Texas Refuge by Jean Brashear

Author:Jean Brashear
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Texas
Publisher: Jean Brashear
Published: 2020-07-24T00:00:00+00:00

As Quinn’s broad back preceded her out of the limo, the noise of the crowd rolled over Lorie like a wave, and she knew a moment of terrible fear that she would not be able to make it through this experience without losing it.

But almost instantly, his strong hand grasped hers and squeezed as he drew her forward.

And she could breathe again.

She stepped out of the car to a roar that quickly escalated to an avalanche of sound. She wanted to cover her ears and cower into Quinn’s side. She took an involuntary step back.

His arm wrapped her. Steadied her.

Showtime.

They’d only taken a step when several microphones were shoved in her face.

“Lorie, how badly did he hurt you?”

“Lorie, are you afraid he’s still out there, looking for you?”

“Over here, Lorie!”

“Have you seen a shrink for this?”

“Do you think you encouraged him?”

Lorie froze her features into a smiling mask while she desperately wanted to run back to the car, to hide somewhere behind locked doors, to curl up into a ball and beg them to leave her alone.

Quinn never faltered, clearing a path for her, all the while keeping one strong arm locked tight around her. She held onto that touch like a drowning man clutching a piece of driftwood while inside she felt herself beginning to fly apart.

A young teenage girl reached over the ropes, a daisy in her hand, her pleading face catching Lorie’s attention. Lorie couldn’t hear what she said as the reporters continued to clamor behind her. The girl’s expression held such poignant concern that Lorie pulled back against Quinn to turn in her direction.

“Lorie—”

She could hear Quinn’s worry even over the roar, but the girl’s anguish tugged at her. Lorie moved toward her and took the daisy.

“I got hurt by a man, too, Lorie. I know how you feel. You’re so pretty. Please be careful.” Her tearful gray eyes held the shadows of great suffering, and Lorie wanted to help somehow.

“Lorie, please.” She could feel Quinn’s agitation.

Then a camera crew neared. She reached across the barricade to touch the girl’s hand. “You take care, too. Thank you for being so brave.”

The girl’s eyes glowed with pleasure. “You’re my hero, Lorie.”

Lorie felt like anything but a hero, but this girl’s quiet courage shamed her. I cannot let him destroy my life. Where’s your courage, Lorie Chandler?

With one last smile to the girl, she defiantly turned back to the crowd, throwing out kisses with both arms flung wide. A roar of approval greeted her gesture.

She turned back to see Quinn standing right beside her, a warm light glowing in his eyes. She smiled up at him, and the noise of the crowd receded as they gazed at one another.

Quinn drew her close and led her into the building. His strength solid and sure, this man who’d saved her life brought her within his magic circle once again.

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