Annie knew the instant her eyes met Turner’s that something massive had just happened. “What is it?”
He just shook his head. His hands went around her elbows, and he pulled her against his chest. He’d changed clothes. She had no clue where he’d gotten them, but she suspected they were Allen’s. The other man was at his side, a concerned look in his gray eyes. Turner’s face was ashen.
“What’s wrong?”
Besides the fact that someone tried to kill them tonight and he had killed a man anyway? She sensed it was something more than that.
“Trev called. My house…it’s gone. Fire. I need to get out there. I’m going to ride with Elliot. But I need to make certain you are someplace safe.”
Annie wrapped her arms even tighter around his waist. He had built that house. Was proud of it. To lose it tonight… It couldn’t be a coincidence. “What happened?”
“I…don’t know. Not yet. I know you’re hurting, but I want you to go with Carl. He’s going to head back to his house. I’ll…Elliot and I will pick you up when I’m through with the fire chief. Carl’s house isn’t too far from mine. And I know you’ll be safe there.”
She wanted to argue, to protest. To insist she was staying right by his side. But there was a look in his eyes she didn’t understand yet.
He leaned down, until his lips could just brush her ear. “Stay with Carl. I’ll explain more when I find out what’s going on. Just…stay safe, Annie. I can’t take it if I lose you, too. I—you should be safe with Carl.”
“You won’t lose me. I promise. I’m not going anywhere.” Annie looked up at him. Then right there in front of everyone, she stretched up and pressed her lips to his. When she pulled back, Annie said the words she would always mean. “I love you, Turner Avery Barratt. We’ll figure out what to do next. Together. Go—I’ll be waiting.”