Page 70 of Striker
“I-I think I can help.”
He glanced at Rogue, whose gaze was full of distrust, then looked back at Jenna. “Did you remember something?”
“Kind of. It might be nothing, but if it helps you find him—” She knotted her hands in front of her. “Kat has a place deep in the jungle.”
Well, that was something. “Have you been there?”
Her brow furrowed. “No, I swear. Like I said, I don’t know much, honestly. I just remember one of the guards saying it was a hassle going with him to see her.”
Interesting. “Thanks.” He moved toward the door, then pivoted. “Be careful. I don’t think many people here are your friend.”
Chapter
Seventeen
Molly snapped open her eyes. Her breath came out rapidly as she scanned the dark bedroom. The door closed and the air shifted.
Her heart leapt to her throat. Fight-or-flight rooted her to the bed. She opened her mouth to scream for Wraith just as a hand settled on her shoulder. “Hey, it’s me. Sorry I woke you.”
Atlas.
“Oh my god,” she whispered, crawling onto her knees and throwing her arms around his neck. “You’re here.” You’re alive.
His large forearms locked around her waist as he bent to kiss her neck. “Yeah. Missed you.” Exhaustion riddled his words.
She glanced over his shoulder at the clock on the nightstand. It was 7:29 a.m.
He’d been gone all night. She’d finally fallen asleep around three o’clock, but she’d tossed and turned after that, periodically checking her phone for word from him. She leaned out of his embrace, then flung back the covers and pulled him into the sheets.
Curling against his side, she rested her head on his shoulder and stroked his bristly jaw.
“You feel damn good around me, woman.” He kissed her hair, hugging her tight. “Let’s get some sleep.”
She smiled. He was so close. So rough. So warm. “I’m glad you’re okay. I was worried.”
He kissed her head. “Shhh. Rest, babe.”
* * *
Molly batted open her eyes. Sunlight streamed into the hotel room. Part of the blackout curtain wasn’t properly sealed. She lifted her head from Atlas’s chest, where she’d slept for—she glanced at the clock—six hours.
His breath hissed evenly through his nose, but his jaw was firm and his brow lined with intent even while at rest. She wanted to touch him, to make sure this handsome angel wasn’t just real but also here with her.
Only she didn’t want to wake him.
The need to pee drew her out of bed. After scooting away carefully, she tucked the blanket around him.
She drifted out of the bedroom and checked the living room—empty. Wraith must have gone to his own room when Atlas got in. She used the bathroom and brushed her teeth, then went to the window. The crystalline ocean shimmered beyond the cityscape. So serene and picturesque, it seemed impossible that she’d almost been drowned in her apartment the night before last.
A cruise ship sailed in the distance. She’d kill for a day at the beach. Lying in the sun while sipping something cold and sweet sounded like a slice of heaven she wouldn’t taste for a long time.
And when she did, would she be alone? The thought of parting from Atlas struck her again, making her heart ache. She just had to accept that there were uncertainties in any new relationship. He was a good, honest man, and she’d make things work if he was willing.
“Whatchya thinking?” Atlas’s rough, cozy voice feathered over her ear just before his front touched her back.
She jumped, clapping her hand to her chest. “I didn’t even hear you get up.”
His whiskers abraded her cheek. “That tells me that either you’re exhausted or you were deep in thought. Which is it?”
