No question about it. He knew right thatmoment, that he would destroy the world and torpedo his entireexistence and his sanity for her. The virus agreed. Red wouldannihilate anyone who dared hurt her. Anyone.
Even if that person was Red.
His sanity slipped.
Chapter Forty-One
Heck of a shopping trip this afternoon.Britt wouldn’t mind catching another sale tomorrow. But as much asBritt craved sex with Red, she had to finish her collection. Shelooked around the nearly empty fashion lab.
Hanging another completed outfit on therack, she checked the clock. Almost midnight. It was technicallyTuesday. Three more days to go.
As she stretched her back with a satisfyingcrack, she glanced over at Red. The guy had disappeared thisevening, and Rodeo took over babysitting duties for a few hours.Truthfully, Red’s teammate was better with a needle and thread, butshe still preferred the man who made her want to try on anotheroutfit in the dressing room. Wow. What a turn her life had takenover the past … week?
Even now, Red scrolled through the images onhis cell phone. Cameras and motion detectors documented thisstrange reality show that featured Britt.
Three days to finish the project. Then whatkind of life would she have? What kind of life would they have? No.There wasn’t a guarantee ofthey. She had to come to peacewith that fact.
His head came up. Eyes locked onto hers.Burned into her. They were in the room alone, her classmates longgone hours ago. She might be hungry for the guy, but her grittyeyes informed Britt that she’d better get some sleep or she’d be introuble for tomorrow’s classes.
“Done for the night?” he asked.
“I’m sure you’re tired of sitting here.”
“That’s not why I asked. I will stay here aslong as you need to work.” Funny, after he had returned from hisbreak this evening, his frame or energy or whatever that intangiblequality, seemed different. Less tense. He was still tall and broadbut somehow seemed smaller. More … tired.
Before he had disappeared, his vigilantmovements didn’t stop for a second and he kept one hand on her atall times, like he had to stay in contact with her. An undercurrentof violence for anyone who came near her vibrated the space aroundthem. After he returned, that undercurrent and intensity had ebbed.His movements were slower, more deliberate. Of course he must betired, but fatigue didn’t explain what she noticed.
Mysteries to solve another day. She had aclothing line to finish.
“You’re right. I can’t do any more tonight,”she said, locking a drawer that held her tools and accessories andcarefully folded garments. An extra step she never had to takebefore having her work destroyed.
Britt knew she was tired because it took toomuch energy to get pissed at Jenna again.
Swinging a backpack over a shoulder, sheinclined her head toward the door. “Ready?”
“Always.”
Her cheeks warmed.
He held a hand up. “Wait for a second whileI update Rodeo.” Tapping out a text, he waited for a chime. “He’llbe in position in four minutes. One more check of the cameras.” Afrown, more scrolling, then he stowed the phone. “Clear.”
The unspokenfor nowhung heavybetween them.
“Shall we?” He patted his back.
Right, because gun. Because Britt neededprotection. Because she needed to finish what she started. Was shebeing selfish? Stupid? Probably. On the other hand, no jerkthreatening her family would stop her from completing her degreeand fulfilling Mom’s last wishes. Family.
“What’s wrong?” Red hovered at her shoulderas they exited the fashion lab. The hallway echoed with theirsteps.
She waved a hand. “Nothing. Tired.”
If he wanted to say something, it neverhappened.
A loud bang rang through the hall, and Redheaved Britt into the wall, covering her body with his own.
Chapter Forty-Two
Damn it. Where was Rodeo?