Page 215 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

Only when my own dark timber cottage appeared through the trees did I feel the tension begin to leave her body. It happened gradually, almost reluctantly. Her shoulders lowered first. Then her grip loosened just enough for my fingers to move again. Finally, her head tipped back against the headrest as a slow breath escaped her lips.

I pulled into the driveway and killed the engine. Before she'd even reached for the handle, I'd already stepped out, rounded the bonnet and opened her door.

"I'm okay," she whispered, attempting the smallest smile despite the split in her lip.

"I can walk, Elias."

"No."

"The ground is just mud."

"No."

"Elias."

"No."

She stared at me for another second before letting out the tiniest sigh, completely exhausted.

"...Bossy detective."

"I've been called worse by the Bureau."

Without waiting for another argument, I slipped one arm beneath her knees and the other behind her back.

She didn't protest this time.

She simply folded into me as though her body had finally decided it didn't have enough strength left to pretend. Her forehead settled against the side of my neck, her warm breath brushing my skin as I lifted her clear of the truck. She weighed almost nothing in my arms. Too light. Far lighter than anyone should after everything she'd endured.

I carried her up the porch steps as though she were made of blown glass. The front door hadn't even shut before Max appeared. One bark. Then another. Not loud but concerned.

His tail wagged low and uncertain as he carefully approached, nose twitching rapidly while he inspected every inch of Seraphina's bruised hands. The moment he caught the smell of dried blood he let out a long, quiet whine that sounded almost human.

"Easy, buddy," I murmured as I nudged the door shut with my boot.

"She's home."

Max immediately licked the backs of her fingers with unbelievable gentleness, careful not to touch the raw rope burns around her wrists. The corner of her swollen mouth twitched.

"Hi, Max," she whispered.

The shepherd pressed his body against my leg and refused to move, following beside us as I carried her down the hallway, making absolutely certain neither of us was disappearing anywhere ever again.

The old timber floor creaked beneath my weight as I carried her toward the bathroom. Her breathing brushed softly against the side of my neck while every now and then I felt her fingers tighten in the front of my shirt without warning, holding on just long enough to reassure herself I was still there.

I never asked why. I already knew. After tonight she'd wake up a dozen times expecting to be somewhere else. Every single time...

I intended to be there.

I lowered her gently onto the closed toilet lid before crouching in front of her, checking her pupils again without even thinking about it.

"You should shower."

Her eyes stayed fixed on mine.

"I'll get you clean clothes."

A tiny nod.