Page 34 of Shadows Redeemed
When she finally broke the kiss, she raked her fingers through his short hair, smiling into his eyes. “God, why did I fight this?”
He chuckled as he leaned down and kissed her nose. “Because you’re a stubborn woman. I think it comes with the red hair.”
She laughed, holding onto him as he slid off her to drape along her side, cuddling her into him. “Yeah, I’ve been told that a time or two.”
She felt him nuzzle into her neck, his breath warm on her flesh. “I’m glad you came out here to find me.”
She slid her hand up and down his arm. “Me, too.”
They crawled into the sleeping bag, the fit tight but cozy. They spent a few minutes talking about the future and not about the case. About them and how they both felt toward each other. If she had to admit it, she would be forced to say how awkward she felt because talking about her feelings was something Sage Silver simply didn’t do. But with Parker, it felt so easy to just open up and keep going.
She wasn’t sure when they fell asleep. She didn’t even know they had until the soft glow of dawn seeped through the cabin’s worn curtains, casting a gentle light on them. They remained cocooned in Parker’s sleeping bag, their limbs tangled in a comfortable embrace. Her head rested on his chest, rising and falling with his steady breathing.
As consciousness slowly returned, she noticed the warmth surrounding her. She nuzzled closer to Parker, savoring the feeling of his skin against hers. Memories of last night flooded her mind, bringing a contented smile to her face, and for a moment, she allowed herself to forget about the dangers that brought them back together again.
Parker stirred beneath her, his arms tightening around her waist. Lifting her head, she met his sleepy gaze. His hair was tousled, his eyes still heavy with sleep, but the corners of his mouth turned up in a tender smile.
“Good morning,” he murmured, voice rough with sleep.
She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “Morning,” she whispered back.
They lay there for a few moments, neither wanting to break the peaceful spell that surrounded them. She traced lazy patterns on his chest while he ran his fingers through her hair. The world outside the cabin ceased to exist, leaving only the two of them in their own private sanctuary.
A sudden crash, however, shattered their tranquil silence.
Sage jerked upright, her heart leaping into her throat. Parker was already moving, pushing her behind him as he scrambled to extricate himself from the sleeping bag. Unfortunately, before either of them could fully process what was happening, what was left of the cabin door burst open with a deafening bang.
Three men exploded into the room, their massive frames filling the small space. Sage’s mind reeled, unable to comprehend the sudden intrusion, sleep still clouding her brain. She caught glimpses of tattooed arms, scarred faces, and cold, determined eyes. And then she recognized them. Broussard’s men. They moved with frightening precision, zeroing in on Parker with predatory focus.
Parker lunged for their discarded clothes, desperately searching for the gun Sage had set there last night. But he was too slow. The largest of the intruders crossed the room in two massive strides, his meaty fist connecting with Parker’s jaw. The sickening crack of bone meeting bone filled the air.
Sage screamed, her voice raw with terror. She scrambled to her feet, heedless of her naked state, driven by pure instinct to help Parker. But powerful arms wrapped around her from behind, pinning her in place. She thrashed wildly, kicking and clawing at her captor.
“Parker!” she cried out, watching helplessly as the other two men descended on him.
Parker fought like a cornered animal, landing several solid blows despite being caught off guard. But the intruders outnumbered and outmatched him. The largest attacker grabbed him by the throat, lifting him off his feet with terrifying ease.
Sage struggled harder against the man holding her, desperation lending her strength as she twisted and kicked. She wrenched one arm free, her elbow connecting solidly with her captor’s gut. The man grunted, his grip loosening just enough for her to slip free.
She lunged forward, grabbing the nearest object—a heavy ceramic lamp—and swung it with all her might at the man holding Parker. The lamp shattered against his broad back, shards flying in every direction. The man bellowed in pain and rage, momentarily releasing his grip on Parker.
For a split second, their eyes met, and she saw a maelstrom of emotions in his gaze—fear, determination, and something that looked like regret. Then his eyes rolled back in his head as one of the other attackers landed a vicious blow to his temple.
“No!” she screamed, her voice breaking.
She barely registered the movement behind her before a crushing pain exploded in the back of her skull. The world tilted sideways, darkness creeping in at the edges of her vision. As consciousness slipped away, the last thing she saw was Parker’s limp body being dragged from the cabin.
Then, nothing.
Sage drifted in and out of awareness, caught in a haze of pain and disjointed images. She thought she heard voices, muffled and distant, and the acrid smell of smoke tickled her nostrils. But each time she tried to claw her way back to full consciousness, the darkness pulled her under once more, the dirty wood flooring underneath her cheek digging into her skin.
When she finally managed to open her eyes, she found herself sprawled on the cabin floor. Weak sunlight streamed through the windows, showing that some time had passed. But how much time? Her head throbbed mercilessly, and every movement sent waves of nausea rolling through her. She needed aspirin. And coffee. No. A drink. A strong drink.
With pain shrieking through her, she eased herself into a sitting position, wincing with each movement of her body. The room spun around her, forcing her to clench her eyes shut against the dizziness and take several deep breaths. When she felt steady enough, she opened them again, taking in the scene before her.
The cabin was in shambles. What was left of the furniture from the previous fight lay scattered about, and broken glass and ceramic shards littered the floor. Dark splatters that could only be blood—more blood, that is—marred the worn wooden planks. And Parker… Parker was gone.
The reality of the situation crashed over her like a tidal wave, and she curled in on herself, a keening wail escaping her lips. Guilt, fear, and helpless rage warring within her. She should have been faster, stronger. She should have done more to protect him.
