“Nikolai thought it was high time I marry and arranged the purchase to Franco Ivanov.”
I stopped pacing when I recognized the withdrawn and hesitant look cross her face. I bent down, clasping her one hand in mine, and with my other hand, I brought my fingers into her bright red tresses, guiding her chin to meet my stare. “I will not let anything happen to you. I promise you, Hazel, you’re safe with me.”
“I’ll never be safe again,” she rasped. “Franco won’t stop looking for me.” Her hands trembled, and she pulled away to wipe the salty tears that glistened at the corners of her eyes. “I mean, maybe he will, but if that’s the case, it’s only because he wants me dead. They killed two U.S. Marshals, Mason. Men like that don’t stop. They’ll never give up searching for me. I wouldn’t be surprised if Franco demands his men return me—dead or alive.”
I wouldn’t let that happen to Hazel. She meant too much to me, and besides, it was my job to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. “First, you’re going to have to speak with the sheriff. When you’re done, I’m going to have you relocated and a protective detail with you at all times.”
“I thought I was staying here.” Hazel patted the sofa. “I can sleep here. It’s really no big deal.”
Was she ridiculous? While we had decent security at Eagle Tactical, it was a prime location for Franco to search for her.
We couldn’t house her with one of our Eagle Tactical members, which was against protocol, and she had indirectly hired me when she reached out requesting help. Besides, I couldn’t watch her twenty-four seven. It would be better for her sake to have the entire team helping her.
Jaxson swung the door open, oblivious to what was happening. He hadn’t been kept in the loop, and that was my fault. His brow furrowed, pointing at Hazel.
“We have a new client,” Jaxson said. “He called this morning and hired us for our services to find his missing wife. I’m sorry. We haven’t met. I’m Jaxson Monroe.”
“Ashley Sinclair,” Hazel said with a forced grin as she held out her hand.