“I’d love that,” I said impulsively, falling into the magic of the moment.
He grinned, then surprised me by leaning down and kissing me.
“Sounds great,” he said huskily after he pulled back.
I laughed. “I’ve always wanted to have sex on a beach,” I blurted out because I couldn’t help myself. “Maybe we could indulge for a minute? You’d have to ask your spies to look away.”
He shook his head. “Not while the mission’s running. I can’t keep you safe if I’m busy fucking you.”
“But,” he continued, “Hidden Lake’s got a really good shoreline. And I’ve got a couple of ponds on my property, too.”He looked at me steadily. “I’d be happy to christen each one with you if you wanted.”
“Bronson Hale,” I laughed. “That might be the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me.”
“If that’s true, you need better men in your life.”
After a moment, he turned serious. “Lucy Lee. I’m not going to let Jimmy get you. I’ll keep you safe even if I die trying. Ipromise.”
His words were a balm that soothed the pain in my heart.
My future was a mystery. But I knew Bronson was telling the truth. He would protect me against anyone who tried to hurt me.
Our hands stayed linked all the way back, steady and unbroken, as the tide rolled in beside us.
I didn’t have answers yet.
I didn’t know what Jimmy had done, or what came next, or howanyof this would get resolved.
But I knew I didn’t want this to end.
Chapter 7
Bronson
We were on the couch when her phone buzzed.
I’d felt better about her situation ever since I talked Cal into setting up the perimeter guard around her house.
Plus, after what happened last night, she was willing to stay close to home.
That intruder had scared some sense into her. She’d even told me she was open to going to a safe house.
We’d set that ball in motion, and I planned to take her tomorrow morning.
But right now, Lucy was tucked against my side with her head resting on my shoulder, warm and easy in a way that had become natural between us since last night.
I had one arm around her, and my eyes were doing what they always did, a slow, repeated circuit of all the doors and windows.
It was a habit from the SEALs that never fully switched off.
She picked up her phone and went still.
“It’s Jimmy,” she said.
I didn’t move. “What does he want?”
Lucy glanced at the text.
“He says he’s ready to sign the divorce papers.”
