Free Hunted, A Romantic Suspence Novel by Suzanne Ferrell

Matt’s sister and youngest brother, she looked to where Matt sat quietly talking with the other men. Their gazes locked.
    They were talking about her.
    Instead of feeling offended that he would share her problems with others, a warm sense of security filled her.
    Her body flushed under his intense gaze. Something in this strong, dutiful man called to a part of her she’d long ago thought buried—her hope. The hope of a young girl wishing for a white knight to come to her rescue. Hope of love for a frightened teen. Hope of peace for a young woman.
    With great effort she broke the sensual contact with Matt and turned to watch the game of checkers his brother Luke played with their nephew. She’d learned Nicky was from Russia, but adopted by Sami and her husband Jake. All of Matt’s family seemed open and welcoming to strangers, even one with such danger riding on her shadow as herself.
    This whole day with his family felt surreal. Growing up she’d read about families such as this one. People who enjoyed spending time with each other. Holidays filled with laughter. Some vague part of her memory tugged at her. She’d experienced this feeling long, long ago.
    “Won’t your parents be missing you this holiday season, Katie?” Mary Edgars asked.
     
    “No, ma’am. My father died when I was six and my mother when I was just thirteen.”
    Mary took her hand and squeezed it, a soft smile on her face. “Then we’re lucky to have you all to ourselves for the evening, dear.”
    Heated embarrassment flushed Katie’s face. No one had ever considered it lucky to have her around. She doubted this kind woman would continue to think that if she knew all the things she’d done in her life or the danger that clung so tightly to her.
    “Actually, we can’t stay any longer, Mom.” Matt’s deep voice sounded behind Katie.
    She gave him a questioning look over her shoulder.
    “There’s snow in the forecast and the sky is getting dark.” He held out his hand and she placed hers in it without hesitation. In his other hand he held her coat. “We have a few things to take care of before it gets late.”
    Katie smiled at Matt’s mother. “Thank you for a lovely lunch, and the perfume.”
    “You’re welcome anytime.”
    If she knew me, she wouldn’t say that.
    Her thoughts dragging her into the dark place of her past, she busied herself putting on her coat. While Matt said farewells to his family, she stood at the door, holding tightly to the first gift she remembered ever receiving, and watched. Sadness and longing crept through her. She wouldn’t see any of them again.
    Finally, Matt took her elbow and opened the door.
    “Where are we going?” she asked as they headed for his car.
    “To get some extra protection.”
     
    “We aren’t headed back to the house?” Katie asked Matt as he pulled his truck onto the I-71 interstate again. Soft snow flurries danced in the headlights in front of them.
    “Nope, we’re going to my apartment. I left my Glock there for the holidays. I’d feel better if I had it with me.”
    On this holiday he needed his gun because of her.
    She studied him in the flashes of light that filled the truck’s cab whenever they passed beneath a streetlamp lining the freeway. His jaw had set in that same stubborn way this afternoon. “You should take me to the bus station.”
    “No can do, sweetheart.”
    “Why not? You can’t keep me prisoner forever. I need to get out of town. Everyone will be safer if I do.” She ought to punch him. When she’d called him yesterday, she hadn’t known he’d get so muleheaded about things.
    He shook his head. “Think, Katie. Your first instinct is to run, right?”
    “Yes. It’s the smart thing to do.”
    “But your stepfather believes he knows you well, right?”
    She nodded. “He thinks he’s an expert on everything.”
    “Then if you go to the bus station, or the airport, he could have someone waiting for you.” He glanced at her then focused on