Chapter
Nine
Molly moved in a fog. If it weren’t for Atlas’s arm around her as they returned to her apartment to gather her things, she’d have fainted.
With a small bag packed, she leaned against him as they walked out of her bedroom. She glanced toward the bathroom door even though Atlas had closed it when they’d passed it the last time.
Thankfully she hadn’t seen her attacker’s body again. “What do we do about that?” she asked, unable to even mention the dead man.
“Not for you to worry about,” he said curtly. They reached the front door and he paused. “Do you need anything else?”
Scanning her apartment, she fought a surge of despair. She’d never feel safe here again. Never be able to look at her quaint little space without remembering those hooded, soulless eyes. Without the memory of being pinned beneath the water. “No.”
He pulled her to his side again, and they walked through the building. Briefly she wondered if anyone had called the police. Would she need to make a statement? Relive the whole incident again?
Five minutes later, they reached Atlas’s SUV. He opened the passenger door and reached for her.
“I can?—”
He caught her around the waist, lifted her into the seat, and buckled her up in one quick swoop.
“Atlas, you don’t have to baby me.”
He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “Gimme one good reason not to.”
Before she could open her mouth, he kissed her forehead. Warmth spread over her cheeks and her lips tingled.
He shut the door, came around the hood, and hopped into the driver’s seat.
“What about that guy?” She glanced over her shoulder toward where the silver sedan had been parked.
“Already taken care of.” He turned over the ignition and pulled away from the curb.
Her eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
He rubbed the tip of his knuckle under his chin. “Not for you to think about, babe.”
The endearment lifted her spirits a little.
He covered her thigh with his big, strong hand. “I just mean I don’t want you to worry about that stuff. This is our job.”
“Wait, what about Rex? You’re supposed to be working.” And instead, he was here, whisking her away and shouldering every worry that’d assaulted her.
“Part of the team is out looking for him. Rogue, Viper and I were resting while waiting for intel from the others.”
It could be hours or days before they caught him. What would happen to her? She couldn’t just cling to Atlas’s shirt and follow him around like a wounded puppy.
“I know you’re worried, but just know we’re doing our job.”
“It’s not your duty to protect me, Atlas. I know I called you, and as much as I want you here, I understand I’m not your responsibility.”
He stopped at a red light and turned to stare at her. “You’re in danger. That alone makes you my responsibility. Never mind that I?—”
He clamped his lips together then looked back at the road. The light turned green. He accelerated.
“You what?”
His palm slid from her thigh to envelop her hand. “That I want to protect you.” The statement came out strong, without a sliver of doubt.
