Page 69
Sort of.
“We can give this to Emmett,” Blake said. “Draven can keep tracking its route, and Boone may have a way to check alerts for vehicles matching its description.”
Devon studied the grainy image. ““Whoever sent the man to my apartment has to know I’m gone.”
“Knowing you left your home, or even that you left St. Louis isn’t the same thing as knowing you’re here.”
She wanted to believe him but also understood people who could arrange a professional hit and make Carol’s death look like an accident weren’t likely to give up. Crossing state lines wouldn’t stop them.
They’ll eventually find me.
And when they did—
“I don’t want you getting hurt because of me.”
Blake went still. “Devon.”
“No.” She shook her head. “You were almost shot in my apartment. Now you’re digging into something that got Carol killed. Whoever’s behind this might decide you’re a problem, too.”
“Let them.”
“I’m serious.”
“So am I.” He reached for her hand. “I know the risks. I came to St. Louis, and I’m helping you now. The choice is mine to make, and I’ll choose you every damn day of the week.”
“Blake . . .” His name escaped all breathy and wistful.
His thumb moved once across her knuckles, and her attention immediately dropped to his mouth. She’d come so close to tasting him the night before, and had been left wondering ever since.
“Dev?” Blake murmured the shortened version of her name.
Her eyes rose up to his. “Hmm?”
“If I don’t kiss you soon, I’m going to lose my mind.”
She smiled. “That sounds serious.”
“Extremely.”
“You should probably do something about it.”
His serious gaze searched hers. “You sure?”
Rather than answering, Devon rose from her chair and stepped between his knees. She rested her hands on his broad shoulders. Felt his fingers settle gently at her waist.
She leaned in. “I’m sure.”
Blake met her halfway.
His lips brushed hers, warm and careful at first. Devon closed her eyes, letting herself feel instead of thinking of all the reasons she should be afraid.
Blake’s hand slid to the small of her back, drawing her closer. She kissed him again with considerably less restraint.
A low sound reverberated from his mouth to hers. Her heart kicked hard, and she fisted the fabric of his shirt. For so long, she’d wondered what it would be like to kiss Blake Savage.
Now she knew and was already anticipating doing it again.
When they finally parted, she rested her forehead against his.
