Chapter 29

Peaceful— the only word Hannah Starr could find to describe how she felt at that moment. The stress of the investigation had only intensified with the bombing at the nightclub.

She had tried to be strong while she was stuck in the rubble with Myles. Hannah knew it was expected of her as an agent. But she'd never been more scared in her life.

Despite her previous cases with drug lords and terrorists, she'd always been able to remain in control. Losing her sight in the explosion had turned her life upside down, though she pretended everything was fine. While she was falling apart inside, Hannah put on a happy face, trying to show everyone how tough she was.

Tired of pretending now, Hannah had been content to let Myles take control after the shooting at the hospital. However, the conversation with Bobby had brought it all rushing back again.

While "Mom Ruth" tried to be comforting, Hannah knew she had to do what she could to protect the old woman and kept her emotions to herself. Provided a baggy shirt and a pair of shorts to sleep in, she'd laid in the other twin bed, across from Myles, trying to plan out their next move.

As the night wore on and the house got quieter and quieter, the familiar panic returned, clouding her thoughts. Every creak and moan in the old house became some unseen enemy, and Hannah had no way of protecting herself.

Anxiety-ridden, she'd moved uncertainly, but quietly across the floor to the edge of his bed. In the darkness, she could hear the slow steady rhythm of Myles' breathing, and she closed her eyes, losing herself in the sound.

As if hypnotized by the calming drone, Hannah moved closer, crawling carefully onto the bed beside him. Laying her head gently on his shoulder, she told herself she'd stay there for just a moment. However, the intense events of the last few days slowly drifted out of her mind as the tension faded from her body, and a peaceful slumber settled in around her.

As she gradually awoke several hours later, Hannah could still feel that overwhelming sense of peacefulness. It only took her a moment to realize she was in his arms, and a part of her wanted to stay there forever. The rational, logical side of her, however, kept whispering that it was impossible.

Hannah stiffened when she acknowledged that Myles was actually holding her to him, one strong arm around her shoulders while the other hand rested lightly on her hip. Is he awake? she wondered, listening intently as she lay there, almost afraid to move.

The change in his breathing confirmed her worst fears. She'd been caught indulging in an impetuous fantasy, and Hannah had no idea how she was going to get out of it with her dignity still intact.

When she felt his fingers under her chin, gently tilting her head back, Hannah knew that she couldn't put it off any longer and slowly opened her eyes. A shiver coursed through her as everything remained dark, despite her internal knowledge that it had to be morning outside.

I'll never be able to see him again. Hannah swallowed painfully as she blinked back the tears that threatened to spill over. I can't let him see me cry, she thought, struggling to control her emotions.

Hannah closed her eyes again as his fingers stroked her hair, savoring the feeling as they snaked their way through the silky softness. She released a gentle sigh of contentment when his lips softly pressed against hers.

Lifting her face towards Myles, tentatively, hesitantly, uncertain of herself and him, Hannah presented her lips, wanting more, feeling her heart pound in her throat. Gaining courage as he deepened the kiss, she offered more, still timid but trusting. Feeling his arms close around her shoulders, she settled against his chest as passions intensified.

Several glorious minutes passed before his kiss lightened, softened, and slowed, but Hannah's pulse wouldn't. Myles released her lips only to press his tenderly to her forehead.

"Myles? I…" Hannah drew in a shaky breath, looking away as she struggled for words.

Before she could respond, chaos erupted around them. Hannah gasped in horror as the door slammed open, gunfire exploding like fireworks.