Page 102 of Knox

We stood watching until they disappeared around the bend. Until the sound faded completely.

Nash was the first to move. “I need to get to the station. Got paperwork until midnight probably.”

I thought of Maggie’s concern over her brother’s broken heart. I wanted to mention it, let him know I was here if he ever wanted to talk. But tonight, my priority was Sloane.

“Thanks for everything,” Sloane said. “For keeping us safe. For never giving up.”

“Just doing my job.” But Nash smiled. “Though I’m glad this one’s over. And I’m glad you’re sticking around, Knox. The island needs good people.”

Maggie said her goodbyes, and Nash headed for his cruiser, leaving me and Sloane alone with the afternoon sun warming the driveway.

“You okay?” I asked.

“Getting there.” She turned wrapping her arms around my waist. “It helps. Being here with you.”

“You can stay as long as you want.” I tucked hair behind her ear. “Forever, if that’s what you need.”

“Forever’s a long time.”

“Not long enough.”

She smiled. Actually smiled. The first real one I’d seen since the attack.

“Come on.” I took her hand and led her toward the house. “Let’s get inside. I’ll make dinner.”

“You cook?”

“I’m a grown man. How do you think I eat?”

Her brows tented, and I was sure she assumed most of my meals came from Sullivan’s Seafood. She wasn’t completely wrong.

Inside, the house welcomed us. Quiet. Safe. Ours.

Later, when the day was done and night settled over the island, I found Sloane standing at the window overlooking the ocean. She was pale in the moonlight, the bruises on her throat appeared especially gruesome, and the exhaustion in her posture told me something else was wrong.

“Hey,” I said softly. “You okay?”

Sloane turned, and I saw tears streaming down her face. Silent. Devastating.

“It’s been a really long couple of weeks,” she whispered. A small laugh bubbled from her chest.

“You could say that.” I crossed to her, pulling her into my arms. Holding her as she trembled against me. “Let it out. It’s okay to feel everything you need to feel to get past the pain. You’re safe here.”

“I was so scared.” Sloane’s voice was barely audible. “I thought I would die. And I’d never see you again.”

“Now you get to see me every day.” I cupped her face. “You might not think that’s such a good thing when you learn what a pain in the ass I can be.”

Sloane laughed. I stroked her hair.

“Are you sure you want to stay in Carolina Bay?” she asked. “For you, not me.”

I pulled back to meet her eyes. “I’m staying because I can’t imagine being anywhere you’re not. Because when I think about my future, you’re in every version of it. I am in love with you, Sloane Mercer, and I want to build something real and lasting with you.”

Tears welled in Sloane’s eyes again. “I want that too,” she said. “So much.”

I kissed her slowly and with meaning.

Then I swept her off her feet and carried her to our bed.