Page 7 of Grave Obsession

“Please remove your hand from Miss Knight, sir. Unless you’d like to be escorted off the premises for harassment. I can assure you Mrs. Clarke won’t take kindly to a customer upsetting her favourite employee,” I state coldly, trying to push as much authority as I can into my voice. He reluctantly lets go of Mallory's wrist and I can see the blood rushing back into her skin. He was trying to hurt her. I'm going to kill this man and I don't even know his name. Oh well, the less I know about him the better. No trail to lead back to me.

His slimy voice reaches my ears, “There's no need for that, Officer, I was just trying to find out where her parents are. They seem to have skipped town and left their little girl here to settle their affairs.”

That will most definitely not be happening. I look at Mallory, she’s on the brink of tears. Only holding it together to not make a scene in her place of employment or to seem weak by running off. Oh, my love, it's okay to feel. Leaning down, I whisper in her ear, “I can deal with this if you want to have a moment to yourself. Take as long as you need but don’t leave the building. I’ll be waiting for you, when you’re ready.” I pull away, her gaze searches mine and I nod. She turns, making her way to the back of the restaurant, dropping her apron and tray on a stack by the kitchen entrance. Returning my attention to the two scumbags at the table, I pull out my notepad. “Okay gentlemen, let's start with first and last names,” I say.

I find out one is Ryan Hart, I’ll check him out later. The piece of human garbage I'm interested in is Edward Rader. They both live in town and were friends with Mallory's parents. They claim to be worried for their well-being since they were getting in deep with some rough folk. I know all this information already, I did my research before eradicating the abusers. It’s what made it so easy. What makes me uneasy is what could happen to her tonight while she’s home alone. I don’t know if Dennis ever shared the fact that he owned the Pederson house with anyone and the thought unsettles me. What should I do? Do I call this into the captain so I can escort Mallory home? I still won't be able to keep her safe all night, or at all while we are working. Protective custody? The captain would never go for that over this little incident. If Edward goes missing the same night of our encounter it could be suspicious. Fuck. My mind is running a mile a minute, Edward needs to go. I'm going to have to stake out the hotel until he leaves to ensure Mal's safety.

I’m back at my table watching the men from across the room when Mallory emerges from the rear of the bar. She tentatively makes her way to me after noticing the assholes are still at their table.

“They’re still here?” she asks, sitting down across from me. I wish she had sat next to me.

“I have to take your statement, Miss Knight, then we can decide if you want to file a report and press charges.”

“Those things are up to me?” She looks flummoxed, clearly having no idea how the justice system works.

“Yes, ma'am. Whatever you want to do I will ensure it gets done.” I will protect you whether you want me to or not. You’re mine. Mine to love. Mine to bend. Mine to break. No one else's.

She looks over her shoulder at the slime balls. They’re glaring at her with so much malice, a regular person would cower in fear. Looking back to me she says, “I don’t think they like me talking to you.”

“Frankly, I don't give a damn. What I witnessed him do to you was abhorrent, and if it wouldn’t put me in jail I would cut his hand off at the wrist,” I bluntly state. She’s shocked by my honesty but still enjoyed it. She likes me. I can tell, by the smile that breaks free and the flush crawling up her neck.

“That’s a little extreme, don't you think?” she states with a small laugh. I shake my head. It’s not extreme in my eyes, not by a long shot.

Chapter Eight

Mallory

Wow, he is intense. His gaze is unnerving me from across the table. The whole atmosphere changes when he is around. He’s kidding right? Of course he is. Chopping a man's hand off is one hundred percent extreme, but I appreciate the sentiment. He’s not speaking, just letting me absorb what he is insinuating. Why is the thought of him maiming someone to avenge my honour giving me butterflies? I’m so messed up in the melon. Laughing awkwardly, I try to lighten the mood.

“I don't want to press charges or attract any more negative attention from them. I just want them to leave me alone.” He nods, still not speaking, letting me lead the conversation. “This is the second time Edward has come in here asking about my parents. I don’t know where they are. He thinks I’m lying to protect them, but I’m not,” I explain, sighing. Is this shit with my parents going to follow me for the rest of my life?

“I believe you,” he replies. I’m shocked, no one has ever said they believe me before. It’s nice having someone on your side.

“What, why?”

“I can just tell. You miss them, despite all their faults. Also, I would know if you were lying, I’m a cop. It’s my job to read people,” he says confidently. His eyes are twinkling with amusement and he smirks. Shit, he’s nice to look at. “After tonight’s altercation, Miss Knight…”

I raise my hand from the table and place it on his, effectively stopping his train of thought mid-sentence. A jolt of electricity shoots through me and his eyes jump to mine. They are so green, an endless forest I could stroll through for hours. He looks astounded by what I’ve done. Oh no, why did I touch him? I never touch people, it was like my body was acting out my thoughts without my consent. Shit. I abruptly lift my hand off of his and place them on my lap.

“I’m so sorry. I don't know why I did that. I just wanted to get your attention without interrupting. Shit. I’m sorry.”

“Hey, it's okay. Relax. What did you want to say?” He’s so gentle mannered, like he’s caring for a wounded bird that’s fallen out of its nest. I’m pathetic.

“I was just going to ask you to call me Mallory. Miss Knight is too much.”

“Okay then, Mallory, I think it would be wise to revisit our conversation from last night. I can recommend a great, cost effective security company that would be able to do a complete work up on your house and property.” Goddamnit the sound of my name falling from his lips has my thighs clenching beneath the table. I don’t think I’ve ever felt desire before, well not like this anyway. Billy Loomis can get my motor running, but I’ve never been able to 'cross the finish line' if you catch my drift.

“Oh, thank you, Officer Graves, but-”

“Lennox,” he drawls.

“What?”

“It’s my name, Nox for short. I want you to use it.” Fuck me, yes, sir. Am I on fire? It’s suddenly too hot in all my clothes.

“Oh, umm, isn’t that unprofessional?” I inquire.

“If you want me to call you Mallory…” Yepp, I’ve been incinerated. Completely reduced to ash from the way he rumbles out my name; like a beast is awakening from somewhere deep within him. “You are going to call me Nox. Or else, I'll go back to calling you Miss Knight, or ma'am.” I involuntarily scrunch up my nose at the formalities and he chuckles. “It’s settled then, now what were you saying?”

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