Page 59 of Island Rescuer

“Close the door. Please.” When he did, she broke out a happy dance, throwing her arms high into the air. “Yes! I did win.”

He was so happy for her. “Does anyone tell you no?”

“You did,” she replied pointedly. “For far too long.”

“In my defense, you didn’t exactly ask me anything.” Because he’d done his best to run away from her. “Besides, I think waiting was the best thing for us.”

“Us?” She arched one deep-gold eyebrow. “I like the sound of us.” She slung her bag over her shoulder and moved close enough to kiss his cheek.

He felt the tips of his ears going hot. “I like the sounds we made last night.” He was rewarded with her wild blush.

Taking advantage of the privacy, he kissed her, lingering over the pleasure of it. When he eased back, her eyes were a little dreamy. Now he felt like the victor. But he still had a warning to impart.

“Uh-oh. What happened?” she asked before he could say a word.

“An incident at the parking garage. Something I would normally write off as kids screwing around, but Walker is still loose in the area.” And the guy had a thing for fire. “Is there any chance I can convince you to stay here tonight?”

She shook her head.

Right. She wouldn’t like the staff seeing him sharing her room. “Okay. Let’s be prepared to move quickly and without any detours from here to the truck.” He hated the flicker of worry in her eyes. “Everyone’s looking for Walker. He can’t avoid us forever.”

“Because he’s too fixed on me.”

“Possibly. But that’s why I’m here.” He smiled. “I don’t want you feeling like bait. I won’t let him hurt you.”

Her palm caressed his shoulder, slipped down to rest over his heart. “I trust you Knox. With all of it.” She straightened her shoulders. “Let’s go.”

He unclipped the radio and left it behind on the desk. “Security will find that right?” he joked. “I’ve already sent a text.”

“Typical.” He grinned at her. “We’ll move from here to the truck and it’s straight back to Brookwell.” At her nod, he asked, “Stairs or elevator?”

“Stairs. I’ve got too much energy.”

He walked with his hand at the small of her back down the hall to the stairwell and across to the parking garage.

He could smell the smoke and hear the voices carrying up from the level below. “Straight to the truck,” he reminded her. “We don’t need to get involved.”

They were almost to his vehicle when someone pounced from between two parked cars. Arm outstretched, the man aimed a canister at them.

Knox twisted, swinging Harper away from the threat, putting his back to the assailant. A loud hissing sounded and he felt the spray hit his back. Curling around her, he smelled the pepper spray and drew her down.

Crouched with her between the nearest car and the wall, he pulled his gun to face the threat. Harper shouted for help, though he wasn’t sure it did much good from where she was tucked against the wall. His eyes stung and watered from the burning spray hovering in the air, but he hadn’t been badly hit.

“Don’t move,” he ordered Harper. He scanned the area, braced for more, when he heard footsteps running away. Rising, he confirmed it was Walker racing away from the scene.Damn it.

Holstering his gun, Knox focused on her. “Are you hurt?”

“Not really.” Coughing, she reached for her eyes.

“Don’t rub,” He caught her hands. “Just makes it worse.” He couldn’t shelter her and wrangle the bad guy simultaneously.

“Go after him!” She said, her voice laced with pain. “I’ll be fine.”

He wanted to believe her. Couldn’t take the chance. Walker was growing more brazen and desperate. A dangerous combination.

She needed treatment right away. Water and a cool compress were the best way to mitigate the damage. Knox couldn’t afford to split his focus. “We need backup.” He pulled out his phone. Jaw locked, he searched the shadows, knowing it was useless. Walker was gone.

He sent the text message. He should have accepted Jess’s offer for more help from the start. Harper Ellington was too important to leave to just one protector. And he was screwing this up, letting his emotions get the better of him.

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