Her Dangerous Promise - Part 3: (Romantic Suspense Serial) Read Online Free Page A

own protection. Otherwise he’ll come for you again. He targeted you from the start.”
    Mary searched his face, finding only sincerity and concern. All the while, in the back of her mind, she screamed. She remembered stumbling through the fields, the long fingers of grass snagging on her socks and skirt, chasing the power lines as instructed. Her lungs ached and her legs burned as she fled. Every shadow and ripple of the wind through the weeds frightened her as she mistook each for her abductor.
    “I’ll be with you every step of the way,” he promised.
    Mary cut her eyes away from Thom, ready to bolt. Her gaze settled on the now black television screen. The image of Nancy on that screen haunted her. And just like that image which faded to empty black, the real Nancy just vanished without a trace. And if Thom was correct, only Mary could help bring her home. She whispered, “I’ll do it.”

Chapter Five

    “This is where the rescue crew found you.” Thom explained as the SUV coasted into the deserted lot, crunching the gravel beneath the tires. Mary noticed Thom glancing at her, as if watching for any sign of panic. She’d hyperventilated at the school but she’d made it through that and felt somewhat stronger for it. A day ago she wouldn’t have guessed she could survive it but with Thom by her side, she felt she could weather anything. Mary glanced out the window at the overgrown grassy expanse on the far side of the road. Well, maybe not this, she thought, fisting her trembling hands before Thom noticed.
    He continued, “You were pretty shocky and drugged when I saw you in the hospital. Do you remember?”
    “I remember seeing your badge.” Mary furrowed her brow, trying to remember. “And didn’t you hold my hand?”
    “Yes, I did.” He smiled, taking her hand and squeezing it.
    “You’ve been there for me since the beginning, haven’t you?” Her eyes captured him in their candor and knew he understood she meant more than the mere words implied.
    “I have been with you since the beginning,” he began, “but I’ve only walked beside you. Each step forward you’ve taken on your own.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Only you could face the memories and pull out the evidence we needed to narrow the search.” He caressed her hair and then tangled his fingers in it. “Only you could decide to break this monster’s hold over your life.”
    “But he is still there,” she began.
    “We are going to catch him and you are going to be the reason why.” Thom said.
    She closed her eyes. “I’m such a bad person.”
    “Why would you say that?” Thom shook her until she met his gaze. “Because of the promise? I thought you already understood you can’t hold yourself responsible for what this guy does.”
    “Try explaining that to Nancy.” She covered Thom’s hands with her own. “But that’s not what I meant. I’m a bad person because even with all this horror, I can’t stop thinking about you. Thom, I think I might be falling in love with you.”
    Thom sat back, as if stunned by her admission. He considered her words for a long time. Too long, Mary thought. Finally, he said, “Is it possible what you feel is gratitude?”
    Mary’s heart plummeted into a deep cave of disappointment.
    “After all, I’ve protected you. I’ve helped you face this problem. I’ve comforted you.”
    The sting of his rejection stabbed her like a thousand needles in her heart. Mary opened the SUV door, wanting only to escape the pain. She tossed over her shoulder. “Are you questioning my feelings for you? Or are you only avoiding your feelings for me?”
    He caught her elbow before she slipped away. “What do you mean by that?”
    “Are you just a rogue who ravages damsels in distress with those wicked kisses?” she snapped, tugging free.
    “No. I’ve never kissed anyone the way I’ve kissed you.”
    “Then why?”
    “I don’t know why,” he admitted. “But I do know that unless we catch your