Page 56 of Hideaway Reunion

Then, he turned to Veronica.

In a fraction of a second, the lethal operative vanished, his expression softening into the familiar lines of the man she loved. She launched herself into his arms and, though his hands trembled, he held her close.

“Roni.” His voice cracked with raw emotion. He ran his hands over her face and shoulders. “Are you hurt?” She shook her head, words failing her. He pulled her flush against his broad chest, so tightly she could feel the thunderous beat of his heart. “Tell me you’re okay.”

“I’m okay,” Roni said, burying her face in the crook of his neck, her fingers clutching his shirt. Her entire body sagged with relief. “I’m okay now.” She jerked back. “The house. You heard him tell someone to burn it down?”

“We did.” He sank down on the floor and brought her into his lap.

“We?”

“Trent was with me. I’m sure he’s notified the fire chief by now. Though I’m pretty sure it was a bluff.”

“Let’s be super-sure.”

“Smart.” He kissed her temple, keeping her close as they heard the sounds of police arriving. “Third floor. Kidnapper contained,” Brayden called out. “No one is armed.”

She snuggled closer. “You found me.”

“Always,” he whispered fiercely, his hand smoothing her hair. “I swear to God, Roni... when he texted me on your phone, I was ready to kill him.”

“Part of me wanted you to,” she confessed for his ears alone as the police thundered up the steps. “I love you.”

He bent his head and claimed her mouth in a deep, passionate, and possessive kiss.

“Guess we missed the fun,” Chief Caldwell said to Lieutenant Frasier as they arrived. Taking in the scene, his face turned a dangerous shade of red. “Are you injured, Veronica?”

“N-no, sir.” The tremor in her voice warned her that shock was setting in. She really wanted to get out of here. Make sure the Hideaway was fine and her sisters were safe.

“He kidnapped her, Chief,” Brayden volunteered, his arms wrapped securely around her. “Trent Blakely and I heard him threaten her when we were in pursuit. This guy,” he pointed to the unconscious man, “said Silas Vanbeck ordered the abduction to force the sisters to sign over the Hideaway.”

Chief Caldwell pulled out his radio, his voice barking with absolute authority as he ordered an all-points bulletin for Silas Vanbeck. Looking at Frasier, he said. “We’ll start with charges for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and felony extortion.” A sharp smile creased his weathered face. “I’m looking forward to seeing that particular attorney in handcuffs.”

Lieutenant Frasier helped a team of paramedics load the fixer into a transport chair to get him back down the stairs. He handed Roni the blanket they’d brought along and Brayden wrapped it around her, rubbing her arms to combat her shivering.

“Ready to give me a statement?” Caldwell asked.

Roni looked up from the safety of Brayden’s arms and wept. Startled and embarrassed, she couldn’t control the reaction. Nothing stopped the tears as she explained how she’d been taken and how she’d escaped the truck to run up here.

“Why not go back to the party?” Caldwell asked.

“He moved quickly for his size, but I figured I had him beat on general fitness and the stairs would make him winded.” She gave a watery smile when Brayden murmured approval. “It worked a little.”

“Until he threatened to burn down the house.” Brayden hugged her.

“Until then.” A tremor rattled through her. “When I heard that, I tried to hit him with a piece of rebar.”

“It was a bluff, so you’re clear. The fire chief cleared the house.”

“Good.” Her teeth chattered. “C-can I go now?”

“Yes. I’ll be in touch with more questions,” Caldwell said.

“You know where to find us,” Brayden shook his hand, then gathered Roni close, sheltering her with his body all the way down the stairs.

Her legs felt rubbery. “The adrenaline crash is catching up with me,” she said. “I don’t think I can walk all the way back.”

“You don’t have to. Cav and Bobby are here. Brian’s at the house.” He picked her up and carried her toward a truck idling just beyond the line of first responders. “Your chariot,” he said, boosting her into the front seat. “The guys insisted on giving you a lift home.”