Page 42 of To Keep

He took a breath. “They’re Viko’s men. That’s a good thing, though.”

“Because that means he doesn’t want me dead?”

“Exactly.”

“And why are they here?” she asked.

“To help us. Viko’s interested in keeping you alive and, well, to piss off his enemy.”

She relaxed a bit, her stiff shoulders softening. “I guess that’s good.”

“Petrov sent assassins here. They tracked us. That was my fault, but they’re making a mistake coming here. I promise you that.”

She bit her lip.

“I don’t like this. Nothing can happen to you. Can’t those guys take care of it?”

He shook his head. “I told you I’d protect you. You have no idea what I’m capable of.” Galen kissed her forehead.

“You better not get hurt.” She started heading up the stairs but stopped for a moment, turning to face him. “Promise me.”

“I promise I’ll always come back to you.”

****

Skye wasn’t sure if any of this was a good or bad thing. At least Galen wouldn’t have to go head-to-head with his crazy boss. That gave her a measure of relief. But just thinking about something bad happening to him spiked her anxiety. She had no one else in the world. All her hopes for the future included Galen now. She’d fallen in love, not just because she’d been his captive. She fell in love with the man behind the shield, the one who was thoughtful and kind. The one who made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

She was restless, nervous, and her curiosity was too strong. She had free reign of the second floor so checked all the windows from different rooms. Maybe she’d find Galen’s enemies creeping toward the house, and she’d be able to warn him.

The sun was setting now, the sky a mix of pinks and oranges above the ocean. If she wasn’t so stressed, she would have enjoyed the beauty of it more. Right now, she just wanted Galen to get safely through the night.

The guys he was with looked capable enough. They had hardened, intense features and linebacker bodies like Galen’s. She wondered how many people they’d killed. Then she shook her thoughts away because she hated thinking about Galen’s profession. He was a killer, a hit man for hire, and she still loved him regardless.

She stared down at some bushes, wondering if she saw movement, but knowing it was just her overactive imagination. Then the window shattered. She screamed, falling back on her ass, glass shards covering the hardwood.

Within seconds, Galen was pulling her up, brushing the glass off her clothes. The two men from downstairs flanked the broken window, aiming down at the ground below. Shots rang out as one of them used an automatic rifle, spraying the backyard in lead.

Galen covered her head, leading them out of the room into the hall bathroom.

“Check the back door!” one of the men yelled out.

“Stay here,” Galen told her. “Don’t go near any windows.”

She nodded.

Her voice wouldn’t work. She was still in shock. The loud sound of cursing, banging, and gunfire was chaotic. Skye covered her ears and wished this was all a bad dream, wished she was somewhere safe with Galen.

“Let’s go!” Both men ran past the bathroom toward the staircase. It sounded like a small stampede as they rushed down to the main level. At least they’d be able to back up Galen.

He’d told her to stay away from the windows, not to stay in the bathroom. She needed to know what was happening. Had they killed whoever fired into the house? She leaned over the banister to try and see.

“Why the fuck don’t you have a panic room here?” one of the men said.

“Why would I? I’m not a pussy. I never had anyone to protect before,” Galen said.

“Nothing can happen to the girl. Viko would have our balls.”

“No shit. You think I want her hurt?” She could see part of Galen from behind. He was checking the chamber of some big gun. He handled it with expertise, tossing it around before hooking the strap on his shoulder. “We got two. Let’s send lucky number three to Hell.”

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