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“We can’t.”

“But…” I whisper, my throat tight with emotion.

“We have to, Prince. The extraction team will be here in twenty minutes, and you need to shower.”

“No, Knox… I don’t want this to end.”

“Cil, you promised you wouldn’t ask for more.”

“I changed my mind.”

“I can’t.”

“Please,” I beg softly, holding back my tears.

Knox’s fingers curl into fists, and he takes a step back. “Cillian, please go shower.”

“…Fine.” I lower my gaze as I step down from the table and walk toward the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, four black Hummers pull up in the front driveway. I stand by the window, watching the Harknett team step out to secure the perimeter.

I see Knox walk out to meet them, patting his teammates’ backs, looking relieved and glad they made it safely.

He gestures toward the surrounding forest, and I assume he’s telling them about the lake and all the other things he loved about this place.

My chest aches with longing.

I can’t believe it’s even possible, but I miss him already.

My body misses his presence and his warmth.

So I make a vow right then and there… I will hold on to the warmth Knox gave me in this cabin.

I will cling to this bizarre, unexpected sense of safety and family I never thought I’d feel again.

And I vow that the second this contract is over and the damn stalker is gone, I’m going to find Knox.

I’m going to find him, and make sure this stubborn man stays mine.

CHAPTER 15

KNOX

Leif steps into the cabin first, his eyes darting around like a kid in a toy store.

“My Gods! This place is amazing.” He rushes over to the master bedroom door and slides his hands over the wood carvings. “Look at this finish, Knox! Is this original black walnut?”

“Original enough,” I say, grabbing his shoulder to pull him back. For reasons I’m not about to analyze, having him stand that close to where Cil is getting dressed unnerves the hell out of me.

Björn walks in right behind him, but unlike his twin, he isn’t admiring the cabin.

He’s staring at my face.

Great…

He scans my neck, my chest, and all the way down to my boots.

Is he looking for marks?