Page 131 of Unseen Danger

Peter whirled to face his desk, planting his hands on the chairback in front of it. He gripped the leather, squeezing until his knuckles turned white. “I was born for rap. He never gave me a chance. Just made a slave out of me.”

A slave who already made more money in one year than most of Nevaeh’s family members would see in four. She stifled an eye roll at the man’s pathetic entitlement complex. Reminded her too much of her sister, but at least Sherinda didn’t go so far as violence.

A wailing sound came from outside. Sirens?

“You called the police?” Peter didn’t turn around.

“Yes.” Branson’s voice was calm, but firm. “It’s over, Peter.”

The man’s shoulders sagged, his grip on the chair appearing to be the only thing that held him up. “No. No, it isn’t.”

His denial, a desperate man’s grasp at hope, almost tempted her to pity him. Almost.

But after all he’d done, he deserved to be behind bars. Everyone would be safer with him locked up.

Nevaeh had done it. She’d paid D-Chop back for her family’s debt. Mission accomplished.

The satisfaction that should’ve come with the closure was tainted. Because if the job was over, so would be the reason for seeing Branson. This giant of a man who’d filled every corner of her life with his strength and claimed her heart.

A different kind of fear trembled her pulse. He was her protector. The key to her newfound courage. She couldn’t lose him. Ever.

Branson should be thrilled. Or at least deeply satisfied. But as he watched the police officer cuff Peter and escort him from the suite, a sinking sensation filled his torso.

He didn’t have to guess why.

Two officers brushed close to him, forcing him to sidestep out of their way. And bump into Nevaeh.

“Sorry.” His hand automatically went to her arm in case he’d made her lose her balance.

Her full lips curved into a smile as her gaze drifted from his hand to his face. No trace of fear lurked in her eyes, the frightened response to his closeness. Only warmth shone there now. Warmth, affection. Dare he hope…love?

But that wouldn’t solve the problem. The reminder made him drop his hand. He gave her an awkward smile. “Hard to believe it’s over, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” The smile still hovered on her closed lips as she looked away toward the officers who searched the room.

“I’m glad it is.” He dragged his hand across the back of his neck. “The danger to D-Chop. And especially to you.” He risked looking at her again. She had to know it mattered to him, at least. “I can’t believe Peter would’ve had the guts to stalk you like that.”

She shrugged. As if it didn’t matter someone had violated her privacy and threatened her. “I don’t think he did it himself. The guy I saw was a lot bulkier and taller. Peter probably hired the dude. Maybe he was one of the kidnappers, too.”

“Well, either way, I wouldn’t have minded a little time alone with Peter to make sure he never did that to a woman again.”

Nevaeh rewarded his protective sentiment with a grin. But just as quickly as the burst of light had arrived, it faded, her mouth transitioning to a frown as she looked away. “I guess you won’t need us for patrol anymore now.”

Was that disappointment in her voice and causing her frown? The possibility shot hope through his system, a short-lived elation because she was right.

On the other hand, D-Chop probably wouldn’t object to having Nevaeh stay on. Especially with their past connection, the apparent friendship they had. He’d probably still think having the K-9s around was cool, too.

“Actually…”

Her gaze shot up to his at the first word.

A smile stretched his mouth as he continued. “I could tell D-Chop I’d like you to stay on. He might go for that.” Branson didn’t care if his wording revealed his feelings for her. He wanted her to know. Wanted to tell her in the sweetest words he could manage.

But he couldn’t.

“It could be that’s why God put you in her life, to point the way to Him.” His dad’s words rang in his ears.

That should be his goal. Not winning her heart for himself but winning her soul for God. Telling her the best news, the truly sweetest words and most glorious truth anyone could ever hear.