Is it strange that I find Ronan extra sexy when he’s acting all tough and dangerous?
Should I even be thinking about it right now?
I’m not sure about the first. And for the second, probably not. But regardless, here I am. Thinking about it.
And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted.
Yes, I’m mad at him. Yes, I’m still hurt. And I’m not sure what he can say that’ll make up for it.
But that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped caring about him.
It doesn’t mean I don’t feel safer with him than anyone else.
“But what would I tell Haley?” I ask weakly. “I don’t want to tell her about this. She’ll be so scared. What if she never feels safe here again?”
“You could tell her there’s a plumbing issue,” Ronan says. “A sewer leak in the basement. That could take days to clean up.” In a lower tone, he adds, “I know you’re mad at me, Angel. But I can keep you safe. You and Haley. That’s a promise.”
My heart wants to say yes. But my brain isn’t as sure. “I don’t know…”
“You could stay in one of the client cabins on the GMG property,” Enzo offers. “They’re all vacant right now.”
Ronan shoots a dirty look at Enzo. “Or she could stay atmyplace. Where Haley’s already visited.”
Enzo shrugs. “I’m just offering another option.”
“It wouldn’t be a bad idea staying somewhere else for a few days, at least,” Sage interjects.
I look at Ronan. There’s a silent plea in his eyes. “I let you down before. Let me make it up to you.” For the first time since I met him, he looks vulnerable. “I’ll support you no matter what,” he adds quietly. “But if you stay with me, I swear, I’ll do anything to keep you and Haley safe.”
I believe him.
Which is why I say, “Okay. We’ll stay with you.”
He visibly sags with relief. “Okay.” He pats my leg. “It’s going to be alright, Angel. I promise.”
Sage gives a crisp nod. “So it sounds like it’s settled. Angel, I’ll walk around with you to pack up a few things. Once we’ve gone through the house, you can come back to get more.”
“And I’ve got a few more questions to ask these guys,” Patrick adds. “But I know it’s late. We’ll try to wrap things up?—”
“Officer Quillian.” From the hallway, another officer—Doug Kennis, I think—appears. He gestures at Patrick and says, “I need you to see something.”
There’s something in his tone that makes my heart lurch.
Did he find a clue to the identity of the intruder? Or… I didn’t even ask. Is my house damaged? What about theft?
Patrick turns to face him. “I’ll be right there.”
“No.” Ronan stands. “If you found something pertaining to the break-in, I want to know.Wewant to know.”
“It’s police business,” Officer Kennis says from the hallway. “You don’t need to involve yourself in this.”
Max draws himself up to his full height. “They’realreadyinvolved.”
Ronan glowers at Officer Kennis. “I absolutely do need to involve myself in this. Consideringwewere the first to respond.The first to clear the scene. If you found something…” His lips thin. “We’ll find out what it is anyway. You know we will.”
The air in the room thickens with tension.
There’s a silent standoff, with Enzo, Ronan, and Max on one side, and the three officers on the other.
