Page 19 of Spock’s Snare

"I’m not taking on any new work once this project is complete.”

That catches his attention.

"What do you mean?"

"My crew is committed to this project until it’s done. However, once they’re through, I’m going to shift them to Inferno Ridge. Whoever is causing problems has only attacked this site; they’ve left Inferno Ridge alone. I have a feeling they won’t be a problem once we’re out there because they aren’t stupid enough to attack us with you guys right there.”

Spoke nods once.

“You’re right. I don’t think anyone would be stupid enough to go after you there. However, you’re still in danger while you finish this project.”

I shrug. “We’ll just have to be more alert.”

Spock smirks. “I think we can do better than that.’

CHAPTER SEVEN: SPOCK

Seeing the stubborn determination settle across Chloe’s features does something to me. Most people would consider taking the easier route. Being threatened with violence after seeing someone they loved brutally attacked would have even the most stalwart person rethinking their plans. Chloe could back away from our contract. She could spare herself the fear and inconvenience, but she doesn’t.

Instead of backing down, she’s making plans on how to protect her people and finish the job. She’s a fucking warrior.

"Chloe."

She looks up at me, those brown eyes searching mine.

"You’re not carrying this burden alone. Not anymore."

A tiny furrow forms between her brows. She opens her mouth, and I know she’s ready to tell me that this isn’t my problem. But it is.

"The Demon Dawgs don't walk away from people under our protection." My voice comes out rougher than I expect. "You've become important to us."

The words are true, but they aren't the whole truth.

I hold her gaze, refusing to look away.

"You've become important to me."

Color blooms across her cheeks, soft pink spreading beneath her fair skin. She drops her eyes for a second before lifting them back to mine, and her shy smile hits me hard. This confident business owner is showing vulnerability.

Slowly, giving her every chance to stop me, I lift my hand.

When she doesn't pull away, I cup her cheek.

Her skin is impossibly soft beneath my palm, warm despite the still cool morning air. My thumb brushes gently over the curve of her cheekbone, and when she leans gently into the touch, I feel as if I’ve won a prize.

"You matter, sweetheart," I murmur. "To all of us."

My thumb makes another slow pass across her cheek.

"So quit thinking you have to fight this battle alone."

For one suspended moment, the world disappears, leaving only the woman in front of me and a silent promise forming between us.

Rush pisses me off by coughing to get my attention.

“We need to get going,” he reminds me.

Instead of cussing him out, I let my hand fall from Chloe’s cheek. I really want to stay with her, but I can’t. We have work to do. Work that centers around protecting her.