Page 49 of Theirs to Treasure

“Does it matter?”

“Yes.” I bring up my chin. “It does. A great deal, as a matter of fact.”

He’s quiet, as if considering whether to answer. When he does, he’s cryptic. “The only person you’d want to find you.”

Since I don’t want anyone to know where I am, I laugh, a frantic, panicked sound.

“I won’t reveal your location, and you’ll be left alone now that I’m certain you’re safe.”

This exchange is surreal.

“If you need anything, look me up.” His words are somewhat ominous.

“Wait.” I frown. “How do I find you?”

Standing, he regards me. “You’ve got enough information to figure it out.”

“Are you going away? Actually leaving, not just the coffee shop but the town?”

“Yeah.” He grins. “I’ll go crawl back under my rock.” Tipping his coffee cup in my direction, he strides past me and out the door.

Moments later, he’s gone, and when I look out the window, I can’t see him at all.

Disoriented, I sink back into the chair I had just occupied.

Hawkeye’s words play through my mind.“The only person you’d want to find you.”

Damn.

Forrest.

It has to be.

My mind spins back to the hotel room and the spanking he’d given me because I had refused to repeat his words.

“You belong to us.”

Had he meant it? I was sure his demand was nothing more than a sexy game he was playing.

I shudder.

Dear God.What have I gotten myself into?

And how will I ever get away?

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Almost Three Weeks Later

Harper

After taking a steadying breath,I exit my car in the parking lot behind the renowned Lumina Gallery. The Houston humidity settles around me, oppressive and hot, making my silk blouse cling to me and dampening my confidence.

Grasping the handle of my purse, I walk around the building to the front entrance, silently giving myself a pep talk. I’ve got this.

I hope.

Since I returned home a week ago and learned that Miranda Ellis the owner, was interested in an interview, I’ve been prepping.