Guardian Bears: Lucas by Leslie Chase Page A

enough to figure out what they were up to. Or even who they were."
    "That was good thinking, especially when you were in shock," Lucas said, hugging her tighter. "But if you can't follow the trail yourself, and you don't want to talk to the police about it, we'll need to find someone who can. Let me see the files, I've got some contacts who might be able to run down those leads for us."
    "No!" Emily jerked away from him, face going pale. "I… there are things I can't explain on there. I can't show it to anyone."
    Stepping back, Lucas gave her some space. Was she involved in something illegal? If the laptop had evidence of her being responsible for something, that would explain her reluctance to share it – but that meant he wouldn't be able to help. He frowned, shaking his head. One step forwards, two back.
    "You're the client," he told her, biting down on his frustration as best he could. "If you don't want me to look at it, then that's your call. But it's going to make it harder to protect you. It would really help to know who I'm dealing with here."
    "I know," she said, her voice small. She looked at the floor, hugging herself, and Lucas just wanted to hold her and tell her everything was going to be alright. "I know, but I can't . You'd never believe me!"
    Reluctantly, he nodded. "I promise you, nothing you could show me would shock me. I've seen stranger things, much stranger. But all right. We'll do things your way until you trust me."
    "Thank you," she sniffled and stepped into his embrace. Lucas held her tight against him, and knew that whatever it took, whatever she might have done, he'd protect her.
    He lifted her gently and carried her through to her bedroom.

10
    E mily's tears flowed freely , and she cursed herself for her weakness. I don't want him to see me cry , she told herself. But his arms made her feel safe, and telling that much of her story was enough to weaken the walls she'd built around her memories of that traumatic night. She couldn't hold back the tears.
    At least Lucas didn't seem angry or disappointed by her weakness. He held her tight, his strong hands stroking her hair as he brought her through to her bedroom and settled her onto her bed. It was amazing how gentle his touch could be, for all his corded muscle and casual strength.
    "Get some rest," he said, concern in his voice. "We can speak more in the morning."
    He stood as if to leave, but Emily couldn't face being alone right now. She reached up and caught his hand, and he stopped, looking down at her, his intense eyes looking into her soul.
    "Stay," she said. Her voice was rough with tears, and she thought she sounded pathetic. But if Lucas thought so, he gave no sign. He just nodded, and sat back down beside her.
    Is this a good idea? She didn't know. She just knew that she needed to be near him tonight. "Please don't go."
    "All right," he told her, squeezing her fingers gently. "I'll make sure you're safe."
    He slid into the bed beside her as she scooted over to make room. Not very much room – it wasn't a big bed, and he was a very large man. But they fit together neatly, and Emily found herself resting her head on Lucas' chest as it rose and fell. There was something hypnotically soothing about the sound of his heartbeat, and his arms around her held her safe. Sleep came much quicker than she'd expected.
    It was the middle of the night when she woke, still curled up against him. His breathing was slow and gentle as he slept beside her and he still held her tight against him as though he never wanted to let go.
    That's fine by me , she thought, a smile tugging at her lips. I never want him to let me go either .
    But how long could this go on for? She couldn't afford to hire him indefinitely, even if she kept her job at the diner – and that was hardly a sure thing. Sooner or later he would have to let her go. Or maybe he wouldn't, but how could she ask him to stay and face a murderous gang without even being able to tell him the