Page 80 of Redemption

“What’s wrong?” I asked. I could tell from the hard set of her jaw that she had bad news.

“Thanks to the eclipse, everything is booked. Edward is going to have to stay here for the night until we can get him on a flight home.”

I shoved my hands into my pockets, resenting his intrusion even more. “And that’s our problem, how?”

“Jackson.” She toyed with her necklace. “I can’t do this with you. Not right now.”

I frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that it’s late. I’m tired. And right now, I need you to be my protector.”

“That’s exactly what I’m trying to do,” I said, clenching my fists. “Protect you.”

“Tell me something. Do you truly believe Edward is a threat to my safety? Or are you feeling threatened?”

Her comment rankled, partly because it was true. Professionally, my opposition to Edward was motivated by safety. But personally, I was struggling. I was going to have to continue to pretend Sloan meant nothing to me while we were sleeping in the same house as her ex.

She pinched the bridge of her nose. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. But I’ve tried everything. The staff called every hotel on the island. I tried arranging for a jet crew or a helicopter or a?—”

“Boat,” I suggested.

She shook her head. “He’s incredibly prone to motion sickness. Will not set foot on a boat.”

I chuckled darkly. “I’m surprised that wasn’t a deal-breaker for you.”

Sloan had always loved sailing. It was in her blood. She needed it like I needed her.

She lifted a shoulder. “It probably should’ve been.”

I stepped closer. “We could sleep on the Athena tonight.” I didn’t love the idea, especially since it meant a bumpy ride back down to the marina. But I’d do it, if that was what Sloan wanted.

She might have “fired” me, but until I contacted Hudson, she was my principal. She was under my protection. But also…there was no way in hell I was leaving her alone with that prick.

She sagged. “I was really looking forward to sleeping in a bigger space tonight. Besides, why should we have to vacate the villa for him?”

Why did we have to accommodate him at all?

“It’s just for one night.” It sounded like she was trying to talk herself into it.

Fuck. We were really going to do this, weren’t we? I dragged a hand down my face. The thought of spending even one minute with that pretentious…

But then I saw the exhaustion in Sloan’s eyes, the desperation, and I put aside my own wishes to do what was best for her. What was one night when she was my forever?

“You’re right.” I rubbed her arms. “It’s only one night.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “Thank you.”

Edward returned inside, and she stepped out of my touch. I took a breath and shoved down my feelings toward her ex. The mere sight of him set me on edge, but I was going to be polite for Sloan’s sake.

“Unfortunately, the island is booked solid,” Sloan said. “So, Edward, you’re welcome to the couch.” She gestured to the sofa.

Edward scoffed. “You’re joking, right? He’s your employee.” He pointed at me. “He should sleep on the couch.”

“Jackson,” Sloan said pointedly, “has spent the last week crammed into a small berth because he was protecting me.”

I wasn’t going to point out the fact that I’d spent last night in her bed, though it was tempting. I merely crossed my arms over my chest and stared at the wall.

“I could protect you.” Edward’s tone was sincere, and I coughed to cover a laugh. “If you’d let me.”

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