Page 15 of Hidden Shadows
“I know you’re keeping her safe. You’re the best guy I have. But if you need someone else to swap with you—”
“No. I’m fine.” When he committed to a job, he made sure to see it through. Plus, Nate had wantedhimbecause he trusted him. He wasn’t going to let his friend down.
Jacob sighed. “Okay. Call if you need anything.”
“Will do.”
Nixon was just ending the call when a scream sounded from Finley’s room.
He dropped the cell to the bed, grabbed his Glock from the bedside drawer and ran through the connecting door, adrenaline pumping through his veins.
His feet slammed to a stop at the sight of Finley, standing beside the bed in a lacy black bra and panties.
She screamed again, phone dropping from her hand to the floor as she grabbed at the bedspread and tugged it up to cover her body. “What the hell, Nixon?”
He shot his gaze around the room. When nothing looked out of place, he swung his attention back to her. “You screamed. I thought someone was in here.”
“No! I’m on the phone with Andi and she told me some good news, you psycho.” With a huff, she lifted the cell to her ear. “I have to call you back.”
He scowled. “Do you always wear just your underwear when you talk to your friends on the phone?”
Her eyes narrowed. “I was changing so I could go for a run. Can you at least turn around so I can finish getting dressed?”
He turned, and at the sound of material moving over her body, the muscles in his forearms tightened and he clenched his fists. “Are you going to the gym here in the resort?”
“No. I like to run outside.”
What the hell? “It’s pretty cold out there.” Not to mention there was snow everywhere.
“I know. I like to run in the cold. I get warm quickly, and there’s a path the hotel keeps clear of snow.” Another few seconds passed. “Okay, you can turn now.”
He turned around to find her wearing leggings and a grey sweatshirt.
She cocked her head. “Why are you shirtless and sweaty?”
“I was working out.”
“Oh.” She swallowed, her gaze roaming down his chest, then back up. His muscles locked at the way her gaze moved over his body. At the way helikedhow her gaze moved over his body. “Well…I’m guessing you’d like to come with me.”
How was that even a question? “Yes.”
She sighed and lifted her phone again, touching the screen. “I thought so—”
Her eyes locked on the device. When the color drained from her face, he was across the room in a second, slipping the cell from her fingers.
His gaze zeroed in on the comment, a rage-filled breath hissing from between his teeth. It was a comment on the newest Instagram video of her at the Christmas fair.
I can’t wait to meet you, my love. Soon. KJ.
* * *
Finley’s feetpounded the pavement, her arms pumping back and forth. She’d been running for so long that her lungs ached and her skin had long stopped feeling the cold. But it wasn’t enough. She wanted to move faster. To outrun every twisted emotion that chased her. Hounded her.
The anger. The frustration. And the fear… God, shehatedthe fear. There was no part of her that should be allowing this man to scare her with his words. That was what hewanted. He wanted to affect her. To make her vividly aware that he was nearby at all times.
He didn’t deserve that kind of validation.
She pushed herself to move faster, memories of the mistletoe and note on her porch coming back to her again. Of the terror that had raced through her body at the realization this KJ person had somehow gotten her address. That he could have been watching her not only opening the note but every moment before and after.
