Anya tried a deep-breathing technique a friend at school had taught her to keep from having another panic attack. She shook her head and kept breathing, following Agent Reese through the bullpen to where he said Heath waited. Without the bulletproof vest, she felt twenty pounds lighter.
“I’d like for you to reconsider staying here with the FBI,” Reese said once again, his broad body blocking her view of the hallway.
She gulped. “I know you want to protect me, but I’m going with Heath.”
“You’re making a mistake that will get you killed.” He opened the door and started moving again. Anya trooped behind him, almost holding her breath now as they walked into a long hallway.
The second she saw Heath, she launched into a run. Instinct ruled her, and she had to get to him.
She barreled right into Heath’s waiting arms. Tears stung her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know, so I left, and—”
He kissed her.
Her entire body centered. She kissed him back, letting him take her weight. Sensations bombarded her, from need to want to a sense of safety. Away from him, she’d been so alone and vulnerable. Lost. Now, finally, the world righted itself. She could do this.
He released her. “Take a breath.”
“That’s what I’ve been doing.” She stepped back and wiped her face. “Sorry. Emotional overload.” Heat flooded her face. She didn’t know where to put her hands.
“It’s okay, baby.” His touch was gentle as he smoothed back her hair. Determination glinted in his brilliant eyes. He still wore the faded jeans, boots, and T-shirt from earlier. He stood so tall and strong, all she wanted to do was burrow into him for protection. “I’ll get you to safety.”
Fury and something else glimmered in his eyes? Panic?
“No,” Reese said from behind her. “Be smart. She needs to stay here.”
Heath met the agent’s gaze squarely, even as he moved Anya between himself and Detective Malloy.
Anya forced a smile for the detective. “Hi.”
“Hi,” Malloy said, his gaze watching the two other men with interest. “I guess we’re lucky neither one of them has tried to pee on you yet.”
Humor shot through her, and she burst out with a laugh. Yep. Emotional overload. “Reese, I’m sorry. But I’m leaving.”
He opened his mouth to argue and then shut it abruptly. “Your sister was stubborn, too.” His phone buzzed, and he lifted it to his ear. “Reese.” His shoulders stiffened. “What? Say that again.”
Anya stilled.
“Goddamn motherfucker.” Fury flew across Reese’s face, and another vein bulged along his neck. He turned and threw the phone against the far wall. “Fuck.” He kicked out and turned to punch the wall. Sheetrock flew. Reese turned, a wild glimmer in his eyes.
Agents poured from the far doorway, already armed and suited up. Heath shoved Anya all the way behind him. “What the hell?”
Reese took a shuddering breath and flexed his bloody hand. “Killer took another victim.”
Anya pressed a hand to her shuddering chest. “Oh God. Who did he take?”
Reese shook the white powder off his hand. “Ex-wife of a local cop. She’s more a brunette than a redhead, but I guess she could count.”
“She wasn’t under surveillance?” Heath asked.
“Yeah, she was,” Reese said. “The killer somehow got into her house and got her out, even with a car on her door. He’s good.” Reese turned for the door. “We’ve been dicking around with this, and he took somebody else.”
Anya’s legs wobbled.
Reese turned toward Heath. “Stay in town, and keep her in town and safe. I’ll deal with you next.” He glanced at Anya. “The second you realize you need protection, you call me.”
Then he sprinted toward the door with his agents on his heels. “Let’s find this guy.”
Heath grabbed his phone and quickly texted his brothers. Anya leaned around to read what he sent.
