More worried now, I call Hunt.
After I describe the guy outside the house, he unleashes a string of curses. “I’ll head out at first light. He could've left something behind. Any chance you caught him on camera?”
Damn. Rookie move. I hadn’t even checked.“Yeah—give me a sec.”
When I come up blank, the air whooshes out of my lungs. “Nothing. He avoided them all.”
“Not surprised. Stay safe. Stay in touch.”
The moment he hangs up, Bree’s on her feet, shaking her head. “I can’t wait anymore. Time to go on the offensive. You know I’m right—he’s compelled by his OCD to kill me. That’s why he keeps muttering‘not right.’With or without you, I’m going back into those woods.”
“No.”
The word’s out before I can stop it.
And the second it lands, I know—
I’ve fucked up.
Chapter 26
Briana
“Excuse me?” My eyes narrow. “Did you forbid me right now, Mr. Temporary?”
“The guy’s a psychopath. Former Ranger. Probably a serial killer. You arenotbaiting him. That’s nuts.”
Oh, hell no.No freaking way.
Planting my feet, I lift my chin. “I can assure you—I am perfectly sane and fully capable of taking care of myself.”
I march over to my backpack, yank it off the floor, and sling it over my shoulder.
Screw it. It’s only a few miles to the trail.
“What? You’re going up the mountain? In the dark? Are you nuts?”
He’s right—it’s a terrible idea.
But I’m not backing down.
I pivot toward the door. “Well, I’m not staying here.”
Not with a man who thinks I’ve lost it… who is way too sexy for my already scrambled brain.
I may have issues. I may need an AI therapist.
But in this? I amright. He iswrong.
“We need to catch this guy. Not just for me—women are in danger, Kade.”
“Please, babe—”
Emphasizing each syllable, I jab the air. “I am not your babe. I am a grown-ass ex–Navy pilot. W–O–M–A–N.”
“You’re overreacting.” His furrowed brows only piss me off more.
“What? Now I’m hormonal?” My voice spikes, incredulous.
