Free Dangerous Attraction: Part Two (Aegis Group) by Sidney Bristol Page A

officers had offered up. Bliss’ tears were stuck on repeat in his mind, and he could still hear her trembling voice as she recounted every agonizing moment they’d been apart. He wanted to make all kinds of promises like she’d never be afraid again, that he’d never leave her, but those were irrational.
    What she needed now was time to pull herself together. Sweets were one good tool to help combat the drop in blood sugar.
    Jade entered the kitchen, her gaze on him. “She’s upstairs. Give her a few.”
    He nodded. Words were out of his power now. All he wanted to do was punch something. Preferably Daniel Campbell, but he’d settle for the punching bag downstairs.
    “You aren’t any use to her if you can’t be calm.” Jade pitched her voice low, for their ears alone.
    “I am calm.”
    “I tried talking to her, but she wasn’t interested.”
    “I imagine she’s pretty talked out.” He couldn’t deny the satisfaction that it was him she turned to. “What’s next for her?”
    “We’re looking into protective custody.”
    “Permanently?” If she went into something like Witness Protection, he’d never see her again.
    “Hopefully not. Daniel can’t have that many backup plans, and having been thwarted twice, he’s going to start splintering soon. We’ve notified the entire region to be on the lookout for his signatures.” She shook her head. “I don’t remember the last time we had a killer with two clear signatures like this. It’s highly uncommon.”
    “What do you think about the Killer Club connection?”
    “What we’ve been able to dig up on his Internet activity is nothing like what we ran into in Oklahoma. I’m not convinced he’s connected.”
    “Have you found others?” This was a can of worms. Travis couldn’t afford to think about it. Not when Bliss needed him.
    “Some.” She nodded. “That clown that kept popping up for a while is a good suspect. Crimes like his are clear copycats, which seem to be that group’s MO. Daniel is...different. If there’s ever been someone like him, it’s a hell of a long time ago.”
    “Back to Bliss, where will you move her?”
    “Can’t tell you that. Unless you plan on going with her.” Jade’s left brow arched ever so slightly.
    The idea was tempting, but he had a duty to Aegis he couldn’t turn his back on. They’d given him a life and opportunities when no one else would. He couldn’t leave them.
    When he didn’t answer, Jade continued, “She’ll go back to Vegas under protection, probably put her up somewhere for a few days until long-term arrangements are made if we don’t find Daniel. Maybe you could stick around.”
    “Maybe.”
    Jade checked her phone. “You should go up now.”
    He nodded and headed for the stairs, taking them two at a time. The need to be near Bliss was eating him up. He paused outside her door to knock, and then opened the door.
    Bliss sat in the middle of the bed. Plastic bags were strewn around, and instead of jeans, she wore pajama pants and a knit hoodie. A single red and green bag sat in front of her, out of place and festive.
    “Here.” He handed the soda to her and ripped open the candy bar.
    She took the drink and chocolate he offered without comment.
    “The sugar sometimes helps the chemical fallout.”
    “Thank you.” She patted the bed next to her.
    He sat and offered her another piece of the candy bar. She took that as well and pushed the bag toward him.
    “Merry Christmas.”
    He stared at the gift, a knot of panic lodged in his throat.
    “I didn’t get you anything,” he said. When was the last time anyone had given him something for Christmas? Sure, he and Emma traded cards, usually with a gift certificate, but that was about it.
    “It’s a gift. You don’t have to reciprocate. I just...wanted to do something for you. It’s a lame thank you, so you don’t have to keep it.”
    He handed her the rest of the candy and carefully pulled out each individual piece of tissue