“I can. She’s got a lot of resentment toward Leonidas. Since he’s gone, she’s firing her salvos at you. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I mean, I could’ve done without the public freakout, but…” She gives a little angry laugh. “Can you believe I ever felt bad for them and wondered if we should apologize? I actually tried. For all of ten seconds before she went nuclear. God.”
“Come again?” I frown. “What do you mean, you felt bad for them?”
“Oh.” Her cheeks flush red. “The cops called yesterday and told me they didn’t do it. The boots didn’t match. Ditto for the tire tracks. I guess they had a solid alibi, too.”
What the fuck?
“You didn’t tell me?” My confusion boils into frustration.
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t want to worry you.” She sighs, turning her face down. “With everything going on, I just thought…”
Right.
She thought I’d stress the fuck out if the Babins aren’t our culprits—and she’s right. Because that means someone elseis.
“Margot.” I clasp her chin and tilt her face up. “This is the kind of shit Ineedto know. No excuses.”
She sighs again, leaning into me.
“I know, and I’m sorry. I just… Everyone’s been on edge lately. Including you. Especially you. I know you’ve got a lot on your mind with the kids.”
And you.
I don’t say it, but she knows.
I slide a hand around her waist, pressing her against me.
“You know I can’t protect youorthe kids if I don’t know who the hell I’m protecting you from.”
“Yeah. But we don’t know anything right now. The detective was a guy from down in Bar Harbor, and he said they’ll keep looking into it. He wants to follow up on some smaller crimes outside Sully Bay. Until then, we just have to be careful.”
“Next time, you tell me if something comes up, okay?” I growl, meeting her gaze. “Even if you think it’s news that’ll ruin my day.”
“Okay.” She nods slowly. “You’re right. It was selfish to keep it to myself.”
I look at the kids. They’re still right where I left them, fixated as the musical trio launch into another song.
Blissfully oblivious to our dilemma.
Just as it should be.
If I could, I’d keep them like that forever, but we all grow up.
“Try not to worry,” I tell Margot now, noticing the lines around her eyes. “Viola Babin won’t start more shit. If she gets in your face a second time, I’ll make sure she’s behind bars.”
She shakes her head. “I dunno. It’s not worth it. It’s not even your problem, Kane.”
“I meant what I said. I protect the people I care about, whatever the cost.” That absolutely means Margot Blackthorn too.
I’m not afraid if she knows it.
I also don’t care if she knows how precious she’s become.
“Easier said than done. I don’t want you having to back that up,” she mutters. A small smile pulls at her lips.
“Trust me.” I swipe my thumb across her jaw. “While I’m around, you let me do the worrying for both of us.”
