Page 53 of Untamed Sinner

I don't push her. I just hold her hand.

45

MANDY

Iwake to cold sheets.

My hand reaches out instinctively, searching for the body that was there when I fell asleep—any hint of residual warmth. My fingers find nothing but empty mattress.

He left, a while ago if the cool fabric is any indication.

I sit up, disoriented, blinking in the dark. The pillow beside me still holds the indent of his head, but there's no other sign he was ever here.

"Hendricks?" My voice sounds small in the empty room. Uncertain.

I throw back the covers and go to the door, pushing it open to check the hallway. Empty. I stand there for a moment, processing. He stayed with me through the nightmare. Held my hand until I fell asleep. And then he left.

Of course he did. He said he was going to leave when I fell asleep. And he did stay until I felt safe enough to sleep—until the nightmare released its grip.

Then he gave me space, just like he said he would.

Just like he has in his bathroom.

I go back to bed and sit on the edge, my hands gripping the mattress.

I've spent ten years surviving. Ten years hunting. Ten years keeping everyone at arm's length.

Hendricks is the first person who’s made me wonder what happens if I stop.

That scares me more than Ashford ever could.

But for once I don’t want to think my way out of something. I don’t want to calculate the risk or plan the exit.

I want.

And I know exactly what I want—him.

Standing, I go to the dresser and pull out the black T-shirt that I took from Hendricks’s laundry bin. There’s no reason to wear something of his if it doesn’t smell like him.

Stripping out of my clothes, I pull it over my head and tug the hem down. No armor. No tactical gear. Just me.

Then I walk to the door and open it.

The hallway is quiet except for the faint hum of the security system. Down the hall, the door to his bedroom is closed.

He’s in there.

Taking a breath, I steady myself and walk down the hallway.

46

HENDRICKS

Iwake up the second I hear the soft snick of my door unlatching.

Training has me pretending to be asleep while I reach under my pillow for my gun, but then I hear the now familiar sound of Mandy’s bare feet on the hardwood and next I catch the scent of her shampoo.

Fuck, it smells delicious. Just a whiff and I’m getting hard. Of course, I’m lying in my boxer briefs in case she needed me again, and the most alluring woman I’ve ever met is creeping toward my bed.