Page 127 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

“You’re protective. Maybe too much.”

“Maybe. Maybe, not,” I drawled, sizing Dylan up just in case he decided to do something stupid.

“And what happens when you fail?”

I didn’t blink.

“I don’t.”

Predatory energy flowed off him, but he didn’t intimidate me.

Kaylani shifted.

“We appreciate your hospitality. We won’t forget it.”

I loved that she could be diplomatic when all I wanted to do was knock his teeth out.

“Oh. I’m sure you won’t.”

Dylan turned and walked away without another word.

Kaylani watched him go, then gave me a look that needed no explanation. She was relieved to be leaving, and so was I.

I opened the door, and she climbed into the driver’s seat, excitement already bubbling back to the surface.

“I’ll give you a kiss once we stop for fuel.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” she said with a smile.

Once I was in the SUV behind her, I surveyed the property one last time. There was no movement beyond riders and horses exercising. No visible threat, but that didn’t mean the board was clear. Dylan was still an active piece, and I didn’t trust him.

As we pulled out, Kaylani’s voice crackled through the open line between the vehicles.

“Nevada. We’re actually doing this?”

“Yeah, let’s go get you qualified.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

My gaze tracked her trailer as my fingers flexed around the steering wheel.

Every day felt like a deadly game, and we had just moved pieces without knowing who else was playing.

Up ahead, Kaylani’s truck merged onto the highway. Sunlight hit the trailer, turning it gold. She thought this was the beginning of something great. Freedom. Momentum. Maybe even escape.

Maybe it was.

But as the miles rolled beneath us, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we hadn’t escaped. We had only delayed the inevitable.

Danger was closing in. I sensed it like a wolf nipping at our heels. Our list of enemies was growing, and that included whoever had sliced her tire.

Chapter

Thirty-Four

GORAN