Page 89 of They Are Mine

Just like that.

Like she was waiting for me to ask.

Last night, she made me her protector. And tonight?

“Follow me?” I ask.

She hesitates. Her fingers curl slightly, like she’s weighing this, running through the risks in her head. That’s good. That’s smart.

I should give her an out.

I don’t.

“Where to?” she asks.

Now she looks a little concerned.

That’s probably wise.

I exhale slowly, eyes flicking toward the front doors, the parking lot.

She trusts me. She shouldn’t, but she does.

And that? That makes something shift in my chest.

“I won’t bite,” I say, then let my gaze drop over her body, slow, deliberate.

Unless you ask me to.

Her breath catches.

Jesus Christ.

I don’t wait for her to change her mind.

I brush my hand lightly, just lightly, over the small of her back as I turn, walking toward the exit.

One second. Two.

Then?

I hear the quiet click of her shoes against the floor as she follows me.

That’s it.

I have her now.

And I don’t think I’m letting go.

Outside she follows me to my truck.

“Take a drive?” I ask and unlock the doors.

“Sure.” Juliet slips into the passenger seat of my truck without a second thought.

Like she knew I’d ask.

Like she’s been waiting for this.

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