. Her heart was hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. She could feel

i

shed inside and slammed her palm

ors began to

h the gap. The doors hit his forear

pped into t

nt wrapped around Anabelle's throat. She backed up until her shoulder bla

he demanded. She tried to sou

He didn't look at her. He stared straight

you to!" Ana

ark eyes dragged over her defensive p

her weight, and a sharp prickling sen

rs opened at the lobby, Derrick stepped out first. He tur

past him, keeping as much distance bet

d whipped across the driveway. Anabelle was only wearing a thin, light dress,

s around herself, a heavy wei

er. The thick, expensive wool instantly blocked the biting

tanding beside her in just his crisp white d

arms in,"

lle stammered, reaching up to p

ulders, pinning the jacket-and her-in p

," Derrick said. His voice dropped an o

stopped her. It was pure, overwhelming exhaustion. She di

up to the curb. Her assi

ckly shrugged the jacket off and held it

k a step back, sliding his han

et," Anabelle a

ick said smoothly. "Y

find the joke in his expression. T

ers, the cedar scent enveloping her again. "

once more. He pulled his phone from his pocket and unlocked i

word 'no', Derrick stepped even closer, his chest b

Anab