Paul looked like he’d hastily dressed, his T-shirt was askew and he was still pulling on it. “Someone just broke into my house.” Her teeth chattered and her body shook. She told herself it was from the cold—not the terror. “Get in here.” Paul’s reaction was everything she desired, instant and with a calm that soothed her fear. “It’s freezing, and it’s not safe if the person is still out there somewhere.” His arms went around her. Maven could breathe again. Paul would keep her safe. “It’s OK. The man left. Or at least I think he did.” He moved back to look at her, his arms still on her shoulders. “Are you hurt? What did they do to you? I didn’t hear anything.” “I’m fine, Paul. I—I decided to wake you up instead of calling 911.” “I would hope so. Why didn’t you start yelling?” “I was terrified. You—you’re always telling me not to confront bad guys. W—w—wait for the cops. So I hid under my bed and waited until I was sure they were gone.”
