Page 61 of Island Rescuer

“But never like this,” she finished the reminder for him. “You really have been amazing.”

He bobbed his eyebrows, and she laughed. “I don’t mean in bed,” she rushed to clarify, but he cut her off.

He sobered quickly. “I know. As much as this assignment differs from the norm, keeping you safe is my top priority.” He slid an arm around her waist and guided her to the front of the truck, boosting her up into the passenger seat and securing the seat belt as if she was precious. Although she should have felt edgy or nervous about another attack, the opposite was true. She felt utterly protected.

“Where can we go?” she asked. “Is anywhere secure enough? The hotel should have been secure, but…” An arsonist had gotten through all the layers of security at the resort and burned down her home. And Landon had just tried to jump them in the hotel parking garage.

“But the hotel also comes with more people who have access,” Knox pointed out. “Staying here would mean looking over your shoulder and wondering who might let the wrong person through the door.”

“Didn’t you just suggest we stay here tonight?”

His brows dipped into a hard scowl. “That was before you got assaulted with pepper spray. Besides, do you really want to stay, knowing Walker is likely nearby?”

She was shaking again. “No, you’re right. I do need some distance.”

“Trust me. We’ll get some distance and regroup, and then we’ll catch this bastard.”

She hoped it was that simple.

ChapterThirteen

Still frazzled and unsettled,Harper debated cancelling her meetings for the rest of the week. She was finally willing to retreat somewhere completely off-the-grid and private. Somewhere even more sheltered than the private beach at Hargrave Hideaway. But she needed the distraction of work. Needed something productive to keep her grounded until the police caught Walker.

It was clear now, though no one had said it to her face, that his only plan was to hurt and destroy her. He was doing a good job, without ever laying a hand on her.

He’d burned down her home to draw her out.

Maybe she could do something similar. Last night, she’d had nightmares about standoffs worthy of those old western films. Or maybe they were dreams. Either way, she longed to be brave enough to stand in the middle of a street and challenge Walker to just come out and finish her.

She had the courage, but not the skills to end things in her favor. At this point she wasn’t even sure how she wanted it to end. Just so long as it was over. She couldn’t hide indefinitely, even with Knox as her devoted protector.

Because what was happening between them wasn’t a real relationship. It was merely a holding pattern with great sex and fabulous camaraderie. He offered amazing support and strength when she needed it. But what kind of partner was she to him?

Would she never find equal footing in a relationship? Of course, there should be give and take and the scales wouldn’t always balance. She’d seen that in her parents’ relationship as she’d grown up and understood their dynamic better. Love was the core, but they got annoyed with each other. They argued. And they made up, she thought with a smile. At the end of the day—every day—they were together. If not physically, then definitely in the heart.

Why did love have to be so hard? Even her dream man wasn’t working out.

Because of Walker.

At least her problems with Knox weren’t rooted in money or a search for influence. She supposed she should count it a win. At the very least, some might call it progress.

Her phone rang and she picked it up, eager for a diversion. “Hey, Trina.”

“Hello! Is there a chance you could come for a visit? I need some girl talk.”

“I’d love that. Let me run it by Knox and I’ll text you.”

“Wonderful. See you soon!”

She hurried into the kitchen where he was making lunch. “Knox?” He turned and his smile made her melt. “Trina called. She’d like me to come by, and I could use a change of scenery.”

“Fine by me,” Knox said. He came over and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “She’s got enough security that I can give you two some room. You might even feel normal.”

She laughed. “Thanks for understanding.”

When they reached the Inn, Harper hurried to join Trina in the tea room. Her friend had set up a table near the big windows overlooking a lovely garden. Knox kept his word, dropping her off and moving back to the hallway. He could see her, but he wasn’t right over her shoulder.

“Are things okay?” Trina asked, pouring a cup for each of them.

---