“I can fight as long as you’re with me,” she said softly. Then she put her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest. Her hair smelled like flowers. She felt so small pressed against him, and his need to protect her only grew stronger.

What was he supposed to do now? He figured this was likely just her wanting to be comforted. He was a jerk for thinking of anything romantic, but his brain didn’t appear to be winning that battle.

She pulled back a little but still held on to him. “Sorry if I’m being needy. It’s totally not my style.”

He smiled. “I know that.”

Cass looked away, and he could’ve sworn that her cheeks reddened. He wasn’t sure what was going on here, but he needed to put a little distance between them. He let her go, reluctantly, and went to the refrigerator, pulled out two bottled waters, and gave her one.

“Were you able to sleep at all?” he asked.

“Only a few minutes, but maybe that means I’ll actually get some rest tonight.” She took a sip of water. “I want to go in to work tomorrow. I can’t just sit here all day. I’ll feel better if I can focus on something else.”

“We’ll just have to be extremely careful getting back here to make sure we’re not tailed.”

She grinned. “We’re pros. I think we can handle it.”

“All right. We’ll go to the office in the morning.” He was glad she was joking around. It was better than the alternative. He could handle the lighthearted banter much better than those big brown eyes that seemed so fearful.

“I’m starving. They said they stocked this place with groceries. I’m going to whip something up. You want in?” she asked.

“You know I never turn down food.”

“Isn’t that the truth? If you stay in here with me, though, I’m going to put you to work.”

“Whatever you need, but you know I’m pretty incompetent in the kitchen.”

Cass laughed. “Lucky for you, I’m not. C’mon. Wash up, and let’s get to work.”

First thing Monday morning, Hunter showed up unannounced at Bryce’s office, but this time he’d come alone. He’d expected Layla to put up more of a fight, but she’d readily accepted him rolling solo.