A flash went off in her face and she raised her hand to protect herself. Strong arms wrapped around her from behind and someone hustled her away from the van and around a corner.

Oh God. She stiffened and inhaled, ready to scream.

“It’s me, Darby. I’m here. I’ve got you.”

Eban.

Immediately, she relaxed.

The sound of his voice and the feel of his arms around her made her bones melt. She didn’t stop to ask questions or enjoy the moment. She knew they were running from something, and she didn’t want to get caught. Not ever again.

He opened a car door. “Get in. Quickly.”

She climbed in as he ran around and jumped into the driver’s seat. The car was speeding away before she’d even done up her seatbelt. She had a million questions but the relief of being out of jail, of finally being with this man who she constantly dreamed about, rendered her unable to utter a single word.

“Are you all right?”

They exchanged a look fraught with tension.

“I’ve had better days.” Her voice trembled. “Worse ones too. Who was in the van?” She pushed back her hood and felt his gaze travel over her features. What was he thinking? His dark eyes hid his emotions when she most needed to know.

“Local TV station. Someone must have alerted them to the fact you were being released.” He flexed his hands into fists trying to warm them. He wasn’t even wearing a jacket.

“Probably that detective. She hates me. All the cops do, come to think of it.” Darby twisted in her seat to look behind them. “I don’t see anyone following us.”

Eban glanced in the mirror and turned onto another street. Then right, then left until they were heading northeast.

“I think we lost them, but I live in the other direction.” She pointed west, avoiding the difficult conversation that might blow this short respite into a thousand bloody pieces. Like attempting to explain why her fingerprints were on a murder weapon. Like demanding to know why he hadn’t come to see her in jail.

“I’m aware.” His smile didn’t seem amused. “The press is camped out there too.” He held her gaze while keeping one eye on the road. “When I realized you were going to be released, I ran over to your place to grab some of your things—I hope you don’t mind. The cops had been there earlier today so don’t blame me for the mess.”

Her teeth chattered at the idea of strangers pawing through her personal belongings trying to piece together her motives for doing something unfathomable. And Eban had finally been at her place, but not how she’d imagined. Not as a guest, or heaven forbid, as her boyfriend. But as an FBI agent, once again bailing her out of trouble.

He noticed her shivers and boosted the heat.

The negotiator was always observant and considerate, even while breaking her heart on what seemed like a monthly basis.