One to Protect (One to Hold 3)

That evening at the hotel, I’m dead. Strength training is one thing, but strength training combined with two hours of kickboxing is over my limit. My phone has a few missed texts from Melissa, but instead of texting her back, I call.

The sound of her eases the tension in my chest. “Where have you been all day?”

“At the Y. Strength training and kickboxing.”

“Kickboxing?” Her voice goes high. “Honey, I wasn’t implying anything yesterday morning…”

That makes me laugh, remembering our conversation in bed. “We’re helping our bait get better prepared to defend herself.”

“You sound tense again.” Her playful tone is gone. Worry and guilt are in her voice, and my arms long to hold her. “I hate this so much. I hate remembering he’s out there, thinking of that poor girl facing him alone. For me.”

“Star is not a poor girl, trust me.”

“Star?”

Lying back on the bed, I rub my forehead. “That seems to be her stage name, so we’re going with it.”

“I guess if she’s taking the risk, she gets to call a few shots.”

“I don’t like it any more than you do.” Sitting up, I study my hand, clenching it into a fist and relaxing. “I’ve gone over it so many times in my mind, trying to find another way.”

She exhales. “What if you’re wrong and I’m not in danger?”

“I’m not wrong, and I won’t let him even think about coming near you.”

“Okay, but just for a moment… what if he’s moved past me?”

Everything in my experience knows that’s not true. Melissa belongs to Sloan in his eyes, and he’ll be back for her. But I know it’s important for her to feel like she’s not the only reason we’re here.

So I give her something else to think about. “You said it yourself—there’s always another Jessica Black. He’s got to be taken off the streets.”

She doesn’t answer, and for a few moments, we’re quiet. “How much longer will you be away?”

“Thursday night will be our first contact. We expect it’ll take a few meetings before he relaxes enough to get rough.” I look out at the setting sun, thinking of all the people living normal lives, doing regular things right now. One day soon, that will be me again. “I expect it to be like I said, two weeks tops.”

“I miss you.” Her voice is sad, and I want to lighten the mood.

“What did you do today?”

Sounds of her moving through her house fill my ear. I can almost see her walking, her dark waves swaying down her back. “Had lunch with Mom, finished Bea’s online storefront. If I were there, I could meet with her in person and be with you.”

I shake my head, even though she can’t see me. “It’s too risky, and if you’re seen here, it could put him on alert. It could jeopardize the whole plan. Just hang tight, okay?”

“Elaine and I’ll probably trade off spending the night together.”

“That’s a great idea. You can keep each other company.”

“She’ll be sexting with Patrick the whole time.”

My eyebrows rise. “I’ll keep you company then.”

“I’d rather do it in person. I could be waiting for you when you get in. Massage that stress away… kiss your skin… naked.” Her words register right below my belt, causing me to shift in my seat.

“Forget the sexting, let’s talk it out now. What are you wearing?”

“Maternity clothes at last!”

I laugh. “How’s the baby?”