to announce our marriage and the news that you’re his daughter at the reception he’s holding Saturday night.”
Shock raced through her. “I haven’t decided if I can go through with this request. It’s ridiculous. I don’t need you to protect me. If I’m really Emory’s daughter, he can afford to hire an army of security guards.”
“True. But Emory wants to drive home the point to his family that they will lose their company if anything happens to you.”
“What’s your motivation? Why do you want to do this?” she demanded.
“Your safety.”
“Oh, please.” She fell silent for a moment, then the doubt popped into her mind. “You think someone would come after me?”
“I do. Emory’s family wants his money. You being named the heir would mess up their plans.”
“I can’t believe—”
Hawk’s hand shot out and he grasped her chin, forcing her eyes to his. “Believe it, Renee. I was there when Emory’s son was kidnapped. All the indications pointed toward someone close to Emory being responsible for the tragedy. The kidnapper knew too many things about David’s habits and schedule. It wasn’t just a lucky break that they caught him alone.”
Renee’s heart broke. Emory kept the last picture of his son, his sophomore-year school picture, on his desk.
“We want you to be safe.” When she didn’t respond, he added, “You didn’t have trouble with the idea of marrying me the last time we talked.”
She wanted to throw her purse at him. “You did.”
“This isn’t about me. It’s about you.”
She wondered if her safety was really his main concern, or did the change in her status to wealthy woman have anything to do with his change of heart? But that didn’t make any sense. From his actions, Hawk had never been interested in Emory’s money. “Then why even mention I’m his daughter?” she asked.
“Because Emory wants to be sure you’ll get the company. I also think he wants everyone to know you’re his child. Looking death in the eye makes you see things differently.”
She raised her brow in skepticism.
“That’s my guess.”
Too many feelings were bouncing around inside for her to know what she felt. Hawk wouldn’t marry her because he loved her, but he would marry her to protect her? Somehow she didn’t buy it.
“Renee, why don’t we go and get a marriage license? If you can think of a better way to address the problems that are sure to crop up, then we can consider it. But if we have the license, then we’ll have that option.”
A sick feeling settled in her stomach. “I don’t think things are as dark as you paint them. Besides, the problem will be solved if I just tell everyone I don’t want Emory’s company.”
“Don’t be foolish.”
Anger raced through her. She stood. “I’ve done that before, haven’t I, Hawk? I guess my actions will be consistent.”
As she walked away from him, she heard him mutter a curse.
Renee pulled the High Point file from the accounts receivable filing cabinet. Emory had called the office late in the day and asked to see the account. She glanced around the empty office, peering into the shadows. The normally busy room took on a sinister feel. She tucked the file under her arm and walked into the hall. Although a few people were still in the building, a chill settled over her. She raced back to her office, grabbed her purse and headed toward the elevator. She hugged the file to her chest as she waited for the elevator. When it arrived, she breathed a sigh of relief.
When the elevator doors opened on the parking garage level, a car stopped before her, making her heart race. Hawk jumped out. “Why are you here this late?” he barked.
Relief made her light-headed. “Emory wanted to see this account.”
He continued to glare at her.
Irritation replaced the relief she’d felt. “I wasn’t aware it was in my job description to check in with you.”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “Renee, something could’ve happened.”
She wanted to tell him he was imagining things, but she recalled her uneasiness in the accounting office. “How did you know I was here?”
“I went back to your apartment to talk to you about us getting married.”
“You’re not going to let this idea drop, are you?”
“No.” There wasn’t any room for argument. When Hawk got that look in his eye, it was a sure sign that not even the Marines would be able to move him. “You ready?”
“I’m going to take this file to Emory tonight.”
Hawk nodded. “I’ll follow you.”
Too bad he wasn’t as diligent two months ago, when she’d walked out of his life, she thought as she headed for her car.
“Get down,” Hawk suddenly shouted.
His yelled command stunned her. He lunged for her at the same instant she heard a shot echo through the empty garage. A second shot immediately followed. She felt the sting in the side of her head, then staggered, falling against the closest car. A warm stream of blood ran down her neck.
Panic raced through her as she crouched with her back to the door.
Hawk crouched beside her. He examined her head. “We need to get you to the hospital.”
“Is the shooter still out there?” Her eyes scanned the darkness of the parking garage. She felt a trickle of moisture run down the side of her face. She touched it and came away with blood on her fingers.
“Just keep down, and I’ll get you out of here.”
She latched on to his words. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and supported her as they ran toward his vehicle. She noticed the blood on his sleeve. He helped her slide into the front seat, then climbed over her, started the car and floored it.
“Your arm,” she murmured.
He glanced at her. “Don’t worry about me.”
She felt dizzy. She leaned back against the seat. She could’ve died or worse, her baby could’ve been hurt or she might miscarry. Secure in the knowledge that Hawk would take care of her, Renee relaxed. It was her last conscious thought.
When Hawk pulled into the emergency entrance of Herman Hospital, he breathed a sigh of relief. He had called ahead on his cell phone, and people were outside waiting for them. His tension shot up 100 percent when he glanced at her and saw that she was still unconscious. Leaping out of his car, he raced around and helped the attendants pull Renee out and place her on a gurney.
“What happened?” asked one
