Deadly Chase (12 page)

“Probably not. I’ve got a coat in my black bag.” Chase automatically turned to reach for it, but regretted the action as the movement caused a sharp pain to radiate from his shoulder to his fingertips.

Sierra touched his arm. “You’re bleeding again.”

He checked. Sure enough, a small patch of blood had seeped through the bandage, staining his shirt. “You can take a look at it tonight. We need to get going and pick up my prescriptions. I want to make sure we reach Skyland before dark.”

Sierra nodded, retrieved his coat and handed it over. As he attempted to slide in his arm, his nerve endings screamed in protest. He grunted and immediately wished he hadn’t as Sierra’s concern grew. His pride had taken a hit along with the bullet, and although a part of him liked having Sierra look after him, another part protested the need for aid.

“I know heroes aren’t supposed to require assistance, but maybe you can make an exception. You were shot, you know.” Sierra helped him with his coat.

“There you go again with that hero stuff.” Chase complained, although he didn’t mind her thinking of him as
her
hero. But, what if Eason had hurt Sierra last night? The thought sobered him. Maybe having help wasn’t such a bad idea. “What do you think about going home after we spend a few days in the mountains?”

“Home?” Her eyes grew round and she looked incredulous. “You’re asking if I want to go back to Washington State?”

He held up a hand. “Yes, but I’m not talking about taking you back to your condo. I’m talking about going to my family’s home in Granite Falls.”

“You must’ve lost more blood than I thought. You’re not thinking straight. I-I can’t go there and put your family in danger. Nuh-uh. No way.” She crossed her arms. “What gave you this crazy idea anyway?”

“I grew up there. I know the area. There are people I know and trust in Granite Falls. My parents are there. My brother’s close by. All I’d have to do is ask and he’d come stay for a few days and watch over you while I—”

“While you what? Go after Kevin and get yourself killed trying to protect me? Not going to happen. If you think for one minute I’m going to hide somewhere while you risk your life for me again you’re sorely mistaken.” Sierra’s face ripened as her passionate words tumbled out.

Her sudden temper should have alarmed Chase, but rather, it intrigued him. She looked vibrant and full of life as she expressed herself. He shifted to face her and attempted to calm her anxiety. “Are you forgetting what I do for a living?”

Her gaze dipped to his shoulder, then back up. “Just because you’re used to being shot at doesn’t mean I want you doing it for me…”

Chase’s mind blanked when her chest heaved with exertion, and he could no longer focus on her words as she continued to vent. He had to do something to calm her or he’d lose all concentration. At least that’s what he told himself as he cupped her face in his hands and sealed her lips with his.

She tasted like warm honey and sweet nectar. She felt like—home. Warmth spread through him at the same time his nerves kicked in. He held his breath, awaiting her reaction. If he’d overstepped his bounds, he had no doubt she’d let him know. When she stilled and didn’t pull away, he allowed himself a measure of hope. He placed another kiss on her lips, and she relaxed under the slight pressure.

“If
you
think for one minute”—he whispered against her soft skin—”I’m going to take any chances with
your
safety, you’re wrong. I lost Amber. I can’t lose you too.” He’d wanted Sierra since he’d first seen her; he’d begun to think of her as his the moment they collided on the street. No use in denying it now. “We’re in this together.”

A car’s horn sounded behind them. Chase released her and cleared his throat. He’d nearly forgotten where they were. “We should get moving before security has us towed from the hospital’s loading zone.” Amazed his voice sounded somewhat normal, he scooted over and secured his seatbelt as if his world hadn’t just been rocked.

Sierra blinked and looked around. “Right.” She smoothed her hair, adjusted the rearview mirror, and shifted into drive. “Of course.”

Chase dug the directions to Skyland from his pocket and concentrated on navigating. With any luck, his pulse would return to normal before they arrived, and he’d be able to think about something other than how amazing it felt to have Sierra’s lips touching his.

17

He’d kissed her—twice. Sierra hadn’t been able to think of much else on the forty minute drive up winding roads. It was a wonder she hadn’t driven off Skyline Drive.

After they’d left the hospital Chase had picked up his medications from a local pharmacy, and they had eaten a quick dinner at a drive-thru before heading toward the resort. On the way up they’d passed overlooks with spectacular views of the sapphire-tinged mountains, and had maneuvered through thick patches of low lying clouds. They hadn’t talked much beyond trivial conversation, and Sierra was satisfied. She hadn’t been able to put a coherent thought together since Chase had taken the liberty to kiss her.

Her lips still tingled, and her pulse continued to race. She stole a peek at him as they turned into the resort area. One hand rested on his upper thigh, the other grasped the handle over the door as he peered out the window. He looked calm and in control. Had he not felt the same jolt she had when he’d kissed her?

She wondered about his thoughts as she drove past a playground, a restaurant, and a series of cabins and other buildings. Children played, parents watched. A family gathered near picnic tables grilling food and mingling about a large, open field overlooking the Shenandoah Valley far below. “It’s nice to see people living normal lives.”

“Yes, it is.” Chase agreed and directed her to a structure housing their suite. She parked in the closest empty spot and shut off the engine. The two-story had balconies wrapped around as far as she could see, and the surrounding trees created a private, cozy atmosphere.

The thought of sharing such romantic quarters with Chase sent her mind reeling. She grasped the steering wheel hard, although she’d finished driving. “This place looks like it was designed for honeymooners.” She should’ve insisted they get separate rooms.

Chase shifted and caught her gaze. “It’s all right, Sierra.” He used a low, calming voice. “You’re safe with me.”

She had no reason to fear him. But, it wasn’t his actions she was afraid of. After Kevin, she’d never thought she’d trust again. She’d never thought she’d allow any man close. But she could imagine Chase—a man with honor and integrity whose word she could count on—to become much more than a temporary protector. But chances were she’d never find out what could develop between them. Kevin still wanted them both dead.

“I know I’m safe with you.” Sierra took in a deep, steadying breath. “The question is, are you safe with me?”

Chase’s brows lifted sky-high, and his lips quirked. “I guess we’ll find out tonight.”

“I…that’s not what I meant.” Sierra’s face burned with embarrassment as she scrambled outside. The high elevation chilled the air, and she welcomed the crisp breeze—she needed something to cool her off. She hadn’t meant to sound flirtatious.

Chase emerged from the truck. “Your nose crinkles when you’re flustered. It’s kinda cute.” He circled around the front, chuckling. “Don’t worry. I know what you meant, and I can take care of myself. Eason isn’t going to win.”

Relieved he hadn’t misunderstood, she relaxed and shot a pointed look at his arm. “Uh huh. There’s proof you’re not faster than a speeding bullet. Keep that in mind.”

“There you go again with the hero reference.”

“All I’m saying is—”

“Don’t worry. I am a trained professional.”

“Well, Mr. Trained Professional, let’s get inside so I can take a look at your shoulder.” He looked ready to argue, and Sierra added, “I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Yes ma’am.” He nodded and grinned. “But, let’s get settled in first. I want to check this place out before it gets dark.” He strapped his bag over his good shoulder and picked up her satchel.

“You shouldn’t be lifting—” she began, but it was too late. He’d already taken off with a handful of luggage.

Chase wasn’t kidding when he said he wanted to check out the place. By the time Sierra gathered what was left of their belongings and headed toward the second story room, he had investigated the suite and the surrounding area. “Looks like there are four suites in our building, and we seem to be the only occupants. It should be nice and quiet.”

“Quiet sounds good.” Sierra stepped inside. The room looked tidy and smelled of commercial grade detergents as if it had just been sanitized. A door on the right led to a small bathroom, and another door led to a separate bedroom as Chase had promised.

The main room had dark paneled walls and baseboard heating, which appeared to be part of the original structure. An updated flat-screen television and bright tiled floors added a contemporary feel. “This is nice.” Sierra set down the luggage and wandered farther inside.

“Come look at this.” Chase secured the front door and headed across the room. He set aside curtains and opened a sliding door. A balcony with railings jutted outward several feet. “If Eason shows up, I want you to get out this way and head down the mountain.”

She stepped outside and peered over the edge. Jumping from the second story wouldn’t kill her, but it certainly posed some risk. Farther out, the mountainsides dropped off at a steep grade; beyond that looked to be miles and miles of wilderness. Sierra grasped the balcony’s metal railing as if it provided a barrier to the unknown. “I’d get lost out there.”

“I’d find you.” Chase moved beside her, his words confident.

“I have no doubt you would.” Sierra felt his gaze on her, and her skin tingled as if he’d physically touched her. His softly spoken promise soothed a deep-rooted need to be wanted, to feel important. The man sure did have some kind of hold over her, and Sierra wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

A hawk circled overhead, gliding freely above the course terrain, and Sierra wondered what it would be like to experience such uninhibited freedom. But, no matter how beautiful her surroundings, or how safe Chase made her feel, her threatening circumstances remained.

Moments passed in thick silence.

“Sierra?” Chase finally spoke.

“Mmm?”

“Thanks for trusting me to protect you. Sometimes I don’t think I deserve another chance. Not after Amber.”

Sierra looked at him. The breeze kicked up into a stronger wind, flipping few strands of hair over his forehead. She tentatively smoothed the pieces back. “You put your heart into what you do. That counts for a lot. I wouldn’t want to be here with anyone else.”

“I will stand by your side until this is over.”

Chase had referred to a time frame, and Sierra would do well to remember that. He hadn’t promised her anything past when Kevin was caught.

Lord, what am I thinking? Chase is pursuing Kevin. Not me.
She drew in a deep breath and guarded her heart. Too much was happening too fast. “We should go inside. I need to check your bandage.”

****

Chase sensed a subtle change in Sierra as she tended to his arm without meeting his gaze. Although he didn’t know what he’d said, he figured her remoteness was for the best. He’d enjoyed her gentle touch entirely too much, and he needed to remain focused—he needed answers.

“Tell me about last night.”

Sierra rolled up his shirtsleeve, removed his bandage and scrunched up her nose when she looked at the saturated material. “What would you like to know?” She tossed the trash into the nearest can and returned to his side.

Chase glanced at his wound. He had moderate bruising and swelling, but no signs of infection. “Sheriff Nelson said Eason skidded about a hundred yards and rolled off his bike. Is that the way you remember it?”

“Yes. But, I’m not sure if you shot him or if he just lost his balance and fell.”

Chase flexed his right hand as his fingers tingled. He gently moved his arm, trying to stimulate circulation.

“Stay still. I don’t want you bleeding again.” Sierra steadied his arm. “It all happened so fast, it was like a blur.”

“That’s understandable, but I need you to try and remember everything.”

“Can’t we talk about this later? I’m so tired I can hardly think straight.” Her voice wavered, and Chase wondered if her reluctance stemmed from exhaustion, or if it frightened her to think about it.

Sierra dabbed antiseptic on his wound, and he ground his teeth against the razor-sharp sting. “This discussion is long overdue. What did Eason do after he fell off the motorcycle?”

After smoothing on a fresh bandage and cleaning up, Sierra sat in the chair opposite him. “Kevin was hurt. He limped as he stood and came toward me.”

A burning ignited in Chase’s gut as he imagined what she’d experienced as he laid unconscious, unable to help. When Sierra paused, he waited, staring into her glassed-over eyes. Tears shimmered, making him want to take her in his arms and keep the world and all its horror from touching her.

“What happened next?”

“Kevin somehow managed to keep hold of his gun. When he got close, he pointed it at me.” Her voice trembled, and she gripped the chair’s armrests so hard her knuckles turned white. “He said it was my turn…to die.”

Chase’s blood ran cold, and he flexed his hand, wanting to point his Glock at Eason and fire a kill shot.

Sierra’s lashes lowered, she clasped her hands and studied her fingers. “I thought my life was over. He was going to shoot me, right there on the street, but some people from inside the diner rushed out. Kevin backed off.” Her gaze snapped to his. “He’s going to keep coming for me, Chase.”

He leaned forward and braced his elbows on his knees. “He will try.” An image of what could’ve happened to Sierra at Eason’s hands flashed in his mind, causing anger to rise. “None of this should’ve happened. I should’ve obtained evidence against Eason and locked him away long before he had a chance to hurt you.” Chase stood, too fast, and winced at the pain.