Page 41 of Sam's Salvation
Sam let his head drop to his pillow. She shifted again, her back still to him, and he heard her breath catch. She was on her bad hip. “Audra, roll over. I won’t bite.”
“I’m not worried about you.” She rolled onto her back.
He wrapped an arm around her torso and tugged. “Come here. You want to sleep better? You know that will happen if I hold you.”
She turned into him, resting a hand on his arm. Fingers skimmed his jaw. “You haven’t lost your words in a while.”
Sam tucked her closer. “I don’t have to think when it comes to this. To us.”
She sucked in a breath through her teeth. “You should.”
“No. Some things are just meant to be.”
“We’re one of those things?”
“I think so, yes.” He stretched his neck and placed a lingering kiss on her forehead. “Go to sleep, honey.”
Her warm breath whispered against his face. She kissed his jaw. “Goodnight, Sam.”
He brushed his fingers through the soft hair at her temple. His heart clenched with the need to make this woman his and to keep her. “Goodnight, Aud.”
Eighteen
Asharp knock brought Audra awake. She sat up, then groaned as the muscles in her hip and thigh protested. Flopping back to the bed, she covered her face, waiting for the pain to subside.
Sam’s hand landed on her belly. The warmth seeped into her, offering some comfort. “You okay?”
“Yeah. I moved too fast.” Dropping her hands, she pointed toward the door. “Answer the door, would you?” To emphasize her words, whoever was on the other side knocked again.
He got up, treating her to a glimpse of his naked back. A tattoo decorated his left shoulder blade. She squinted, trying to get a better look. He hadn’t had that in Spain.
Before she could contemplate it further, he opened the door, letting in Dean and Max.
“We have a problem,” she heard Dean say a moment before he came into view.
The two men paused, taking in her position and the rumpled covers on both sides of the bed.
Max cleared his throat. “Sorry to barge in.”
“You’re fine,” Sam said. He picked up his discarded t-shirt. “We were still asleep. It’s early yet.”
Audra glanced at the clock. It was just after seven. “What’s up?” She pushed herself into a sitting position, but stayed in bed. She wasn’t comfortable parading around in front of Dean and Max in her short shorts and silky pajama tee. The outfit left little to the imagination.
“This.” Max took out his phone, then handed it to Sam.
“What is it?” Audra asked.
Sam groaned. “Trouble.” He came over and sat down next to her to show her the screen.
“Hit play,” Max said.
Sam touched the screen, and a newscaster began speaking.
“Police are looking for help identifying the body of a man found Sunday morning. He’s described as approximately forty years old, dark hair and blue eyes.” The newscast showed a composite sketch that looked exactly like Theo. “They’re also looking for this woman.” A grainy security image from the hospital appeared.
Audra let out a squeak and covered her mouth. “Shit.”
“Authorities believe she may have information about his death. Anyone with information on her whereabouts or on the man’s identity is urged to call Las Vegas PD.”