Page 103 of Mine To Hunt

His grip tightens on the steering wheel. "He touched you."

The way he says it makes my chest warm slightly.

"I’m sorry," I murmur.

"Don’t apologize." He says immediately. He exhales slowly, trying to calm himself. "Just… next time, tell me. Okay?"

I nod. A small silence passes. Then I add quietly, "Something else happened too. A few days ago."

His eyes flick toward me again. "What?"

"A drunk guy near my place." I say. "He grabbed me. Tried to… you know."

Al’s hands tighten again.

"Ree…"

"I’m fine." I say quickly. "I got away."

"That’s not the point." He says. His voice is controlled, but I can hear the anger sitting under it. "Why didn’t you call me?"

"I didn’t want to bother you." I admit.

He shakes his head slowly. "That’s what I’m here for."

I look down at my hands.

A few minutes pass by, and then he adds, "We should install cameras at your place."

"That sounds good." I say. "But…"

"But what?" He asks.

"Money’s a little tight right now. I’ll save and do it next month."

"No." He says immediately. "Next month’s too late."

I blink. "Al…"

"You should do it now." He says. "I’ll help."

"I don’t want your money."

"You can pay me back later."

"I don’t like owing people."

"You wouldn’t owe me." He says. "You’d be safe. That’s what matters."

I hesitate.

He glances at me. "Let me help, Ree."

Something in his tone softens my resistance.

"…Okay," I say finally. "Thanks."

He nods once, satisfied, and starts driving again.