Crave (Talon Security #1)(32)

Sid’s eyes shot to the rearview once again. “Black BMW, tinted windows, no front license plate so can’t get a read on it,” he reported, sounding frustrated. “Looks like an M5.”

“Got it. I’ve got your location. What’s your plan?”

“For now? Stick to the freeway and try to lose him.”

“Roger.”

Sid’s gaze cut to me as I desperately tried to hide my frazzled nerves. “Babe. I got this,” he assured me. “I’ve got you. Promise.”

I looked over at him. “I know you do,” I replied, meaning every word.

What felt like an eternity later, but was probably only a minute or two, Declan’s voice came back over the line. “Got some intel—it’s one of Ivanov’s men, if not the bastard himself.”

I watched Sid for any sign of panic or worry, but none came. “Figured that. Well, let’s give him a tour of our fine city, shall we?”

“Sounds fucking excellent.” Declan chuckled.

I marveled at how calm they both were and found that their attitude began to affect me as well. Despite the speed we were now traveling and the BMW that edged closer still, I relaxed a marginal degree as I put myself fully in Sid’s hands. There was no safer place I could be.

Without question, I trusted him with my life.

“What the fuck does he think he’s going to get out of this?” Sid muttered, more to himself than to me.

I wondered the same thing. We were on a busy Los Angeles freeway.

“Maybe it’s just a warning,” I suggested, watching the BMW’s headlights in the side mirror.

“Could be,” he agreed, sounding doubtful. “I think they were hoping I wouldn’t pick up a tail and wanted to figure out where we’re staying.”

“Do they know who you are?”

His brow wrinkled. “Who I am?”

“That you’re my man. And a professional badass,” I replied seriously.

He grinned, shooting a quick look at me before his eyes returned to the road.

“What?” I demanded, blushing furiously.

I’d never blushed in my life until the last week, and now I felt like it’s all I’d done the past few days.

“I’m a badass, huh?” He grinned.

“Are you seriously giving me shit when we’re in the middle of a high-speed chase?” I exclaimed.

“Babe.” He chuckled, shaking his head at me.

“Glad you’re so amused,” I muttered.

His hand reached over to squeeze my thigh before he placed it back on the wheel. “Only you could make me smile when we’ve got the Russian mafia on our ass, Sam.”

Though his comment was delivered with humor, the meaning resonated deeply with me.

“I trust you with my life, you know,” I murmured, looking over, watching his achingly handsome profile as he weaved us expertly in and out of traffic.

His grip flexed on the steering wheel, the only giveaway that he’d heard me.

“I’m sorry that I’m a bit hesitant sometimes,” I continued. “I don’t know why that is.”

“Dec, muting the line,” he cut in, hitting the mute button on the phone. I was grateful, considering I’d forgotten Declan was even listening.

“Roger,” Declan replied.

Sid shot a look at me to continue.

I twisted my fingers in my lap. “I sometimes have a hard time getting close to people. I haven’t wanted to try. But with you… with you, I want to try,” I explained. “And I’m sorry you’re going to bear the brunt of my learning curve,” I told him as he looked over at me with warmth radiating from his gorgeous eyes. “I trust you. More than I’ve ever trusted anyone. I just….” I drew in a shaky breath. “I just… well, I might need a little help.”

He’d know how hard that was for me to admit.

His eyes softened as his hand reached for mine, squeezing firmly. “How many nightmares have you stayed with me through?” he asked quietly.

“A few.” I shrugged.

“A lot,” he corrected. “You’re the only person that I’d ever let see me like that.” The muscles in his forearms flexed as he gripped the wheel, his steel gaze shooting to the rearview mirror. “I started talking to someone. He specializes in PTSD. I’ve only had a few sessions, but it’s really helped me.”

My eyes shot wide in surprise.

“You know why after all these years I finally did it?” he pressed.

I shook my head.

“Because of you, Sam.” He let that sink in a moment before continuing. “Until I faced those demons, I wouldn’t be the man I want to be. I wouldn’t be the man you deserve.” He paused, his grip white on the wheel.