Page 59 of Hide Little Traitor

But I’m also not willing to share her. My possessive need to own every part of her, to consume her every thought and be responsible for every smile and moan she ever makes is overwhelming.

Chloe steps into his arms as soon as we’re close enough, and I watch Damon’s and Ronan’s reaction to their affection.

The latter watches with unguarded eyes, and I can’t help but wonder if he and Ryker have already discussed what happens next.

While Damon doesn’t seem so happy about the interaction, his hands are fisted at his sides and his jaw is locked tight.

“You got everything you need, Siren?”

“I think so. I didn’t know where we were going, so I tried to pack a bit of everything.”

All eyes turn to me, waiting to hear what the plan is.

The problem is, I don’t have one, and until I know who we can trust within my own organization, that’s not going to change anytime soon.

“Joey will take us an hour north. There’s a cabin owned by an associate of mine that we can use for a few days while we gather some more information.”

“A cabin?” Damon asks incredulously. “You’ve evaded us for almost two decades, and your answer is a cabin?”

I huff out an irritated sigh. “I’ve evaded your father and his men for so long because I never make the obvious choice. Going to any property I own is the obvious choice, and one my enemies will see coming. Choosing one owned by someone I trust ensures we stay under the radar while we work out how to proceed.”

“Whose cabin?” Ryker asks, a hint of uncertainty moving into his tone, but I hear the question he doesn’t ask.

Has he killed there?

“You’ve never been,” I reassure him, but I choose not to disclose who it belongs to.

As much as I trust Ryker with my life, and more importantly, Chloe’s, I know it’s unwise to share everything with him.

He may be my number two, but no one is above betrayal.

His shoulders relax slightly, and he tucks Chloe under his arm, keeping both bags from resting on her.

When I sent him to watch her, I knew there was a possibility he would find her attractive. Hell, I even considered that he might try to pursue a sexual relationship with her.

But I didn’t think the heartless killer I’ve known all these years had the ability to feel the kinds of emotions he’s staring at her with.

The sound of the chopper approaching pushes us into motion.

Ronan picks up his bag as well as Chloe’s, while Damon leads us out into the yard, his sore arm wrapped around his middle while the other clutches a gun.

Ryker and Chloe follow them, and I watch in awe as he tilts her head into his chest, protecting her from seeing the carnage our attackers left behind.

He needn’t bother considering what she’s lived through, but the thoughtfulness in that gesture is so unlike the Ryker I know that it’s all I can think about as we load onto the helicopter.

How am I meant to deprive the woman I love of that kind of care and consideration just because it’s coming from someone other than me?

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

CHLOE

THEN

TEN YEARS AGO

After showering away the days-old blood and dirt caked on my skin, Kingston carefully helps me dress in one of his T-shirts that drowns my small frame before tucking me into bed.

The mattress is like a cloud, and my aching muscles sob at finally feeling comfort after days in what can only be compared to hell.