Page 47 of Knox

“I’ve been thinking about kissing you for days.”

His pupils dilated. “We can’t afford to complicate things. Not with your safety on the line.”

“Do I get an opinion on this?”

He scanned my face, tracing my features with his gaze. “No. I won’t knowingly endanger you, Sloane. Not ever.” He dropped his hands to his sides, removing himself from me.

The rejection stung, regardless of his reason.

I stepped back, putting more distance between us. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have thought⁠—”

“Don’t apologize.” Knox groaned. “I’m trying to do the right thing by you, not upset you.”

My eyes narrowed at the hint of guilt in his tone. “I’m not a victim. Yes, I’m scared. And all of this is horrible, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know my own mind, or that I need you to protect me from myself.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“I’m going to take a shower.”

I went back inside before he could say more, and before I said something I’d regret. Tears pricked at my eyes, threatening to spill, and I didn’t want him to see me cry again. More evidence that I was fragile and needed protecting from my feelings.

A growl of humiliation and frustration started in my chest, because damn if I didn’t lay myself bare, despite everything else going on, and tell him I wanted to kiss him too. Only to be turned away.

Chapter 14

Sloane

By the time I came back downstairs, showered and changed for bed, Knox had set out a teapot and tray of fresh fruit from the fridge.

“Peace offering,” he said without looking at me.

“Thanks.”

We ate in awkward silence, both of us pretending the earlier conversation hadn’t happened and the tension between us wasn’t thick enough to cut with a knife.

“Archer and Colton are coming first thing tomorrow,” Knox said finally. “Colton confirmed. They’ve made a plan and will start by changing the locks.”

“Okay.”

“And I think we should visit Walter Lehman when they finish. The vendor my mom fired. See if he knows anything useful.”

I nodded, sipping tea and willing my muscles to unwind.

Knox set down his fork. “I’m sorry about earlier.”

“No, you’re right. We should keep things professional.”

“Please don’t be angry with me. I know I said the wrong things, but I have the right intentions. I promise.”

I sank back in my chair, appreciating the effort he put into making this right. “Stop treating me as if I’m made of glass and deciding what’s best for me without asking. Also stop pushing me away because you think it’s the honorable thing to do.”

Something flickered in his expression. “Fair enough.”

I stood, carrying my plate to the sink. “I want you to sleep in my room tonight.”

Knox went very still. “What?”

“Don’t worry. I’m not propositioning you.” I turned to face him. “But given the evening’s discovery, and the fact the locks won’t be changed until tomorrow, it seems best that you stay as close as possible tonight.”