Hunter sat quietly, his gaze drifting toward the window, his body still but alert.
She watched him from beneath the blanket, her racing thoughts constantly worried about what would happen tomorrow, or even in the next hour.She wouldn't even be here if it weren't for Hunter.
He'd saved them.
He had risked himself.Not many people would go out of their way, without any thought for themselves, to help a stranger.
And she had no way to repay him.
But for now, she was grateful.
And for a little longer, he made her feel protected.
Her eyelids grew heavy.A peacefulness soothed her.Exhaustion won out, and she curled tighter against the cushions.
"Annie."
A deep, rough voice pulled her out of sleep.
She blinked, her heart pounding.One moment, she was curled on her side, nestled beside Leigh's legs, listening to the gentle rhythm of her sister's breathing, and the next, Hunter kneeled beside her, his warm hand softly stroking her cheek.His thumb brushed tenderly beneath her eye.
"You're dreaming," he said, voice deeper than usual."It's the middle of the night."
She looked over at Leigh, who continued to sleep, and back to Hunter, opening her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat.
Because suddenly, she wasn't where Hunter put her.
She was back in that house.
Jason and Leigh's house.
His shadow loomed over her, his voice a roar in her ears.She could feel his hand in her hair, yanking her backward, dragging her across the floor, away from her sister.
"You think you're taking her from me?"Jason screamed."You think you're going to steal what's mine?"
Annie flinched, her breath coming in short, panicked bursts.
Hunter stood, his brows drawn in concern.
She reached for him, wrapping her fingers around his wrist.
"Don't leave me," she whispered, her voice shaking."Please."
She pulled his hand to her chest, pressing it over her heart.If he could feel how fast it raced, how it thundered beneath her ribs like a trapped bird, he would understand.
She couldn't tell him what she experienced.Couldn't explain the way Jason's voice still echoed in her head.Everyone supported law enforcement.Everyone.
If she let it slip that she was running from someone who had the authority to ruin his life, he wouldn't help her.
He bent down, slid one arm beneath her knees, the other behind her back, and lifted her off the couch like she weighed nothing.Out of the warmth of the blanket and her sister, she molded her body against Hunter's chest, seeking his warmth.
He carried her to the chair across the room and sat down, cradling her in his lap as if she belonged there.
"Sleep," he said, in a deep voice against her temple.
Annie closed her eyes and pressed her cheek to his chest.His heartbeat was steady.Strong.
She let herself breathe.
