Page 4 of Sweet Sin

How the fuck do I protect Savannah?

I glance to the only part of the pool house that has a lock—the changing room. She’ll be safe there, for now at least.

“Savannah,” I say as quietly as I can over the hot tub. “See that door by the bar? It goes to the changing room. You go over there, slowly, close the door, and lock it.”

“What?” she gasps.

“Do as I say.”

“Falcon!”

“Damn it, Savannah. Do it now.”

She trembles as she steps out of the hot tub, walks to the bar, looking only straight ahead. She opens the door and closes it behind her.

Please remember to lock the deadbolt. I’m too far away to hear it click over the noise.

I exit the tub quietly, grab my jeans and stumble into them, leaving the rest. I’ve got only my fists and my wits to protect Vannah, and I don’t need the hindrance of clothes.

My hair is dripping over my shoulders as I leave the pool area, walk into my backyard.

Sammy runs toward me, but I have no choice but to shoo him away. Sydney stands by the fence, barking like a menace. She’s a mother protecting her pup, and right now that’s working in my favor.

Then I see them. Two muscled men—one blond and one dark-haired, both dressed in black—enter the backyard, both armed with pistols.

I draw in a breath, will my beating heart to slow. I’ve faced armed men—though not with firearms—in the big house, and I managed to take them out. The trick is pull courage out of your gut and act more menacing than they are.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing here?” I snarl.

I’m composed, ready to strike at the two men. The dark-haired one points his gun at Sydney, who’s still barking.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” I say through clenched teeth, my hands balled into fists. “Who the fuck are you? Who sent you?”

“Nobody you know,” the blond says.

“Bullshit.” I walk closer, steeling myself. “Was it Bruno? Fletcher? It’s got to be somebody from the inside. Somebody I pissed off. Somebody I put in their place. Now you’ve come to take it out of me.”

“We’ve got no beef with you.” From the blond again. “Quit threatening the dog, Abel.”

“Fine.” Abel moves his gun from Sydney back to me. He gestures to the pool house and then spits. “We’re here for her.”

2

SAVANNAH

I turn the deadbolt and flip the light switch on.

It’s a large dressing area with shelves holding fluffy towels. There’s also a closet which I presume holds swimming garments and maybe robes. I don’t dare open the door to check. I’m too frightened.

I knew something was off. Though I’m closed in, I still hear Sydney barking.

Falcon? Where are you?

But he told me to stay here.

And stay here I will.

It’s not the first time I’ve had to cower down, fear for my life. But it’s the first time I’ve had to do so unarmed.

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