Page 83 of Home Town Knight

“Norris suggested I call the regional US Marshall’s office. They offer federal protection to crime witnesses. It takes time to get approved and get the arrangements made, and there are stopgaps we can figure out in between. But the safest thing is probably to get you out of Hartley.”

A couple of days ago, I’d said the same thing. But everything was different now.Everything. “I’m not leaving yet. This isn’t finished.”

“If you’re worried about your story, I can promise you an exclusive once we’ve exposed Stillwater and the official who’s working for them.”

I pushed away from him. “You think I don’t want to leave because of mystory? That’s not what I’m talking about.”

“Then what are you talking about?”

I scooted to the edge of the bed, trying to get up, but Owen slid an arm around my middle to trap me. “Gen, look at me.” He waited until I did. His dark blue eyes were intensely focused. Unreadable. Even as they pulled me in. “What isn’t finished?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Everything. I thought we were working together on this, and now you want to push me aside.”

“I don’t want you to go. Isn’t that obvious? I’ve been trying to keep you near me since the moment we met.” He blinked, glancing away. “But youaregoing to leave eventually. If you do it now, then I can devote myself to rooting out Stillwater with the Protectors. The sooner that happens, the sooner you’ll be safe for good. And you can go back to your life.”

I chewed my lip. He was right. Hartley was a wonderful place, but it wasn’tmyplace.

And Owen…he wasn’t mine either.

At some point I had to go home, dust myself off, and figure out what was next. I wouldn’t be leaving empty-handed. The Stillwater story might just be my ticket to my dream job. Why did that dream hold so little appeal now? “I’m not happy about this. But okay. I’ll do it.”

Owen nodded. He didn’t look any happier than I felt, even though I’d agreed with him.

“Do we need to head back to town now?” I asked.

“Not yet.” When he turned back to me, there was no more hint of indecision. Just heat. “We’ve got a little time left. What do you want to do with it?”

CHAPTER THIRTY

Owen

I was still kneelingon the bed behind her, and her body was angled away from me. She hadn’t answered me yet.

“What do you want, Gen?” I whispered.

“I haven’t decided yet.”

I dragged my nose up and down the side of her neck. “Should I kiss you?”

She exhaled. A needy sound. “Yes.”

I lifted her braid and kissed the soft hairs at the base of her neck. Then the curve where her shoulder began. But I felt the tension there in the way she held herself. “I can’t tell if you want this,” I murmured, “or if you’re mad at me.”

“Maybe it’s both.”

“Maybe?”

“Itisboth. But I do want you.”

So she was making me work for it. I was more than happy to. “You want me to dowhat?”

“Make me feel good. One last time.”

I understood her disappointment. Sending her away was the last thing I wanted. But if this was going to end, it would be easier on us both if it happened sooner. Then I would helpthe Protectors track down the scumbags responsible for so much mayhem. I had to set at least that much right.

If I couldn't have Genevieve, then vengeance against anyone who would hurt her was the next best thing.

But she wasn’t gone yet. I had a little longer. One last time to call her mine. “I can do that.”

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