Page 17 of Island Rescuer

Finally, Harper was safely tucked away, out of the public eye, and far from whoever had set things in motion today.

He’d talked with Jess last week about a safe house, just in case, and she’d come through. The only bed and breakfast on Brookwell Island with a private cove, Hargrave Hideaway, was theirs for the next two weeks. Longer if this situation dragged out.

He hoped it didn’t drag out. He wasn’t sure he’d survive two weeks without crossing one line or another with her.

Off limits.Reminding himself wasn’t helping.

Harper was like an onion. Granted, it wasn’t the sweetest of comparisons. One she’d likely despise, he thought. But to him, her every layer was more tempting than the last. On the surface she was beautiful and smart, a credit to her upbringing and ambition. Each fact he learned, each action he witnessed, left him with more questions about who she was underneath.

What did she dream about? She had the means and drive to go anywhere in the world. Why did she stay in South Carolina? Why didn’t she ask for help when faced with potentially dangerous harassment?

Nothing potential about it now, he thought as they explored the house and chose their rooms.

Just like a hotel, each room had its own full bath. They wouldn’t have to share anything except the kitchen and other common areas. He urged her to choose first and once she did, he took the suite directly across the hallway. It gave him the best access to her room in the unlikely event they were found or confronted here.

The Hargrave Hideaway was well-known to the residents on the island, but the locals didn’t worry him. He appreciated that there was one main approach to the house and a clear view of the street out front. He could talk to Jess about adding more temporary cameras around the perimeter, if necessary. Requesting a regular patrol for back up would be smart too. He figured the extra measures were overkill, but this was Harper. Nothing bad was allowed to happen to her on his watch.

With sleeping arrangements decided, they headed back downstairs to the kitchen to make a grocery list and discuss any other necessities. Jess and Bruce must’ve conspired on the basics, because both his luggage and hers had been in the foyer when they’d arrived.

The groceries were easy enough and he was still feeling good when Harper asked for more.

“I’ll need a phone,” she said. “And my laptop.”

He stared at her. “If we thought either of those things were a good idea, they would be here.”

She stared right back at him and for a moment, he let himself get lost in those clear blue eyes. Harper’s classic beauty slayed him every time. This job would’ve been easier if she had some annoying-heiress habits. But she was the opposite of a spoiled princess—down to earth, completely approachable. Around her, he wanted to believe in the impossible.

“You can’t expect me to stop work, Knox. It’s April. There’s way too much going on for Audrey to handle it on her own. We have entertainment events lined up through the Fourth of July. Plus, wedding season and a couple of family reunions, with more getting booked every day.”

“Bruce told us the staff will manage.”

“They shouldn’t have to.” She pushed at her hair and winced as it crunched, full of salt water. “I need a shower.”

Yeah, that was an image he shoved right out of his mind. “Go on up,” he suggested.

“In a minute. You have your gear,” she pointed out. “I’ve made big enough concessions agreeing to stay here.” She would much rather have him move into a suite at the resort where she could pretend her life was still normal.

But Knox and his bosses wanted her out of easy reach. They would’ve preferred to take her entirely off the radar, but she refused that option.

“We’ll discuss it on the call,” he said, delaying the inevitable argument. Gamble and Swann had scheduled an all-hands video call to flesh out the protection plan for the days ahead as well as review the background research on the short list of suspects.

“Whoever started this can’t keep it up if he can’t reach me.” She backed away from the kitchen island, letting her fingertips trail along the cool marble surface.

His skin went hot, longing for her touch on his skin.Get it together. She needed his protection and focus. “He reached you on a boat no one knew you’d be taking.”

She stopped in her tracks, her face going sheet white. “I-I didn’t think of it that way.”

“Because it’s my job to think about the ugly stuff.”

Was that pity that flickered in her gaze? Sorrow? Couldn’t be. “You don’t believe it was a coincidence.”

“No. Not a coincidence.” He thought about the random guy who’d jumped in when she’d fallen. “Not an accident either.”

A weariness seemed to weigh her down and he felt terrible for causing it. “Go freshen up,” he urged. “You’ll feel better.”

She nodded, clearly unconvinced. “What about you?”

“I’ll call in the grocery order and can clean up after you do, or after the team call.” Why did she keep hesitating? “Are you afraid of something?”

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