Page 19 of Knox

“Knox Hawthorne. I was helping with the catering when I heard Ms. Mercer scream.”

“He saved me,” I said, my voice growing stronger now. I could feel my family’s judgment and suspicion. They were looking at Knox as if he was someone dangerous, instead of the man who’d saved my life. “Someone grabbed me in the dark. I wouldn’t be here right now if Knox hadn’t heard me scream and chased the guy off.”

“Jesus, Sloane.” Tyler pushed past my parents, reaching for me. “Come here. Let me see if you’re hurt.”

I stepped back instinctively, pressing closer to Knox. “I’m fine, Tyler.”

Tyler stopped short. His gaze darted from me to my unexpected protector, then back. “You don’t look fine. You’re bleeding.” Tyler’s face was tight with concern, or possibly annoyance, that I was making a scene. His hand closed around my wrist and tugged. “Come on. Let’s get you inside and cleaned up.” His eyes flicked to Knox with barely concealed disdain.

I jerked my wrist free, and the movement sent a sharp pain through my shoulder. I winced. “Do not touch me.”

“Sloane—”

My brows rose in challenge. “Do. Not,” I repeated. We weren’t together anymore. He didn’t get to swoop in and play the concerned boyfriend as he had so many times when something didn’t go my way. I’d only realized in hindsight that the attention he gave was always about him.

“I’m trying to help.”

“You’re trying to control the situation,” I corrected. I could feel everyone staring. My parents, the guests, Maggie, Sheriff Sullivan and Knox. But I didn’t care. I turned back to Knox, who was watching me with something like admiration in his eyes. I raised my chin in defiance, and his arm tightened around me once more.

The sheriff stepped closer and tipped a finger to the brim of his hat. He’d been quiet so far, observing, I realized. “Mr. and Mrs. Mercer,” he said, redirecting their attention. “I’m Sheriff Sullivan. I’m going to need to speak privately with your daughter, Knox, and eventually, the members of your party. I won’t keep anyone long, but I will get to the bottom of this. I assure you.”

I squared my shoulders, unwilling to allow my parents control of the situation either. “We can speak in my office, Sheriff,” I said.

Sheriff Sullivan moved to my side. “Thank you.”

I glanced at the growing crowd of guests behind my parents. “Mother, would you mind asking everyone to return to the party? I’ll be out with an update as soon as I can.”

My mother’s lips pressed into a thin line, but years of playing hostess at events just like this one kicked in. “Of course, darling. Everyone, please. Let’s give them some space.” She herded partygoers back into the house, her voice bright and controlled.

My father lingered, his gaze moving between me and Knox. “We’ll talk later,” he said quietly. A promise and a threat. “Thank you for your help.”

Knox nodded.

Tyler was the last to go, throwing a final dark look at Knox before stalking inside.

Reluctantly, I stepped free of Knox’s warmth and led him, Maggie, and the sheriff through the kitchen. “Right this way.”

We followed a hallway lined in paintings from Mom’s travels to a small room overlooking the sound. I excused myself to wash up in the guest bathroom across the hall, removing blood and dirt from my palms, forearms and face. I’d have to change the dress later.

I splashed water on my face and took long, deep pulls of air to regain composure, then squared my shoulders and crossed the hall.

I sank into the chair behind my desk, feeling as battered and bruised as if I’d been in a car accident.

Knox had positioned himself against the wall beside my desk. A clear view of the room and hallway beyond the open door as I arrived. Still at the ready if I needed him.

Maybe it was the adrenaline, hot and thick in my system, or his strong jaw and soulful eyes, but I didn’t want him to leave.

Sheriff Sullivan closed the office door, shutting out the noise of the party. “All right. Let’s start from the beginning.”

I closed my eyes and let myself remember every detail possible. I felt Knox’s gaze on me as I spoke, and when I finished, I checked to see that I was right.

Knox’s expression was unreadable and intense, but his gaze was fixed on my face.

Whatever this was between us, it made me feel simultaneously electrified and safe. I didn’t want it to end. And I didn’t want to be alone. As I answered the sheriff’s follow-up questions, I couldn’t help thinking Dad was right.

Maybe it was time I hired a personal protection detail.

Chapter 8