“Damn it to hell. He must have her.”
I follow this up by bellowing my frustration. Guilt isn’t strong enough to describe the emotion swamping me. I promised to keep her safe. I told her I’d stop that low-life from getting to her. And I’ve failed.
I drop boneless onto the ornate couch, head in hands. This is partly down to remorse, but mostly down to thinking about what the hell I do now.
“We need to get back to his room. He won’t leave without that suitcase.”
This commonsense from Simon has me back on my feet. Despite being able to follow the creep at my leisure thanks to that tracker, I don’t want to waste time.
Phoebe wouldn’t go willingly, meaning she’s scared and possibly hurt. The sooner I can rescue her, the better.
I’m already on my way to the door leading to the tunnel when I hear movement on the far side of the room. Looking back, I watch in amazement as part of the wall slides to one side.
I’m across the room in a flash, pulling Phoebe into a tight embrace. “Shhhh, shhhh, shhhh. It’s okay. You’re safe with me. I’ve got you.”
After pressing a kiss to her forehead, I add, “I won’t leave you again.”
SIX
PHOEBE
Despite Wyatt’s protestations that I’m safe, that’s not what I’m feeling. From scared out of my mind minutes earlier, I’m now overcome with lust.
It seems with Wyatt in the mix, I’ve no control over my libido. If not for the man standing silently in the background, I’d already be acting on my arousal.
Without releasing his hold on me, Wyatt introduces the guy. “Ms Jackson, this is Simon Phillips, my, ah, deputy, for want of a better word.”
Perhaps it’s that Wyatt’s last name is Cassidy, but my scrambled mind has me picturing them in cowboy outfits complete with stars. Lucky for me, I’m able to hide my smile against his chest.
Who knew what they’d think if they caught me laughing?
What is wrong with you?
Someone threatened to hurt you.
You shouldn’t be laughing.
Okay, so there might be a teensy hysterical edge, to my amusement.
“Simon, I’ll stay here with Ms Jackson to make sure she’s safe. Do you want to speak to someone in maintenance and get them over here to board up that sidelight? I’ll text you the key codes.”
“On it!” A moment later, and he’s gone.
After releasing his hold on me, Wyatt gives me a reassuring pat on the shoulder before he inspects the newly discovered kitchenette.
With that done, he steers me into the bedroom. While aware he’s done so to avoid the glass all over the living room floor, my body is having none of the practicalities.
This is madness. I’ve never wanted a man as much as I want Wyatt right now, right here. Whether this is thanks to the preceding months of uncertainty, or that he was tonguing my nipples earlier, I’m unsure.
And yet my attraction to him is way beyond lust. He’s shown himself to be kind and caring and a true gentleman. He’s my knight in shining armor, or at least, a sharp suit.
The same knight who’s just tucked me into bed.
The same knight who isn’t joining me.
My frustration must show, because he immediately straightens and steps back. “I’m sorry, Phoebe. My earlier behavior was unacceptable. I should never have acted as I did.”
His apology lands on my chest like lead.
