Page 28 of Night Moves
“It’s what I—we—do.”
“But still. You’re not taking payment, and I wanted you to know that your kindness is appreciated. For me and the children. I don’t hardly know you, but I know you’re a special person.”
His face colored a bright red. She’d embarrassed him. Not her intent. She wanted to make things easy not more difficult. She resisted sighing and looked at him out of the corner of her eye.
Were things destined to be awkward between them?
She didn’t want that, but with the highly charged atmosphere between them, yeah. Yeah, she was most certain things would never be easy.
8
They traveled far enough away from the cabin that Drake felt safe in using a burner phone to call Malone. He placed the call, and the ringtone sounded over the speaker, but his thoughts remained on Natalie. She’d been quiet. So had he. He had nothing to say. He’d said it all. She was gorgeous. He found her attractive. End of story. No matter if what had just passed between them was new to him. He didn’t understand it fully, and he wasn’t going to analyze it
Just let it go.
He had to. For her safety. That had to come first.
She was the toughest kind of client to protect. An altruistic person who thought of others first. He applauded her selflessness. Respected it. It was rare these days to find someone so driven to help others. Was probably fueled from her past. He suspected she didn’t want any child to experience the same pain she’d gone through and would zealously work toward making sure they didn’t. Despite being impressed with her passion, he didn’t like it. Not from a protection perspective.
Sure, he wanted to protect these children at all costs. He’d die for them if needed. So would she. But he was different. He knew what he was doing—how to handle the danger and threats. She didn’t, and even if she promised to listen to him, he feared that, if it came down to her life or theirs, she’d try to save theirs. No questions asked. And that could be the wrong move. The very wrong move that could get her killed.
“Hello.” Malone’s deep and sultry sleepy voice came over the speaker.
“It’s Drake. I’m in my SUV with Natalie, and you’re on speaker.”
“Is everyone okay?” Worry carried through her tone.
“Yes, thanks to this amazing guy and his family,” Natalie said, and smiled at him.
Drake waved off her compliment and focused on the road. “We haven’t really done anything other than escort everyone to a safe location.”
“No, it’s more than that.” Natalie gripped his wrist.
He knew she wanted him to look at her, but he never needed or wanted praise. In fact, he hated it. He didn’t do what he did for thanks or praise. He did it because his parents raised him to help others, and his faith commanded him to do it. James nailed it in the Bible when he said faith without works was dead. Drake believed that. Completely.
She gently squeezed his arm, and he could almost feel her gaze imploring him to look her way. He gave in and glanced at her, her soft and tender expression brought the unwelcome heat back to his face. Thank goodness he wasn’t on a video call with Malone. The last thing he needed was for her to notice the feelings he was developing for Natalie.
No, the real last thing he needed was for his mother to discover them. She would make life unbearable unless he acted on it. And even then, she’d be right there, encouraging him to get more involved.
“You’ve already taught me what not to do if I want to stay safe,” Natalie said. “And counseled me on my next steps. So don’t discount your help.”
He stared at the road sliding under their vehicle to ignore those soft fingers pressing against the sensitive skin right above his pulse. She could probably feel her simple touch firing his heartbeat.
He swallowed. Concentrated. Found his center and his strong determination to succeed. That was what he needed to focus on. “We were hoping you’d join us for the interview with Londyn.”
“I’m glad to if you think you need me, but I don’t foresee any issues.” Malone’s usual self-confidence was in her voice.
“What about kidnapping charges?” Drake asked.
“I doubt Gentry will bring charges, and even if he tries to, there are extenuating circumstances that the DA will take into consideration.”
At the good news, Natalie’s expression brightened, like the parting of stormy clouds and the sun shining through.
Drake shifted before he let that bright expression mesmerize him. “We also need to talk about your safety, Malone.”
“Mine?”
“Have you given the number for the phone you’re using to anyone else?”
