Page 40 of Rafe

Knocking firmly on the door, he waited, and as it swung open, a frown etched onto his face.

“Did you check who it was before you opened the door?” he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

“Of course, I did. For God’s sake, Rafe, I’m not stupid,” she replied, a hint of exasperation in her tone.

“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that the idea of you here alone doesn’t sit well with me. I trust that prick about as far as I can throw him,” Rafe admitted, his brow furrowing deeper.

“I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I’m sorry. Come inside,” she said gently, opening the door wider to welcome him.

Rafe removed his hat, pausing to wipe his boots on the mat before stepping into the apartment.

“I should have just grabbed us something to eat,” he remarked, his voice carrying a note of frustration.

“I am not going to hide,” she declared, her resolve evident in the set of her jaw.

“Well, you should. We both know what he’s capable of. Why do you have to be so fucking stubborn about it?” Rafe retorted, his eyes searching hers for understanding.

“He won’t dare bother me around other people.”

“Maybe not, but he can still track you. He could follow you wherever you go,” Rafe countered, his voice laced with urgency.

“I’m scared enough, Rafe. I don’t need a reminder of what he could do,” she said softly, her eyes reflecting a deep-seated fear.

“I don’t think you are,” Rafe replied, skepticism etched in his voice.

“You don’t think I’m scared?” she challenged, a tremor in hervoice.

“I don’t know. I really don’t, Maggie, but you damn well should be,” Rafe insisted, his voice tense with worry.

“Trust me, I am. No one truly understands what he’s like, except me. We both know what he’s capable of. I don’t want you or Fred getting hurt because of me.”

“Better me than you,” Rafe shot back, his voice edged with defiance.

“No. I’d die if something happened to you or Fred because of me. If he sees us together, it’ll set him off. He always accused me of wanting to sleep with you, and if he found out, he’d kill us both. His jealousy of you is dangerous.” She moved closer, enveloping him in her embrace, resting her face against his solid chest. “I won’t let you or Fred get hurt trying to protect me.”

“That’s too bad, Maggie. I’m going to protect you any way I can,” Rafe vowed, his tone resolute as he held her tightly.

“I just hope he isn’t here yet and finds out where I work and live.”

“I talked to Luke earlier. He said Junior was still in Butte, so we don’t have to worry yet. Let’s go eat at the diner, then come back here so you can pack a bag.”

Maggie smiled. “I already did.”

Rafe smirked. “And you weren’t going to tell me yet, were you?”

“Nope. I thought I’d let you stew a while.”

Rafe shook his head. “Women.”

Maggie wrapped her arms around his neck and gazed into his eyes.

“Men.”

Rafe chuckled. “But we go so well together.”

“Yes, we do. Let me get my bag, and that way, we can just leave from the diner.”

“Alright.” He waited while she walked to her bed, picked upa small overnight case, then returned to him. “Get a jacket. It’s chilly.”

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