Page 40 of Scorched Secrets

He desperately wanted to crawl into bed, too, but took the time to power up and activate their new phones. He quickly texted their new numbers to Rhy, Aiden, and Mitch so that they’d be able to reach either him or Faye as needed.

Then he sat for a minute, debating the wisdom of calling Chief Kimble. His boss would expect to be kept informed on what was happening. Yet, it was getting late, going on midnight.

Tomorrow. Scrubbing his hands over his face, Colin decided to wait until morning. Rest was a priority.

He couldn’t protect Faye if he wasn’t functioning at his best.

Sleep first, then more strategy in the morning. He doubted Mitch would have more information by then, but he and Faye needed a better plan. Something other than just staying hidden. It was obvious these disgraced firefighters wouldn’t stop until they’d succeeded in their mission.

Or until Mitch found and arrested them.

Colin must have fallen asleep because a muffled thud woke him. He shot upright, straining to listen. Hearing only silence, he crept from the bed, taking a moment to grab the gun from the ankle holster Mitch had given him. Moving silently across the room, he stood to the side and peered through the narrow crack in the window.

There was no one outside that he could see. He relaxed, knowing the sound could have just been a car door closing. Then he heard a sob.

Faye?

He pulled the connecting door open and quickly crossed the threshold into her room. He held the gun with both hands, peering through the darkness. When he didn’t see anyone in the room, he turned his attention to where Faye was crying on the bed.

“Faye? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” He set the gun on the bedside table and sat beside her. She didn’t seem to be aware of him. Was she dreaming? Based on everything that had transpired, he wouldn’t be surprised if she were suffering a nightmare.

“Faye, wake up. You’re safe, it’s just a dream.” He spoke louder and shook her shoulder. “Come on, wake up.”

Her eyes opened, and she turned to stare at him. Then she relaxed and nodded. She wiped her eyes. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Nightmare?”

“Yes.” She closed her eyes for a moment, then pushed upright to a sitting position. “I dreamed my father was dead.”

“Oh, Faye.” He gathered her close. “I’m sure your dad is fine. It was just a dream.”

“I know.” Her voice was muffled against his shirt. He’d slept in his clothes for modesty reasons, and so they could be ready to go at a moment’s notice. “It was still awful.”

“I’m sure it was.” He stroked his hand down her back. The clock on the nightstand indicated it was five in the morning. Five hours of sleep wasn’t much, but he felt refreshed, as if he’d gotten a solid eight hours of rest. “I planned to contact your father later this morning. You’ll feel better if you talk to him too.”

“Okay.” She didn’t move away but rested against him, as if she’d used up every ounce of her strength. Holding her was no hardship—except for remembering their incredible kiss, so he didn’t mind.

After a few minutes, she lifted her head and once again wiped at her face. Even with red and puffy eyes, she was beautiful. “Are you okay? Do you want me to get you some water?”

“I—yes, that would be good.” She sniffled. “And a box of tissues.”

He chuckled softly and ducked into the bathroom. He filled a glass with water and brought the box of tissues with him. She took them both gratefully, downing the water first, then blowing her nose. “I feel bad I woke you up.”

“Please don’t. I’m a very light sleeper.” Years of working in a firehouse had him waking up at the drop of a hat. Which was strange because the snores from the other firefighter paramedics didn’t bother him. Why a slight, unexpected sound caused him to jerk awake, he had no idea. He stood. “Try to get more sleep, okay? It’s still early.”

“Okay.” She managed a smile. “It’s really nice to know you’re close by. I’m glad you insisted on sticking around.”

“Anytime,” he said, and he meant it. He liked Faye, a lot. More than a lot. But this wasn’t the time or place to discuss his feelings. She needed him to keep her safe, not to kiss her again.

But maybe when this was over? Was it possible she’d be willing to see him again?

He turned toward the connecting door.

“Colin?”

He glanced back over his shoulder. “Yes?”

“Thank you.”

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