Free Lover's Return by Rebecca Airies

left.”
    “Fuck, Rio.” Jericho grabbed a pair of pants and a shirt and threw them toward her before turning back to his brother. “I wanted more warning. He could already be outside and we don’t know what he wants or what he’ll do.”
    “We deal with what we’re handed, brother. Get your woman out of there if you can. If you see any sign of him, wait for Nate if possible, if not, keep her safe.” Rio cut the connection and his image faded.
    Jericho turned back and frowned at her. “Get dressed. We’re leaving if there’s no sign of him.”
    She dressed. The look in his eyes worried her. She’d been a little anxious, but she hadn’t thought it would be dangerous. The fact that Jericho was nervous made it all too real. As creepy as the man following her and listening to her had been, she hadn’t thought Tobias Sorensen would come after her. She’d thought he was simply trying to claim a relationship until he could try to form one. But if he came here, it had to be something more than that.
    Slipping on shoes, she looked and found Jericho waiting, fully dressed. His mouth formed a hard slash and even beneath his clothing, she could see the corded tension in his muscles. He nodded and held out his hand. She walked over to him and slid her fingers over his palm. She expected him to lead her out of the room, but he tugged her into his arms.
    “We’re getting out of here. We’ll get to safety. You don’t go out until I say it’s clear.” He hugged her tight. “Stay close to me, my Leigh. I don’t want you out of reach until we know he’s not here.”
    She nodded. Now was not the time to be difficult or argue about how she’d taken care of herself while he was gone. She didn’t want to distract him. Everything seemed so wrong. She shouldn’t have to worry about Tobias Sorensen showing up here. She’d just begun to believe that Jericho really did feel something as intense as she did. Damn, they should have time to settle things between them without this mess. Anger built, pushing past the fear.
    He led her out of the bedroom to the front of the house. He activated the monitor near the door. The day outside seemed normal and quiet. She couldn’t even see any of the normal small animals in the grass or trees. It seemed kind of strange to be looking at the monitors. Things such as that were necessary in the city, not here at the retreat.
    “Everything seems clear. We’re going out, but stay close and if anything happens, do not interfere. If I tell you to run back to the house, you do it regardless of what I do. Understand?” Jericho cupped her chin and stared down at her.
    She met the very serious eyes of her lover. Biting her lip, she hesitated. Her first instinct was to yell out that she wasn’t leaving him, but she knew that they wouldn’t step out the door until she agreed. Sighing, she nodded. She’d stay with him and if there was danger, she’d do as he said, but she wasn’t leaving him if he was hurt. Not that she was saying anything to him about it. She wanted to get out of here before Tobias Sorensen showed up. Well, if he was coming.
    Jericho pushed the code in, unlocking the door. “He might not be here, but if he is, he’s not touching you. By my side, remember.”
    “By your side. Let’s go. This new place better be good.” She looked up at him with a raised brow.
    “It will do. I don’t think we’ll have to be there long at all.” He smiled as the door opened.
    There was such smug confidence in that curve of his lips that she wanted to smack him down at least verbally, but held back. She knew he wasn’t talking about hiding from Sorensen. They both needed to concentrate, since they didn’t know anything about Tobias Sorensen or what he wanted.
    Stepping out onto the porch, she glanced around quickly. No one waited for them in the clear area around the house. A soft sigh of relief escaped and she relaxed a little. Maybe Sorensen hadn’t come after her. Jericho’s hand