"In a few days, I'll drive you both to Seattle and get you away from Vancouver.I'll give you some money.Enough to get a place where no one can find you."He approached them.
Annie's eyes widened, relief flickering across her face.But Leigh's expression remained guarded.
"He'll find me," Leigh said, her voice sharp.
Hunter leaned over to keep Leigh's lips in view.
"The only way to get away from him is if he's dead."Leigh faced Annie, talking faster.
Hunter caught the first part, but the ongoing conversation slipped past him.Her lips moved quickly, her words tangled.He frowned, trying to follow, but he couldn't even guess any of the words.
Annie reached for his hand, pulling his attention to her.Her warm touch was a reminder of last night.
"Thank you," she said slowly, carefully."I'll find a way to pay you back."
Hunter's chest tightened.He'd thought he was prepared to get them settled, for walking away once they were safe.But the thought of not seeing her again hit harder than he expected.
Her fingers squeezed his, and he felt the ache deepen.
He wanted her to be happy.He wanted her to be free.
But he also wanted her.
Hunter looked at her, then at Leigh, and gave a short nod."A few more days and we'll go."
Annie's eyes softened, but the weight in his chest never eased.
Because he knew once he let her go, he might never see her again.
Chapter 16
The words Hunter hadspoken still echoed in Annie's mind: Seattle.A few days.Safe.
She wanted to believe him.She wanted to believe in escape, in freedom, in a life where Jason's shadow didn't follow her sister's every step.But Leigh's voice had cut through that fragile hope.Her sister was scared.
"I don't want to go out there," muttered Leigh.
