Devoted Defender by Rachel Dylan Page B

You’ve shown that no matter what the challenge, you’ll rise to the occasion.”
    “I don’t see myself like that.” She couldn’t believe that he saw her that way, because inside, she felt full of fear.
    “Well, that’s the way I see you.”
    She continued to hold onto Caleb, though she knew a million different reasons that she shouldn’t lean on him so much. But at that moment, none of that mattered. The only thing that mattered was that he was there by her side when she needed him the most. That he continued to put his life on the line for her—a woman he’d only known a short time.
    As she looked up into his big blue eyes, she gained strength from him. When he leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers, she felt shaky again—but this time in a good way. Like she was floating on a cloud. The spark was undeniable, unlike anything she’d ever experienced.
    Was this what it was like to really have feelings for someone?
    When he pulled back from the kiss, the stubble on his chin tickled her cheek. She didn’t want this moment to end.
    Caleb took a step back from her just as Gabe and Hope walked back into the room.
    “We’re a go on the safe house,” he said. “Let’s get you out of here.”

Chapter Seven
    Caleb hadn’t been thinking when he had kissed Annie. It just happened. And he had been worried about her reaction. But when he had opened his eyes and locked onto hers, there was no mistaking that she had felt something there, too. Something that neither of them seemed to think was a good idea, but that hadn’t stopped him from acting.
    The larger issue was whether he should even allow himself to develop these feelings for Annie. He knew he was a guarded guy when it came to his emotions. But being in this situation with Annie had totally messed up his equilibrium. The emotions he was so used to having completely in check weren’t any more. It was like she had the only key to the box where he’d stored up all of his feelings.
    He’d already made one dangerous mistake because of what he felt for her. He couldn’t afford for that to happen again. But even telling himself all of that, he hadn’t been able to stop from kissing her. Because right then and there, it felt like the right thing to do.
    They backtracked and drove a few hours north, headed toward Atlanta, and arrived at the address provided to Gabe by the DEA contact who they were supposed to be meeting at the safe house in the Atlanta suburbs.
    Once Gabe had given the all clear to enter the safe house, Caleb escorted Annie inside.
    A tall man with dark hair and a leather jacket met them inside. This had to be the DEA agent.
    “I’m agent Kane Sloan with the DEA.” Kane outstretched his hand and made introductions with everyone.
    “Are you sure this location is secure?” Caleb asked. It was his job to question Kane because he couldn’t take anymore unnecessary risks. The fact that Gabe trusted Kane was the only reason they were here. But Caleb still had to confirm and hear it from Kane’s own lips.
    “Yes. I personally reserved this safe house for another project I’m working on. I just won’t use it while you’re here.”
    “We appreciate you jumping in to help,” Caleb said.
    Kane nodded. “I would like to be able to talk to Annie about what she witnessed at the Perry house. Gabe briefed me, but I’d like to hear it from her.” Then Kane turned his attention to Annie.
    Immediately Caleb’s protective instincts kicked in. The last thing Annie needed to deal with right now was an interrogation. “Annie’s had a rough day. Maybe she can fill you in later. I’m sure she wants to get settled in.”
    “No,” Annie said. “That’s okay, Caleb. I appreciate everything Kane is doing for me.” She looked over at Kane. “I will try to help out in any way that I can.”
    Kane smiled at Annie and Caleb couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy. He’d only met Kane two minutes ago, and he was already wondering if Kane