Page 75 of Sam's Salvation
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.”
Thirty-Five
Audra led Poppy out of the room the next morning on their way to a meeting with the guys. She didn’t want the girl to feel trapped, so she’d suggested they set up by the pool. Early in the morning, there wouldn’t be too many guests out there.
Poppy huddled into the blue sweatshirt Audra let her borrow. She smiled, glad to see it offered the girl the same kind of comfort it offered her. Sometimes, all you needed was a little warmth and something soft.
They swung by the breakfast buffet on their way outside, where they each filled a plate. Audra only wanted fruit and some eggs, but Poppy seemed to have regained her appetite. She filled her plate high with a waffle, eggs, a biscuit, and three strips of bacon.
She caught Audra eyeing the stack and gave her a sheepish smile. “Sorry. I don’t normally get to eat like this. Simon keeps me on a strict regimen of protein shakes, lean meat, and vegetables. I haven’t had a waffle or bacon in the eight months I’ve been with him.”
“I’m not judging. Eat whatever you want.” Audra reached for a coffee cup and filled it. Poppy poured a cup of orange juice and they headed for the pool.
Sam, Dean, and Max were already there with plates of their own.
“Good morning.” She smiled as they approached the table.
The men smiled back and echoed her greeting.
Audra let Poppy sit at the end of the table, then took the empty seat next to Sam. Dean was at the other end and Max sat next to him, leaving the other seat next to Poppy open. The girl opened her syrup packet and poured it over her waffle.
“It’s nice to see you have an appetite today,” Sam said. “You only picked at that crepe last night.”
Poppy cast him a quick look and lifted a shoulder. Audra turned and gave him a quick headshake. Food was a sensitive subject for the girl.