Page 31 of Forbidden Whispers

“Let me check on it,” Officer Bryan said. He took the registration out and slid into his patrol car, tapping on the small computer keyboard inside it.

A moment later, he got out and handed it back to Noah. “It’s definitely yours. And I don’t see anyone else’s name associated with this car.”

“So weird,” Noah said.

The officers left just as clusters of people began exiting the boat.

Noah glanced at the screen of his phone. It was now just after midnight. He looked at Maggie. All of her earlier bravado seemed to have disappeared. She looked small and completely spent as she leaned back against the car with her eyes closed. He had an overwhelming urge to gather her in his arms and just hold her close. The urge was so palpable that it was actually painful to resist. So, he shoved his hands into his pockets and cleared his throat. She opened her eyes and looked up at him.

“I feel like we should wait until tomorrow to do our hospital visit,” he said.

“I think you’re right,” Maggie said, stifling a yawn. “Why don’t you drop me off at home and we can pick this back up in the morning.”

“Yeah, um, I don’t think I should take you home.”

Maggie frowned. “Why not?”

“I hate to bring this up, but Johnny saw our IDs. That means they may know where we live.”

Maggie stood up straight, instantly more awake. “I didn’t even think of that!”

“I’d feel a lot better if I knew you were safe, Maggie. So, I have a suggestion.”

“Yeah?”

“I think we should spend the night together.”

Chapter 10

If Maggie had been wiped out a moment ago, that was no longer the case. Her heart thumped loud in her ears at Noah’s words. She was positive he could hear it reverberating in her chest.

“S-s-spend the night together?”

Noah gave her a smoldering look. Then he winked and broke into a huge grin. “Maggie Milena, where is your mind going?” Then he put his hands over his heart. “I only have the most honorable intentions. I mean, I have my virtue to protect, after all.”

Maggie couldn’t resist smiling back at him. Despite the stress of their day, including this latest debacle, Noah had a way of lightening the mood and easing her worries. He made everything less scary.

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