Finally, Raider slipped from the bed, not making a sound. He ducked and pulled up his jeans before tossing on his shirt. Enough moonlight illuminated the room that she could track his movements.

Holding her breath, she eased from the bed and stood in the thick socks, regaining her balance. Then she followed him to the window. He painstakingly slid the lock free and then lifted the glass in a smooth but slow motion.

Brigid’s legs wobbled, but she stood still and off to the side.

Raider watched outside for a while and then took her hand, drawing her close. He pointed at a white trellis over to the side and then gently nudged her toward the sill, keeping her hand. She faltered at the sill and his face hardened as he gestured her out.

It was too far to the trellis.

She looked down, and her stomach dropped. A stone path lay right below the window two stories down. There wasn’t even a bush or two to break her fall. She faltered.

He instantly pivoted, picked her up, and set her on her knees on the sill, facing him. His face was implacable. Geez. Would he actually push her?

Panicking, she grabbed the sill and eased her body outside. Cool air brushed her, and she shivered, holding on with all her strength and trying to be as quiet as possible. Raider grasped her wrists and then shoved. She gasped and kicked her legs, stilling as she realized he held her aloft. She looked up into his deep eyes. Oh. Man. Just how strong was he?

He swung her gently back and forth, giving a short nod as he swung her hard and released her left hand. She reached out and grabbed the trellis, hovering in midair for a second. He let go, letting her swing and latch on with her other hand.

She pressed her forehead against the smooth wood, panting. Okay. Down. She was totally exposed right now in the air, and she needed to get to the ground. Climbing down in the socks was easier than if she’d had on shoes, because her feet fit inside the squares better. Going as quickly as she could, praying the damn thing would hold her, she climbed down fast and let out another sigh of relief when her feet touched stone. Then she sidled toward the house, angling herself into the corner and waiting. Her heart beat so quickly, her chest ached.

In another couple of seconds, Raider dropped to the ground. He grabbed her hand and ducked low. “This way.”

She gasped for air, trembling with what had to be too much adrenaline. She copied his pose and hunched her body, trying to appear smaller than usual.

He led her along the house and down the path until they reached trees.

Footsteps sounded behind him.