Knocking on the door of Vivian’s cabin an hour later, Logan entered, seeing her sitting in the chair, her packed bag at her feet. She looked up as he came into the room, her face resuming its previous blank expression.

“What did you tell the front desk?”

“I said that my husband brought my medication but that I still didn’t feel better, so I was checking out early.”

Nodding, he stood with his hands on his hips. “Okay, good. You’re doing good.” Wincing at the disbelief in her eyes, he continued, “I’ve chartered a flight for you from the little airfield here to Fairbanks, and then have you booked on a flight back to California.”

He watched her nod slightly, her pale face with its dark circles, haunting him. Walking forward, he knelt in front of her, placing his hands on her knees. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through or what you’re thinking. You did everything that was asked of you on this mission and did it to the best of your abilities. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”

Her eyes held his, but her emotions were locked down and he hated he could not see into her mind. Continuing, he squeezed her thighs for emphasis, saying, “You saved my life, Viv. I know you’re battling with that, but you did the right thing—”

Shaking her head, she stopped him. “You don’t have to convince me of that, Logan.” Sighing heavily, she said, “You were right…they were going to harm a lot of people…and it wouldn’t have stopped with this little hotel in the middle of nowhere.” Giving an unladylike snort, she said, “As a bioterrorism scientist, I know what they could have done. I just…well…you said it best…I was incredibly naïve.”

“Your supervisor will talk to you when you get back…he’ll know certain things happened.” Seeing her eyes widen, he rushed, “He’ll know we were successful and that you were forced to do some things beyond your training. He’ll have the number of a therapist who works with former military…someone who can help you as you deal with everything.”

Vivian nodded once more, fatigue pulling at her very core. “What about my car?”

“I’ve already taken it to the little rental place here and they were glad to get it, with all the film buffs in town. I got your stuff out of it and into my truck.”

Standing, he assisted her to her feet. She leaned her head back, and said, “And you? You’re going to go after Rashad?”

“Yeah…I’ve got to get him before he leaves the country.”

Letting out another deep sigh, she nodded wearily as he picked up her bags and they walked out of the little cabin. Without looking toward the woods, she allowed him to lead her around the outside of the hotel to where his truck was parked. Sliding into the passenger seat, she leaned back against the headrest, her exhausted mind ready to shut down.

Once at the airfield, he stowed her luggage in the small charter plane, talking to the pilot. Handing the man what she was sure was a significant amount of money and probably giving him a warning about her safety, the two men shook hands. As the pilot climbed into the cockpit, Logan stood with her at the door to the small plane.

Determined to face their goodbye with a modicum of control, she looked up at his rugged, handsome face, her heart skipping a beat for the millionth time since meeting him. Drawing in a shaky breath, she said, “Thank you for everything, Logan.”

Logan stood statue still, his gaze searching hers, before growling, “Oh, fuck it,” and pulling her into a close embrace. He felt her body shiver against his and the sting at the back of his eyes unsettled him. Once more, a man at war with himself, he wanted to tell her he would see her again but knew no promises could be…or should be, made.

“Thank you, Viv. You kept me from skating on thin ice by myself.”

At that, a sob shook her and she let go, her hand reaching up to cup his face. “God speed, Logan.” Inhaling a shuddering breath, she turned and climbed into the back seat of the plane and he shut the door. As the aircraft revved down the runway, she turned away so he would not see the tear that slid down her cheek.

As he watched the plane lift into the sky, his heart ached more than he had ever experienced—not his career-changing injury or the long rehab afterward. Staring into the dark, night sky, he stayed rooted in place until the lights of the plane mingled with the stars and faded from view.