Page 39 of Island Rescuer

“You’re ticklish!” She delighted in the discovery. How had he kept that a secret over the past couple of days?

“You don’t have to announce it to the world,” he shushed her with another steamy kiss.

But they were alone. Just the two of them in this private cove, with only the ocean, moon, and stars to bear witness.

“Don’t stop,” she pleaded. “I need you tonight.”

“I won’t.” His thumb dragged over her lower lip. “I need you, Harper.”

Her heart sighed, happier than she’d been in ages, because she was kissing Knox. And he’d kissed her back, again and again.

Her fantasy. Her protector. Her lover, just as soon as they got themselves back to the house.

ChapterEight

Knox stoodin the dark kitchen wearing only his boxers, grateful they had the B&B to themselves. At least he thought he was. Maybe if there had been other guests it would have been easier to divert the insatiable attraction that rose to a fever pitch every time he looked at Harper.

But he didn’t want that. Not really.

He’d just about swallowed his tongue when she mentioned seduction. Still surprised his knees hadn’t buckled when she’d all but begged him to take her to bed. Harper could have whatever she wanted of him anytime, anywhere. He was hers. Completely.

Completely lost, was more like it.

He wasn’t complaining. This personal development was a good thing. He still wasn’t sure how they managed to douse the fire and get back inside while their hands were roaming all over each other, but they made it.

He’d even locked the doors. Set the security system.

So why was he lingering down here when he could be stretched out next to her supple, warm body?

Guilt. And no small amount of fear.

He had never crossed this line with a client. Then again, no client had ever been Harper Ellington.

For her, his boundaries fell apart. He snorted, imagining his therapist’s reaction to that admission.

But he wasn’t thinking of this situation in a codependent or negative way. He just knew he would do anything for her. Anything to protect her.

Even if that meant walking away once her case was closed. For her own good.

Because he wasn’t afraid of whoever was behind the threats. He had every confidence that his expertise would keep her safe until the Guardian Agency researchers closed the case.

He was afraid of what came after if she stayed with him. If they tried to explore a real relationship. The risk was too great. His parents were always looking for any chink in his armor. They’d press any advantage to get close to Ellington money.

Knox did everything in his power to limit their contact. He didn’t speak with them. Didn’t take their calls. He sure as hell didn’t let them know anything about his financial situation. But if his parents learned that he was dating Harper Ellington, they would be relentless, pushing him to use her or her contacts for their own gain.

Harper would tell him he was full of crap, but he knew better. He knew his parents better.

It made him sick to his stomach as the memories bubbled up unbidden. If it had been as simple as buying them off, he would have done that years ago.

But he didn’t need his therapist to warn him that if he gave his parents a penny, they would take it all and demand more.

He just couldn’t expose Harper to that.

Tomorrow or the day after, he would explain it to her.

Maybe he’d wait until the threat passed. Yeah, that would be easier for both of them.

He’d let her down easy, and make it clear he was a great fling, but not safe for commitment. Not for her.

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