Where are we going?” I asked when I saw Cruz pick up his bike. “You’re in no condition to drive.”

“We can’t stay here. There’s no telling if he’ll return with backup. He has a whole company of trained SEALs who will do anything he says.” There was a grim expression on his face.

“You just lost your job because of me, didn’t you?” I frowned at the thought.

He turned and tilted my chin upwards. Our eyes locked, and it seemed like the whole world had come to a standstill. Gently, he kissed me, melting away my worries. It felt like the world could be falling apart at my feet, and I’d still feel safe with him.

When he pulled away, his hand lingered on my cheek. “It was worth it to protect you. Now, come on. We have to get somewhere safe.”

“But where?”

“An old friend of mine will take us in. Besides, Hunter is already there.”

I nodded. “At least let me wipe the blood from your face.” I grabbed a few napkins and wet them with the water bottle I always carried with me.

Cruz winced slightly.

“I’m sorry; does it hurt?”

“A little. Maybe you could kiss it better.”

I chuckled, kissing the top of his head. “We will need to clean that properly when we get a chance. I don’t want it to get infected.”

“I’m sure Franklin has a first aid kit we could borrow. But we really must hurry.” Cruz kept looking around as if expecting Rob to return at any moment.

Knowing time was of the essence, I helped him pick up his bike before I jumped behind him, wrapping my arms around his torso. The second he felt my firm grasp around him, he sped off.

Every black car I saw caused goosebumps to rise on my skin. What if someone was following us? Would we really be safe at this friend’s house? What was truly going on, and how had I been sucked into this mess?

Soon, we arrived at a quaint little house. It was painted a light blue color with flower boxes in every window. A vibrant garden colored the front of the house. Pillars covered in Christmas lights framed the doorway.

Cruz parked his bike behind the lime green Ford Fiesta, hiding it from view.

The window blinds swayed as someone looked out the main window. A second later, Hunter came rushing out the door and hugged Cruz’s leg. “You’re back!”

“Hey, kiddo. Did you miss me?” He ruffled the little boy’s hair and smiled. “Sorry I was gone so long… I got stuck doing some things.”

“It’s okay… I had a lot of fun with Gina.” He nodded his head toward the girl standing in the doorway. “Isn’t she pretty?” he whispered, his cheeks turning red.

Cruz chuckled. “Yes, she’s very pretty. But don’t be getting any funny ideas.”

Hunter cocked his head in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Never mind.” He ushered the little boy inside.

I followed them, smiling at the way he handled his nephew. It was clear that he had a natural knack for kids. He would make a great father.

For a split second, I imagined us starting a family. We would have a nice little house by the water so that I could sit on my hammock and write to the sound of the ocean. We would have two children – a boy and a girl. It would be perfect…

“You coming?” Cruz asked, breaking me out of my fantasy.

“Oh! Yes…”

“What was that about?” he asked once he had his arm wrapped around my shoulders.

“Nothing…”

“You had this dreamy look in your eyes. Could it be that you were daydreaming about me?”

My cheeks burned at his comment.

“Oh… you brought a guest.” A large, well-built man emerged from the kitchen with an apron tied around his waist. He looked like someone who belonged on an Old Spice commercial. Slicked back hair. Thick beard. Fair skin.

“Yes. I hope you don’t mind. I’ll explain everything once we’ve had dinner and put the kids to bed.” The two men shared a silent wave of communication.

“Well, I hope you like shepherd’s pie!” he exclaimed. “It’s my own special recipe. I use sweet potato.”

“It’s to die for,” Cruz added. “Or at least it was.”

“It still is,” he stated proudly, sticking out his chest. He then wiped his hands on his apron. “I’m sorry, where are my manners? My name is Franklin. It’s nice to meet you. Cruz has told me so much about you.”

“No, I haven’t,” Cruz interjected quickly. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh yes, he’s told me everything.”

My eyes widened. “You have?” My face was the color of a tomato by now. Had he told his friend about our night of passion?

“Don’t listen to him. He’s just trying to make my life difficult.”

He laughed. “Alright. Alright. You’ve got me there. He hasn’t actually told me anything. I just like to tease him sometimes.”

“Oh… I see…” I fidgeted on my feet, feeling a little awkward. “Well, I’m Amelia.”

“Ah, such a pretty name.” He smiled brightly before swinging his arm in the direction of the living room. “Please, make yourself at home. The friend of a friend is always welcome in my home.”

Cruz placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me toward the dining room. “Seriously, don’t believe a word he says. He likes to make jokes.”

I nodded.

Inside the dining room, the children were busy setting the table, forming a nice little team.

“Did you bring the laptop?” Franklin asked as he placed a large casserole dish of shepherd’s pie on the table.

“Fuck… I must have left it behind when I ran into Mr. Robison…”

The little kids gasped. “He said a bad word…”