My fingers went numb.

I stared at the screen, my heart stopping.

“Ryker,” I whispered.

He leaned over, his eyes narrowing as he read the screen.

His face turned to stone.

“Marco,” Ryker said, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous register. “We have a tail.”

Marco didn’t hesitate. He checked his rearview mirror and gripped the steering wheel tighter.

“I see them, sir,” Marco said. “A gray sedan has been keeping pace since the last exit.”

“Get us to the estate,” Ryker ordered. “Do not stop for anything.”

“Understood,” Marco replied.

He pushed the accelerator down, and the heavy engine of the SUV roared.

The tires fought for traction on the slushy highway, but the vehicle surged forward.

Owen whimpered at the sudden movement, burying his face in Ryker’s wool coat.

Lily sat frozen beside them, her small hands clutching the edge of the leather seat.

“Are they going to hurt us?” Lily asked, her voice trembling.

Ryker tightened his arm around the children, pulling them both against his chest.

“No,” Ryker said, his voice firm and steady. “No one is going to touch you.”