Page 45 of Knox

“I think he’s proven that my presence isn’t a deterrent, but I won’t let him get to you,” Knox said. The intensity in his voice and gaze made my breath catch.

“You can’t promise that.”

“Watch me.”

The goosebumps returned. If I could read minds, based on Knox’s stance and expression, I’d say this wasn’t just professional protection anymore. This was personal.

My phone buzzed, and I jumped. Still edgy from my attack. Still in shock from the day’s events. My mother’s name lit the screen.

I showed Knox, then answered. If I didn’t, she’d just keep calling.

I’d forgotten to check in today. Mom had only asked for a daily text, but I’d been busy, my mind on everything else, and she was sure to be pissed.

“Hi, Mom,” I said, trying and failing to sound as if my life wasn’t in the crosshairs of a killer.

“Care to explain why I’m hearing from the club president that you’re dating some local boy and there’s been another attack? Two very big things I should’ve heard directly from you.”

My gaze traveled over the six-foot-three-inch Marine at my side, unable to connect him to the word boy. I closed my eyes. Knox had proven today that island gossip traveled fast, but apparently it had a bullet train to Charleston as well. “I’m okay,” I promised. “And his name is Knox Hawthorne. The man who saved me on the night of your party.”

Mom was quiet. Possibly a first. “Well.” Another pause stretched across the line. “Imagine my humiliation when I was asked about these things and I clearly didn’t have a clue.”

I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. “That must be awful for you.”

“It’s not great,” she said, sounding mildly remorseful. “Regardless. Your father and I think you should come home to Charleston until this is resolved.”

“This is my home, Mom.”

“That is a vacation property. We live in Charleston.”

“You live in Charleston.”

Silence.

“I’m staying,” I said, softer. “I’m safe right now, and I’m not alone. Knox is here and I’ll do a better job of keeping you in the loop.”

“Knox.” My mother’s tone suggested she had opinions about that. “How long have you known this man? A few days? And he’s staying with you around the clock?”

“He’s protecting me. Dad suggested I get a private protection detail. I have one. Knox stays here, and his friends, also Marines, are helping with the details.”

Another pause. Then, quietly: “Be careful, Sloane. With the situation. And with your heart.”

“I will. And, Mom?”

She waited.

“Did you or Dad give anyone an extra key to the house?”

“No, well, aside from Marissa.”

“No one else? Are you sure?” I pressed. “Think about it for a moment before you answer. What about the cleaning service? How do they get in when you aren’t here?”

“They use the spare key,” she said. “Behind the dummy stone in the fountain.”

My heart dropped, and I rushed to end the call.

I found Knox in the living room, staring at the coffee table where the shell had been. The sheriff had bagged and taken the little threat as evidence, but I could still see it in my mind. Perfectly centered. Deliberately placed.

“Your mother doesn’t approve of me,” Knox said without looking up.