawyer a slow, suggestive smile before brushing her fingers along his lapel. “Don’t be a stranger,” she whispered, then followed Henry into the crowd.

Savannah exhaled only when both were out of sight.

Sawyer looked at her, brow furrowed. “You okay?”

“Sure,” she lied. “Just . . . can we get out of here soon?”

He nodded. “Soon as you give the nod, we’re gone.”

She didn’t say anything else, but stepped just a little closer to him even as a sadness swamped her. The job would end and he’d be gone. She’s do well to remember that.

CHAPTER 13

After returningto the Grand Mark Hotel, Voodoo unlocked Savannah’s suite door. As he performed his customary room sweep, she stood calmly by the door as she had done many times before. Sweep done, he returned to her, then stepped aside to let Savannah pass. She walked in slowly, her heels clicking softly on the polished marble as she slipped off her coat and draped it over a nearby chair. No words. Not even a glance back.

Something in her posture pulled at him. Her shoulders were a little too tight, her chin tilted down just enough to hide her expression. She hadn’t said much since they left the embassy, and what little shehadsaid had been quiet, perfunctory.

She was disappearing into herself again.

Voodoo closed the door behind them, his hand resting on the frame a second longer than necessary. “You’ve been quiet,” he said finally, voice low.

Savannah didn’t answer at first. She moved to the kitchenette and poured herself a glass of water, sipping it slowly before setting it down with careful precision. “I’m tired,” she finally said.

He nodded, stepping closer. “Long day. Hell of a performance, though. You lit that place up, Savi.”

She gave him a faint smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Thanks.” That was it. No teasing, no gentle sarcasm, no warmth. Just polite distance.

Voodoo leaned against the edge of the table, watching her. “If this is about Kandy . . .”

Savannah cut him off, shaking her head. “It’s not.”

“Because if it is, I want you to know I’m not interested. I never have been.”

She finally looked at him then. Her eyes held something deeper than jealousy. Something that twisted in his chest the longer he looked.

“I know,” she said, and the words came out too even, too flat. “It’s not Kandy.”

He waited, giving her space to continue, but she just turned away, running her hand through her hair like she could shake off the night. She removed the clip he’d given her, staring at it in her hand a moment before she set it down on the counter.

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