Her Christmas Protector by Terri Reed Read Free Book Online Page B

gazes locked. He saw her unspoken plea to let it go. And he supposed if the situation hadn’t taken on a new edge, he might have tried to accept her explanation. But, at any moment, a man would be driving up and they needed to be ready.
    “Why would a private investigator be looking for you?”
    Even though he expected a reaction, the change was dramatic. Her eyes widened, the color drained from her complexion and for a moment he thought she’d faint again.
    In a sudden movement that sent the llamas stumbling back, she darted past him and ran toward the house. He was so startled by her action, it took a full thirty seconds before he was able to make his feet move.

FIVE
    “N o, oh no. Please, God, no. Oh, no.”
    Faith put a hand to her throat, her breath coming in short, shallow bursts. Her mind raced. If a private investigator had tracked her down this quickly, it was only a matter of time before Vince showed up. She couldn’t be here when that happened.
    What a fool she’d been to believe God cared. He would never provide her with sanctuary. She wasn’t safe, not even on a ranch in the middle of nowhere. Vinnie’s tentacles reached far and wide, and now she’d put good, decent people in jeopardy because she’d selfishly wanted to pretend to have a normal life.
    Shame and dread vied for a place in her heart. She could hear the harshness of her breathing while she struggled to pull out her suitcases. After dumping them on the bed, she began stuffing the contents of the dresser drawers into the open bags. Haste made her sloppy, but she didn’t care. She rushed to the closet and took the clothes, hangers and all, and stuffed them into the bags. The cases wouldn’t close.
    “Close. Come on, close,” she muttered. Her hands shook so hard she couldn’t hold on to the fasteners.
    Luke appeared in the doorway. He stood with his arms held rigidly at his sides, his body tense. She could feel his gaze on her and guilt clawed at her insides, the pain only adding to her urgency. She’d put his family in danger. He’d never forgive her when he learned the truth.
    The crunch of tires on the ice-crusted drive below her window filled the air, and panic seized her, its grip tight and strong. She turned her back on Luke and looked wildly around the room. She had to get out of there, but how?
    She made choppy, shaky slashes in the air with her hands. “Okay, okay. Think. Think.”
    She couldn’t think. Her brain was having a malfunction. Somewhere, deep inside, the thought that it was over came crashing through. “God, please not like this.”
    Luke’s hands settled on her shoulders and turned her around. She tried to shrug away. “No, no. I have to get out of here.” She struggled against the strength of his grip, but his hold only grew tighter.
    “Shh…It’s okay.” He gathered her hands in his. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”
    His words rumbled through her offering solace.
    What was she to do now? He said it would be okay, but it wouldn’t. She was trapped.
    Outside, Brandy barked wildly and a car door slammed shut.
    Faith jumped.
    “Let me handle this.”
    Luke’s voice washed over her, the timbre throaty and deep. He stroked her hair, then her cheek, wiping away tears she hadn’t realized she’d shed.
    “What will you say?” she asked.
    “I’ll think of something,” he said, his voice stronger now, authoritative, in command.
    “But…” Would he be able to put off the P.I.? Either way, she had to leave. Once Luke learned the truth, he’d send her packing, anyway. He’d have to. To protect his family.
    “Trust me, Faith.”
    She hesitated. Trust was given in two ways—one, by someone earning that trust, and two, by a leap of faith. At this moment Luke held her life in his hands and he wanted her to trust him. It was a combination of both that made her nod slowly.
    “Later, you will tell me what’s going on.” His tone held a silent warning. He wouldn’t be put off any