19

Slade’s words immobilized Skylar. She felt faint, as if every drop of blood had exited her veins.

He raised a hand, brushed warm knuckles across her cheek. “I know you’re exhausted. I am too, and I’m ready to go home, but we only have thirty minutes, at most, before Barnes figures out I betrayed him. His laptop is in the garage’s office. We need to double-back through the woods on foot. This might be my last chance to get to it.”

As his explanation registered, Skylar blinked, took in a deep lungful of air. “I knew you wouldn’t hurt me.”

Slade stilled. “Wait. Did you think…?” As if disappointed, he dipped his head and expelled a breath.

“I know how much getting Sarah’s money back means to you. It’s as if you hold yourself accountable for what Aston did to your family, and you’re searching for redemption.”

“I am responsible for them. I will do everything I can to secure Lily’s future.” A flicker of sadness passed within his gaze. “But I’m not seeking redemption. I don’t deserve it.”

She didn’t know what he blamed himself for, but she didn’t need details to empathize. “I understand what it feels like to have regrets. But there is room for healing—for both of us. Maybe we can help each other?”

Long seconds ticked by as Slade seemed to consider her suggestion.

Perhaps she’d assumed too much—helping each other overcome components of their pasts implied a long-term relationship. Or at least some time spent together beyond their current circumstances when their lives weren’t in imminent danger. Skylar shifted uneasily. “I didn’t mean to suggest—”

“It’s all right.” Slade’s features softened. “You didn’t say anything I hadn’t already thought of. I normally don’t cross the line with clients. I can’t afford the distraction. But it’s different with you. It’s as if it’s been personal since the first time we met.”

Skylar swallowed, remembering how she’d sensed he had compassion, even in those frightening moments within the van. And then the kiss—he’d been gentle, yet she’d glimpsed a bridled passion beneath his surface. “Maybe after this is all over…” She stopped herself from finishing. Even if the attraction was mutual, a man who took pride in seeking justice wouldn’t want to associate with a woman bearing a criminal history.

Regret sliced like a double-edge sword; respective pain from their pasts could bind them together, yet be the catalyst that would break them apart. And, falling for Slade would mean certain heartbreak—he wasn’t the type who could be easily forgotten.

As if sensing her withdrawal, Slade averted his gaze and cleared his throat. “We’d better get moving.” He grabbed his badge from the glove compartment and tucked it into his back pocket before securing the gun in his ankle holster. “Bring your things. We won’t be coming back to the sedan.”

It made sense—considering Slade’s cover was about to be irrevocably blown—to ditch the vehicle he’d been seen driving. But that left one question. “How are we going to get away?”

“The same way you did last night. Through the woods.” Slade stepped out.

Skylar shrugged. She’d done it before; she could do it again. And this time, she wouldn’t be alone. She collected her belongings and exited the car. “The garage is locked up tight. How do you plan to get inside?”

“Trust me. I can get in.”

“But you’ll still have to get past the men.” Skylar followed Slade as he stepped onto the narrow road. “Maybe I can create a distraction. Get them to come out and chase me while you slip inside and check the files on the laptop.”

Slade stopped so fast Skylar bumped into his back. She stumbled. He turned and caught her, kept her from falling.

He leaned close, forcing her to look up to maintain eye contact. “I have no doubt you would have the courage to stand up to Barnes and Mayhew, but you’re not getting near those creeps. Not on my watch.” Slade spoke as if his authority was absolute.

“I want to be close in case you need me. Besides, you don’t have the right to tell me what to do. I haven’t signed your client agreement.”

His compassionate, deep blue eyes transformed into icy glaciers. “Well, then, I’ll have my assistant draw up the contract and send it right over.”