“No,” Hunter replied. “We’re based in Dallas. We have two teams, though, that operate throughout the country. We’ll soon have everything we need on this guy,” Hunter said to Derrick. “He’ll be running scared once we’re through. Won’t know what hit him.”
“Be careful not to underestimate him or Evan,” Jacey warned, the sandwich sitting heavily in her stomach.
“Oh, don’t you worry, we know all about Evan Sanders,” Hunter said. “It’s another reason we took this job. We’ve been after him for a while.”
“Really?”
“He’s a psychotic bastard,” Hunter told her, his eyes growing colder. “Everyone will be safer when he’s gone and I’ll be a lot happier.”
Somehow she couldn’t quite see Hunter as ever being happy.
“Jacey, I want you to tell us everything you know about Sanders and his brother.”
By the time Jacey was finished answering Hunter’s questions, she felt completely drained. She leaned against Derrick’s shoulder, trying to ignore the throbbing in her head.
“Headache.”
She looked over at Tiny who had spoken.
“Just a small one.”
Derrick turned her head gently so she was facing him. He ran his thumb across her cheek. Then he turned to face Hunter. “I’m taking her upstairs to rest. Any more questions can wait.”
Hunter narrowed his gaze, but didn’t say anything as Derrick stood then scooped Jacey up into his arms. He walked from the room.
“I just got out of bed,” she complained as he walked into their bedroom and placed her on the bed.
“The doctor said you needed rest and little stress. This situation isn’t exactly stress-free, but I can make sure you rest.”
“Do you really think they can help?” she asked after he’d tucked her in.
He ran his hand over her hair. “If anyone can, it’s Hunter and his team. I’d put my money on them any day.”
Yeah, that’s what she thought too.
“I have something for you.” He stood and walked over to his nightstand. Pulling open the drawer, he drew out a jewelry box.
Her hands shook as she took it. It was too large to be a ring box. Opening it, she saw a gorgeous locket made from rose gold.
“It’s beautiful.”
“I want you to wear it all times, promise me.”
She gazed up at him and saw the intensity in his face.
“I can’t marry you, not yet. But I can claim you. You are mine, Jacey Reynolds. I don’t ever want you to forget it.”
“I won’t,” she whispered. “I could never forget that, I never want to.”
He grinned and slipped it around her neck, doing up the clasp at the back.
“All mine,” he said with satisfaction.
Jacey placed her hand on his chest. “You know, you could also claim me in another way.” She couldn’t quite believe she was being so bold with the house filled with strangers, but she needed him desperately.
Derrick shook his head, a look of intense need on his face. “As much as I would like to take you up on that, you need to rest. Plus, I want to check with the doctor before we have sex.” He placed his hand over her stomach.
“I feel fine, Derrick.”