Chapter 34
Asoft tap sounded on Audra’s hotel room door. She shot a quick glance at the bed by the window, where Poppy slept soundly. They’d come back to the hotel and quickly decided that Sam would move in with Dean and Max for the night. Poppy didn’t need the worry about whether the strange man in the room would use her the way Simon did.
After a shower—and the long cry Audra promised her—the girl had fallen into a deep sleep. She didn’t want to disturb that.
Tiptoeing across the room, she checked the peephole and saw Sam. She figured he’d show up sooner or later. She’d jumped royally off-script tonight. Unlocking the door, she cracked it open. “Hi.”
“Hey. How’s she doing?”
“Sleeping soundly.”
“Can I come in? I won’t stay long.”
Audra stepped back and let him inside, then rebolted the door. She drew him into the bathroom and closed them in.
The door barely clicked shut before she was in his arms, their mouths fused together. Audra sank her fingers into his hair and held on as his hands roamed her body. She knew this wouldn’t go anywhere tonight, that it was a response to the danger earlier, but she didn’t care. She needed the connection as much as he did.
When they broke apart, their heavy breathing echoed in the tiled room.
“You scared the shit out of me tonight, Aud. This was not the plan.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I couldn’t leave her in that situation. Not once I got a good look at how young she was. I haven’t asked her yet, but I’m betting she’s only nineteen or twenty.”
Sam grimaced. “We need to find out how she got into this situation. And make sure she has the resources not to fall back into it.”
“Yeah. I plan to talk to Moran in the morning. With what I think she knows, they’ll put her into protective custody. And I plan to stay on top of things and not let them just cut her loose with nothing once they’re done with her.”
“My team can help too. I’m sure Brooke could set her up with a job and help her get back on her feet.”
She took his hands and stood on her toes to kiss his lips. Emotion washed over her. “Thank you for understanding. And for not being too angry.”
“Never. You may not always do what I want you to, but you always have your reasons.” A half smile tipped his mouth. “And they’re usually good ones.”
She grinned.
He leaned in and kissed her again, then rested his forehead on hers, still holding her hands. “I’m going to miss sleeping beside you tonight.”
“Me too. But it’s one night. I think we’ll survive the sleep deprivation.”
He smiled. “Hopefully.” He straightened. “I should go. The guys and I set up a rotation to keep an eye on you two. To make sure she doesn’t slip out while you’re sleeping. There’s a sitting area at the end of the hall. One of us will be there all night.”
“Okay.” She’d been a little worried about that very thing. She should have known Sam would have a plan. He’d been on top of everything so far.
“Tomorrow, we need to sit her down and pick her brain about those monthly deliveries. And on what she knows about why Brogan and Powell were brokering a deal.”
“We will.” She put her hands on his chest. “For now, give me one more goodnight kiss, then scram.”
His mouth curved up, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Yes, ma’am.”