Page 53 of Island Rescuer

“Unlike you, he volunteered quite a bit now that the perceived risk to the family has been dialed back to just Harper.”

“You guys aren’t going to pull her from the resort, are you?” She’d be devastated. She cherished that business like a child.

Rhett rocked back on his heels. “Hell no. That’d be nuts.” He looked around. “Don’t tell her I said that. None of this is her fault, but I’m glad she’s not over there right now.”

“After that fire I’m pretty sure she is too,” Knox said. “Not out of concern for herself, but because of?—”

“The guests,” Rhett finished for him. “Harper is always about the guest experience. Unless there’s a discussion about staff satisfaction rates.”

Knox chuckled. The siblings knew each other well.

Rhett gulped down the water in his glass. “So, tell me what’s going on between you two? I can’t believe you’d take advantage of her situation.”

“Careful, man. That’s thin ice you’re skating on.”

“I’m her brother.” He folded his arms. “Who are you?”

A sudden, palpable tension simmered. “I’m her protector.” He set his coffee aside. If this was escalating, he wanted to be ready to take it outside. No way would he tear up the Hargraves kitchen over an inappropriate debate.

“That’s not all,” Rhett accused. “Just admit you made your move.”

“Remind me why any of this is your business,” Knox countered. “You never gave a damn who she dated before.”

He couldn’t believe he was baiting his friend—and the brother of the woman he was more than halfway in love with. Harper would be furious when this obnoxious chat got back to her. Plus, the whole argument was dumb. His feelings were generally irrelevant, especially with his parents somehow mixed up in this.

Harper deserved one of the good guys—the truly good guys. He was a walking complication on too many levels. Her trust had been misplaced or outright betrayed too often. It was only a matter of time before she started doubting him, or his motives, or wondering what details he might be feeding to his parents.

“So, you are more than a protector with her,” Rhett stated. “About damn time.”

Wait. Knox couldn’t have heard him correctly. “What?”

He held up a hand. “Spare me the mushy and gory details, but I had to come see for myself.”

Knox grabbed Rhett and steered him out of the kitchen through the sliding door.

“Hey, lighten up.” Rhett shrugged out of Knox’s grasp. “Aren’t you listening? I’m on your side.”

“I don’t want her overhearing any of this crap.”

Rhett’s gaze turned lethal and his voice chilled. “Why is that?”

“I’m not using her.” Knox clarified immediately. He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “But she’s had her fill of people discussing her relationships. Even family.”

Rhett muttered an oath, his temper subsiding. “She’s had more than her share of bad luck and disappointment. I have a list of guys I haven’t punched yet.” He glared once more. “I can add you to that list.”

“No need for that.” Knox laughed. “Hell, if you can find Walker, I’ll hold him for you before we call the cops.”

“What’s taking so long?”

“I wish I knew.” Knox couldn’t hide his frustration. “Assuming our theories are right and Walker is behind the arson, threats, ransom, and harassment, he’s gone off the deep end. Targeting her doesn’t make sense. It’s self-destructive and goes against everything we’ve learned about his behavior. Harper told us he leaned into his charm and charisma when they were involved.”

“I only know him peripherally,” Rhett said. “His name comes up occasionally on land deals. I can’t give you any insight into his end-game.”

“He has to know this isn’t the way to win her over.”

“So, he’s just pissed off and blind with it? That’s not good.”

“An understatement,” Knox murmured. He longed for action. For some tangible strategy beyond keeping Harper sheltered from a man with unknown motives. “She won’t admit it, but you’re the distraction she needs.”

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