Page 39 of They Are Mine

Still, my fingers stay light against his. My body remains close to his side. I let him feel my warmth, my presence, the safety I offer. I don’t react.

But inside, I burn.

I hope she isn’t going to be a problem. I hope she knows her place. I hope she understands that, from now on, Noah belongs to me.

Because if she doesn’t?

That could get… messy.

It’s one thing to help him replace his things. Clothes, furniture, food, those are easy. Those don’t matter.

But a sister? A sister is complicated. A sister screws with emotions, makes him feel obligated, makes him feel like there’s someone else he should turn to. I don’t need that kind of headache. Not this soon in our relationship.

He needs to be ready for the next step.

I wanted to take my time with him, really savor this, let it build, let him fall.

But he’s just too perfect.

And that’s too risky.

Too many women notice him. Too many look at him the way they shouldn’t. They laugh too much at his jokes, hold eye contact a little too long, like they actually have a chance. Like I would ever allow that.

They don’t understand.

They don’t know what I do for him.

They don’t love him like I do.

Women are sneaky. Manipulative. They know how to slide their way into a man’s life, how to plant themselves like parasites and steal what isn’t theirs.

And Noah?

Noah is too good, too kind, too trusting.

He needs to be protected from that.

He needs to be protected from them.

He needs me.

When the police finally finish, he grabs a small bag, just a few things he managed to salvage. He looks tired. Worn. Ready to be taken care of.

I slide my arm through his, press my body to his side, guiding him toward the door.

Finally.

Finally, I can take him home.

Where he belongs.

Chapter Seven

Juliet

He’s still moving like he’s stunned, like his mind hasn’t fully caught up with what happened tonight.

Of course he hasn’t.

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