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He’d come here to rescue me…

“I don’t see him,” Sam said. “But that doesn’t mean he isn’t out there.”

Validation coursed through me. I felt believed.

And because of that, I felt respected. Again.

Sam turned from the window to look at me.

The tilt in his head, the subtle parting of his lips, how strong and capable and in-control he looked…

My knees weakened.

I blinked and suddenly Sam was holding me, keeping me standing.

“When was the last time you ate?”

I had to think. “Um. Remember when you made me breakfast?”

“Jesus, woman! Five days?!”

“Has it been that long?” I asked drearily, drinking in his scent. “I haven’t been keeping count.”

“I have,” he grumbled. “Whatever. You’re coming with me.”

“Where?”

“To my house so I can force some fucking food in you.”

I didn’t have it in me to protest. Instead, I peered at the window. “What if he follows us?”

“Then I’ll kick his ass.”

I smiled at that. I felt safe, protected. And I didn’t realize how much I’d been missing that feeling until I needed it.

Sam loosened his grip. “You alright? Can you stand? Because I swear to God, I’ll carry you out of here if I have to.”

“Coming on a little strong, aren’t you?” I teased.

His lips quirked into a half-smile. “Strong is the only way I come on. How else could I carry you?”

I giggled, forgetting my fear for a second.

He threaded his thick fingers through mine and smiled down at me like I was something more than what I was.

I felt invincible.

It may have been the aftereffects of the adrenaline high, but I suddenly stood on my tiptoes and aimed for his mouth.

He swiftly planted a kiss on my forehead instead.

I furrowed my brow, confused.

That eternal sadness flashed through his ocean eyes for a second, then it was gone.

I wanted an explanation. Now that he was standing next to me, real, I wanted to to know where we stood.

Bo’s words echoed through my memory: