The Hero She Needs (Unbroken Heroes Book 1)(6)

There was another pause. “Fine. I’m coming.”

Boone glanced out the window. Gemma can’t have been in the river too long. It was clear she’d escaped someone.

So where were her captors?

And were they still looking for her?

He tightened his grip on her.

“No one’s going to hurt you.”





CHAPTER THREE





He was holding Gemma tight when he heard the crunch of tires on gravel. He knew the rumble of Rex’s truck, but he wasn’t taking any chances.

Boone settled Gemma on the couch. She didn’t move or make a sound. He tucked the blanket more securely around her.

Atlas was sitting as close to the couch as he could.

“Stay close, Atlas. Protect her.” Boone patted Atlas on the head, then nabbed his Glock 19 off the side table.

He strode to the window, scanning outside through the curtains. He spotted Rex’s battered red truck and the man circling it. Boone met his uncle’s friend at the door.

Rex grunted. “What’s the emergency? And what’s with all the cloak-and-dagger?”

“Come in.” Boone was used to Rex’s gravelly voice and gruff demeanor.

The man wasn’t tall, but he was still in shape—with broad shoulders, and a barrel chest covered by a red-flannel shirt. His hair was gray and buzzed short. He was carrying his black leather bag. He and Boone’s Uncle Ben had served together in the Army.

“You can’t tell anyone about this.”

Rex’s bushy eyebrows drew together. “About what?”

“Her.” Boone walked over to the couch and crouched beside Gemma. Her hair was dry now, and a lush chestnut brown. He wanted to touch her, but instead curled his fingers into his palm.

Rex just stared. “Did you kidnap her?”

“What? No. Of course not.” Fuck. “I found her in the river. Hurt.”

Rex’s frown deepened, and he dropped his bag on the wooden coffee table, then gave Atlas an absent pat.

“She said she’d been kidnapped. She escaped, but they were after her. She was cold, scratched up, and out of it. She also said they’d drugged her.”

Rex cursed and checked her pulse.

“She’s been tied up, Rex.”

The older man made an angry sound, pulling out a stethoscope. “She should be at the hospital. You call the sheriff?”

Boone shifted uncomfortably. “She begged me not to take her to the hospital.”

“She was conscious? Talking?”

Boone nodded. “She knew her name, but she couldn’t remember her most recent memories. She didn’t know exactly how she got into the river, or who was after her.”

Rex grunted. “You trust her story? This isn’t some weird ploy to rob you blind?”

“Yes, I trust her. Trust me, she doesn’t need my money. She’s kind of famous, Rex.

“She is?” The man eyed Gemma’s face, then he shrugged. “You know I don’t have a TV.”

“Someone’s after her. Her father’s wealthy.”

Rex’s face hardened. Like Boone, he was a man who wouldn’t stand for seeing innocent women hurt.

“She’ll be fine. Her pulse is strong. The drug is clearly working its way out of her system. I don’t see any sign of any adverse reaction, but you need to watch her. Keep the fluids up, give her some food when she wakes up.”

“Got it.”

“She’s pretty scratched up. Feet copped the worst of it. Risk of infection.”

Boone swallowed. “Leave me some stuff, and I’ll clean and bandage her injuries.”

Rex eyed him for a second, then nodded. He pulled out bandages, antiseptic wipes, and cream. “What’s your plan, boy?”

Boone shrugged. “Keep her safe. I’ll give my old commander a call. He runs a security company.”

Rex nodded. “What if you get visitors?”

“You know I can take care of myself.” And he’d take care of Gemma as well.

No one would put any more bruises on Gemma Newhouse.

“Be careful,” Rex warned.

Once Boone had let Rex out, he came back and checked on Gemma. Her cheeks were flushed, and she was warm now. He gave in to the urge to touch her and brushed her hair off her face. She had a bruise near her temple. Some asshole had probably hit her. His jaw tightened.

Being as careful as he could, he pulled her feet onto his lap. He cleaned her scratches and pressed some bandages over them. Next, he checked her legs and arms, then took care of her wrists.

He’d just finished up when she moved restlessly and made a small sound.

“Shh. You’re safe now.”

She made a scared noise, her eyelids still closed. She started fighting the blanket.

“Gemma.” He touched her hand. “You’re safe, I promise. I won’t let anyone get to you.”

Her head turned his way, but she was still asleep. Her fingers curled around his. Like his presence reassured her. She settled.

“I’ll protect you.” He touched her hair. It was so silky. She made a soft sound, and the blanket slipped, baring one full, perfect breast topped with a dusky-pink nipple.

Dammit. Boone hurriedly yanked the blanket up. He tried to ignore the image seared into his brain.