Page 18 of Midnight Rebel

She frowns and crosses her arms over her chest, staring me down. “What do you mean?”

I shrug, rubbing my temples. “I left all this behind when I enlisted. I never cared much for the house—or anything it carried. Let my mom handle the estate while I focused on the MC. But... something’s not right.”

She doesn’t interrupt, just listens, eyes locked on me.

“These accidents,” I continue, “They’re not random. But I don’t know why they’re happening.” I stare at the desk blotter, willing the confusion in my head to settle.

Autumn takes a breath before standing to face me. “So, you need my help. Am I right?”

I nod slowly. “I don’t have all the answers. But I think we can find them.”

She crosses her arms. “No more secrets.”

“And what about... this?” she whispers, gesturing between us.

I cup her face, my thumb tracing her lower lip. “This,” I murmur, “is not part of the plan. But I’m done fighting it.”

As I capture her lips in another searing kiss, I know we’re stepping into uncharted territory. Danger, secrets, and a connection neither of us expected.

I break the kiss, resting my forehead against hers. “I need you to move in here, to The Manor.”

Autumn pulls back, surprise written across her face. “What? Why?”

For a long second, I stare down at her. One way or another, I’m going to ensure nothing touches her, be it the house’s ghosts or whatever—whoever—caused the mess in the hall.

“Until we figure out what’s going on, I need to know you’re safe,” I say, my jaw clenching at the memory of her almost being wiped out in the tunnel. “I need you within reach. And Autumn,” I add before she can even think to argue, “I’m not asking. I’m telling you.”

She blinks, lips parted, shocked into silence for once.

Finally, a small, resigned smile tugs at her lips. “Why are you so bossy?”

I growl softly. “I’m not bossy. I’m protective.”

She glares at me but doesn’t say a word, just keeps breathing deeply, the fire in her gaze fading into something quieter.

We were so close to disaster. That makes something desperate crawl into my chest. I can no longer push her away.

“Because I can’t stop myself when it comes to you,” I murmur, the words slipping out faster than I intended.

I lean down and kiss her again, slower this time, letting the sharp edge of fear dissolve as the warmth between us takes over.

The connection between us burns—a line blurred and crossed, and I know nothing will be the same after this.

Chapter 6

Autumn

I should protest,remind him I’m a grown woman who doesn’t take orders from anyone, but the intensity in his eyes keeps me rooted to the spot.

Something more than protectiveness is evident in his gaze—something vulnerable he’s trying to hide, a silent plea that tugs at my heart.

“Colt, I?—”

He cuts me off with a sharp gesture, his face set in that stern, unyielding expression I’ve come to know all too well.

“I’m not discussing this,” he says, his voice deep and commanding. “It’s not safe for you out there. Not until we figure out what’s going on.”

I cross my arms, stubbornness flaring up. “And what about my job? My investigation?”

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