Page 24 of Her Guilty Protector
“Breakfast is almost ready.”
He hands me my crutch and goes back to the kitchen. By the time I’m finished he has plates dished up for both of us. I sit in my chair at the breakfast bar and he joins me. Leaning over, he kisses me. “Good morning, Laney. I love you.”
My eyes fill with tears, and I meet his gaze. “Good morning, Hawke. I love you.”
It feels a little strange but for a moment I’m almost thankful for Allen. Without him, would Hawke and I ever have gotten past the chasm keeping us apart?
Breakfast is delicious. He even sliced strawberries and sprinkled them on the top of the pancakes like my mom use to do for me.
“You remember everything.”
Sheepishly he looks my way. “Everything about you. I fell the first time we met, and I gathered all the information and memories I could. Those memories kept me sane and saved me in more than one war zone.”
“We’ve wasted so much time, Hawke.”
He shakes his head. “No. We let our love grow and ripen like fine wine. We’re right where we’re supposed to be.”
His phone lights up on the counter. “It’s Vance.” He taps the screen. “You’re on speaker.”
“He took the bait and he’s on his way. His uncle is with him. Our team will drop in about fifteen minutes and will take up position in the parameter and inside. I want one in the panic room with Laney.”
“I’m not going to the panic room. I told you I need to see him and tell him to go to hell. Besides, if he thinks he’s got me alonehe’ll want to brag about how smart he is. You said you wanted recordings. Let’s get the evidence to send him to the electric chair.”
“Laney...”
“Hawke. You know I’m right.”
CHAPTER 15
Hawke
The team arrived and we set up. Then fifteen minutes ago one of the men drove my vehicle down the mountain.
I’m in position in the pantry that leads to the panic room. Porter’s in the attic loophole. The Guy’s a damn good sharpshooter, and three others have positions outside.
Vance’s voice comes over the com. “They just pulled into the yard. Allen and his uncle are getting out. Hold, someone’s with them.”
Laney cuts in. “That’s Hazel. How did they... She’s struggling. She’s not a willing accomplice.”
We’ve all got access to the same feed on our phones. “Abort. I’m locking down the cabin,” I snap.
“No,” Laney hisses. “He’ll hurt her. You’ll figure out how to work with this.”
I glance at the security video playing on my phone. Fuck. I knew this was a bad idea. She insisted on using herself as bait. When this is over, I’m gonna give her a bright red ass for arguing with me.
She’s got her vest on, her crutch and a cane beside her to make her appear more vulnerable. Her weapon is within reach. She’s a warrior I remind myself. And a survivor.
“Laney, shut down your phone just in case. You’ve got me on your earbud.”
They approach the door and Hazel knocks. Allen has a weapon at her temple.
“Wh—who’s there?” Laney calls out.
“Laney, it—it’s Hazel. I just want to see for myself that you’re okay. I’m taking another job across the country and wanted to say goodbye.”
“I can’t get to the door, but I can unlock it from here. Come in.”
“Laney, no—” Hazel tries but Allen has his hand on the handle and shoves Hazel into the cabin where she sprawls on the floor. He turns the weapon on Laney.
