Page 61 of Unseen Danger

“Okay. If you’re sure.” Branson’s response brought her attention back to him, to the size of him and the heat of him that she could feel across the feet that separated them.

And to the darkened blotches on the front of his pale green sweater.

A hot flush surged up her neck. She’d just had to sob all over his nice sweater. Probably his favorite. Though that blue one yesterday had brought out the color of his eyes. Get a grip, girl.

She moistened her lips. “Yes. I am.” She lifted the leash in her hand. “We’d better get back to work.”

“Right.” He stepped aside as if he’d been blocking them. “Call me if you need anything.”

“Uh-huh.” More heat warmed her cheeks. At least he wouldn’t be able to see it. “Alvarez, with me.”

The K-9 took off at a fast clip, hitting the end of the leash as if desperate to run away from the scene of the meltdown.

Her muscles clenched with the urge to do the same. To run, to flee, to forget.

She forced herself to stay at no more than a fast walk. Embarrassment and guilt swelled uncomfortably in her chest. Probably should’ve said thank you.

But there was no way she’d risk looking back.

Then she did anyway. A quick glance over her shoulder.

He stood in the same spot, watching her, hands stuffed in the pockets of his jeans, creating a large, impressive silhouette.

At her look, he turned away.

So did she. But something in her said that was wrong. That she should go back and stay close to him for the rest of the night.

Sounds of joy danced in the air. D-Chop’s three kids giggled and laughed uproariously as they tumbled and jumped in the piles of leaves the groundskeeper had left for them to play in during their visit.

Branson scanned the property as he watched them.

Afternoon sunlight bathed the leaves of the trees, firing their reds, oranges, and golds in an awesome display of God’s beauty through His creation. The warmth of the sun seemed to do battle with the cold air, crisp enough for Branson to wear a light jacket over his sweater as he provided security for the children.

Darren usually handled the kids’ security alone when they visited their dad, but given the recent incidents, Branson joined him as an extra precaution.

Darren stood closer to the children, switching between observing them and scanning the area as Branson was doing.

At least the schedule today was for D-Chop and the kids to hang out at home. With the security system at the house protecting D-Chop, Branson and Darren should have no problem ensuring the children were safe.

Tomorrow, the kids had some outings scheduled, which could pose more of a security risk. Usually, Darren and their nanny were enough. But Branson might call in Louis to accompany them this time while Branson stayed with D-Chop for his meetings at the estate.

Branson checked on the kids again before letting his gaze wander past the garage to the place where Nevaeh had collapsed. Where he’d held her in his arms.

He hadn’t been able to enjoy the moment the way he would’ve liked, not when she was in emotional anguish. But she’d still felt so…perfect in his arms. So right. Like she’d been made to fit them.

But a vise had squeezed his chest at the way she’d trembled. And when the tears came, every sob had wrenched his heart like someone was twisting and crushing it.

Several of his buddies from service had PTSD, and he’d witnessed more than one of their episodes. Terrifying to watch. He couldn’t imagine what it must be like to be the one experiencing it.

More giggles brought Branson’s gaze back to the kids.

D-Chop’s two sons, Samson and Bear, rolled in the leaves while his daughter, Destiny, between the two in age, shrieked with laughter at their antics.

At least the kids could enjoy an interlude of happiness in the midst of their parents’ hostile divorce. The press, agog about the divorce, had attempted to follow the children onto the estate when they’d first arrived this morning, but the new gate guard had kept them at bay.

Still, the grounds were large. Press members were one of the threats Branson watched for as he guarded the kids.

Was the other threat, the person behind the fire and the attack on James, neutralized now? The bitter father who’d tried to attack D-Chop two nights ago was in jail. He could’ve been responsible for all the strange occurrences.