Page 116 of Striker
“They threw a flare stick inside. The smoke was thick and awful—then they dragged me out.”
He let loose a growl. “Goddammit.”
She tucked her chin, ashamed she’d been caught. “There wasn’t anywhere else to hide. I?—”
He lowered her foot and took her hand in both of his. “None of this is your fault. I’m so proud of you for escaping. I’m just angry any of this happened.”
She nodded, wishing she could banish the tears from her eyes. “I knew you’d try to look for me. I just . . . I never anticipated you’d succeed.”
He jerked back his head. “Damn, why you gotta do me like that?”
She laughed, and the amusement she felt was like calming balm on inflamed skin. “Well, clearly you proved me wrong.”
“Probably won’t be the last time,” he said with a shrug. Some of the playfulness left his eyes, and his forehead creased. “I want to know everything, Mol. Everything you want to talk about, that is.”
“I jumped from the balcony,” she said. “Then escaped through the forest. After the guards, two of them, found me in the cave, I attacked them both. I hit one in the head with a rock. Then his friend got a log to the face.”
A rich, full laugh shook Atlas’s shoulders. “Remind me never to piss you off.” His expression turned serious. “You did good, babe. I hope you know that. You fought and you survived. Now you never have to worry again.” He kissed her knuckles. Heat, even hotter than her bathwater, spread to her toes.
Protectiveness was thick in his voice, but more than that . . . promise.
Her heart wanted to know more, to ask him if dating was in their future, but she couldn’t talk about anything serious right now. Not until she got rest and could form coherent thoughts.
“Why don’t you chill for a while longer? It’s practically morning, but maybe we can get a few hours of sleep and order breakfast. How’s that sound?”
She sat up. Cold air hit her skin. She cupped his jaw and kissed his cheek. His sharp whiskers tickled her lips, but she loved the texture. “Sounds perfect.”
“Do you need anything?”
She shook her head.
“All right. I’ll come back to check on you in a few minutes.” He left the bathroom.
She lay back in the tub and let the warmth surround her once again. The hot water was amazing for the body, but Atlas . . . he was good for the soul.
Sunlight hit Atlas’s face, making him squint and regret not checking the curtains for any potential leaks before passing out. Molly’s soft, warm body molded against his chest. Her legs were intertwined with his, her hands squished between her naked chest and his, and her face burrowed against his clavicle.
Her breath fluttered against his skin, assuring him she was still asleep. Luckily her back was to the window, so the rays wouldn’t disturb her.
He glanced at the bedside clock over her shoulder. They’d slept for several hours and soon it’d be lunchtime. The scent of the hotel’s shampoo floated to his nostrils from her hair. The strands had dried and no longer held seawater, smoke, and terror.
After she’d gotten out of the tub, he’d bandaged up her feet and helped her into bed. Ten minutes later, he got out of the shower to find her fast asleep.
He fought the impulse to stroke her silky hair and kiss her forehead. She’d been through hell and needed all the sleep she could get.
Which made him wonder—what did she need?
Aside from sleep and food, he had no idea.
The only thing he was sure of was that he wanted to meet that need. He wanted to get her safely to the US and spend time with her now that he was off duty awhile.
But hell. He had to ask her what she wanted and needed from him first. If anything. With that thought firmly in mind, he tucked the blanket around her and inched off the bed. He’d slept in boxer briefs, and it took him a minute to find his joggers and a long-sleeved shirt.
In the living room, he ordered room service, then fixed himself a coffee.
Sitting in one of the chairs near the window, he took in the brilliant sun climbing high over the ocean. An ocean he’d boated on to find Molly. He would’ve gone to the ends of the earth if he hadn’t known she was on that island.
Now, the sun, birds, and puffy white clouds made the previous night seem like a lie.
