She leaned one hip against the counter. “Relax, Wolf. I’m not here to steal your girl.”
Nora went rigid beside me.
My jaw tightened. “She’s not my—”
Riley held up a hand. “Please. You’re practically snarling. It’s adorable.”
Trigger choked again.
Havoc muttered, “I’m getting popcorn next time she visits.”
Riley finally slid her jacket on. “I’m driving out in an hour. Would’ve gone earlier, but I wanted to check on the report from last night.”
I stepped closer to her. “You got a description?”
She sobered. “Only that someone tall was seen near the tower after midnight. Boots. Moving slow. Could’ve been drunk.” She looked at Nora. “Could’ve been watching.”
Nora’s breath hitched.
I felt her pulse jump even from a foot away.
Riley softened, just a fraction. “Don’t worry, library girl. You’re surrounded by protection. Lucky you.”
Then she winked at Trigger just to torment him. “Try not to cry when I’m gone.”
He made an unintelligible sound.
She sauntered out, the bell chiming behind her, leaving a trail of chaos and confusion in her wake.
The moment she was gone, the entire room exhaled.
Saint shook his head. “That woman is a handful.”
Havoc grunted. “More like a whole armful.”
Trigger stared at the door like a kicked puppy. “She didn’t have to leave today…”
Agnes patted his shoulder. “Bless your heart.”
I ignored all of them.
Because Nora was staring at the floor, shoulders tight, fear creeping around the edges.
I lowered my head to her ear.
Quiet. Controlled. For her only.
“Nora. Look at me.”
She did.
Those eyes—soft, nervous, brave—hit me like a punch straight to the sternum.
“You’re not alone,” I told her. “Not now. Not tonight. Not until we figure out who was behind you.”
Her throat bobbed. “Wolf… you don’t have to—”
“I do.”
