“Not if I can help it,” he replies. “But I put a stop to violence.”
“These guys,” Ryker starts, “whoever they are, aren’t going to stop until you’re dead. We’re going to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
I swallow hard. I’m living in another warzone. Where every day is a fight for my life. And now I have five new people in the line of fire.
My gaze lands on Zane.
There was never a doubt in my mind that he loved me before. That he wouldn’t risk everything for me if he had to. Which is exactly why I had to leave before. And now, we’re here doing the same thing.
Different fight.
Different enemy.
Same possible outcome.
It was self-defense, but what if they come for him for the death of that man? What if they decide it can’t go unpunished?
How can I live with myself if my freedom costs him his?
Chapter 17
Zane
After hanging the new door on the cabin of my boat, I step back and study the work. It’s been freshly stained and will hold up for a long time…so long as I don’t have to throw anyone through it again.
The last week has passed smoothly, while Leopold works to ID the guy who didn’t make it off my boat. So far, his dental records, fingerprints, and DNA have returned nothing fruitful. Not that I’m surprised.
Hired killers rarely have paper trails.
Not even Tucker Hunt has been able to find anything based on his photos, meaning he was wiped from every database everywhere. This guy is even more of a ghost than I am.
Things with Tessa have also been weird, though that’s more to do with me than her. When she told me she wouldn’t leave without a note, I knew she was trying to put my mind at ease, but all it did was remind me that she’s still planning to leave when all of this is over.
No matter what the outcome, I’ll lose her again. And that’s been a tough one to swallow. But I’ve since realized that, even though that’s true, I want her to leave knowing just how important she is. That way, she can finally stop living in the past. I want her to have a good life, even if it’s not with me.
My cell rings, so I reach down and pull it out of my pocket. When I see Anastasia’s name on the screen, I can’t keep the grin off my face. “Hey.”
“She’s on her way with Sawyer.”
“Great. I just finished.”
“I don’t think she even realizes what today is.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me. With everything we’ve had going on, I barely notice the days as they pass.”
“But you remembered today.”
“How could I not?”
She laughs softly. “Well, give her my love, too.”
“I will. Thanks for your help.” I eye the white box on the counter inside the cabin.
“Anytime, Big Brother. Have fun.” She ends the call, so I shove my phone back into my pocket and work quickly to clean up the tools. I’m just finishing when Sawyer and Tessa step on board. The last week has given her leg time to heal, and her limp is gone for the most part. Though I do notice that early in the morning and late at night, she seems to be in pain.
“This is where I leave you, My Lady.” Sawyer bows dramatically, and Tessa smiles.
“Thank you, Sir.”
