Her voice softens a little. “Please. Let me go. You can be whoever you want. I won’t tell anyone.”
Maybe I should try a different tack. “I think we met in Afghanistan. You were the helo pilot who disobeyed orders to save me. I was the Marine shooting insurgents, feet dangling, while my buddies hauled me inside.”
A small smile tugs at my mouth. “Once my buddies hauled me in, you turned and winked at me.”
Her eyes widen. “I thought you looked familiar.”
“I’ve been trying to find you for a week.” Eyes locked on hers I inch in closer. “Your text last Wednesday worried your mom.”
She blinks. “Wait. My gear was stolen Monday night—phone included. I couldn’t have texted her. It had to behim.”
My pulse spikes.Is it possible she’s telling the truth?
Chapter 12
Briana
“I don’t suppose I can convince you to uncuff me?” When I flash what I hope is a flirtatious smile, my captor holds up his bandaged thumb.
“Not on your life. You are, by far, the most lethal woman I’ve ever had the misfortune of rescuing.”
“Thanks. I think.” Head tilted back, I drink his offered water. “More, please.”
The handsome Marine—no longer a caterpillar—squats beside me. “Let’s wait and see if you can keep it down. Now, start talking.”
His tone is pure drill sergeant. Even his dog whines at the sound of it.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. The giant bully’s mad at me, not you.” Pressing my nose to her soft head, I lean in, allowing her to lick my face.
While the sweet, yet humongous, mixed-breed lab settles closer, I hiss out my breath. “I’m not sure where to begin.”
“How about why you left your best friend in the woods?” His accusatory tone makes my pulse jump.
“Wait. Mumbles didn’t murder her, too, did he?”
“She made it out safely.” No doubt looking for lies, the sheriff studies my face.
“Thank goodness. I’d hate to think—”
Nope. Quiet, Bree.Dr. Herman—AKA my inner lawyer—is obviously not connected to my bladder.
I need to pee.
“Sooo…” Squeezing my thighs, I talk fast. “I’d been hiking the Long Trail for over a week when Andrea called. She’s not exactly outdoorsy, so I was shocked she wanted to join me.”
“Go on.” He passes me the water.
Despite a raging thirst, I only take a small sip before swallowing. “Thanks… Anyhow, Andee appeared to be agitated, but I didn’t think much of it. She’s high-maintenance on her best days. We set up camp, sat by the fire. Afterward, she dropped a bomb—said she’d slept with Brett while we were still together. Like any rational human, it pissed me off. I told her I needed space and left at first light.”
As I’m about to explain the Gollum-like stalker, he cuts in. “Was Brett there?”
“What? Hell no. I haven’t seen him… in months. We broke up last Christmas. It’s the gospel.”
Judging by his scowl, he’s not buying it. “So you left her all alone?”
“Tell me, Kade,” I snap, “do you have a girlfriend?”
“No but—”
