Page 26 of Mountain Protector

“So, I also heard you like Hallmark movies,” she adds. “I like them, too. And there’s a new one I haven’t seen yet. About a Christmas lights factory that’s about to be bought out by a high-powered businesswoman from?—”

“The big city,” I finish with a smile. “Lights On for Christmas. I’ve been wanting to see it.”

“Well, then.” Winter grabs the remote off the table and clicks the TV on. “We definitely need to watch it.”

“We do,” I agree.

While we wait for the movie to start, my mind wanders to other, romantic things.

Like Knox. And if what Winter said was right.

Is he really interested?

Is it worth risking my heart again to give it a shot?

CHAPTER 6

KNOX

“How is Lark holding up?”

Ronan looks at me from across the dining room table, concern darkening his gaze. “If there’s anything else she needs, I’m heading into town right after this, so I can pick it up.”

I lift my chin at him. “Thanks. I think she’s all set, but when I go back there, I’ll double check and call if there’s anything.” After a beat, I add, “And she’s doing alright. Or as well as she can be, considering.”

My jaw clenches as I recall the nightmares Lark had during her nap, ones that she twitched and whimpered through like she was being traumatized and hurt all over again. Not wanting to wake her up, at first I tried reassuring her quietly, saying things likeyou’re safeandI won’t let anyone hurt you. But it was only when I touched her foot, rubbing it gently through the blanket, that she finally settled.

That’s just one of the many reasons I hated leavingLark to come to this meeting. And it’s why I’m sitting here worrying that something might happen while I’m gone, despite logic telling me the opposite.

Alec glances up from his laptop. “Winter’s with her, right?”

“She is,” I answer. Glancing over at Enzo, I add, “Thanks for sending Winter over on such short notice. I know she has her own stuff going on. I just hated the thought of leaving Lark alone?—”

“Of course.” An affectionate smile brightens Enzo’s face. “Winter was more than happy to go over. She’s been wanting to meet Lark for a while. And once she heard about everything that happened, well… She wanted to offer her support. Be there if Lark needs someone to talk to.”

Of everyone, Winter’s no doubt the best person to comfort her. After the shit Winter went through over the last year, she would definitely understand Lark’s trauma. And I’m glad Lark has another woman here to talk to.

But selfishly, I want to be the one with Lark. I want to be back at the cabin, hugging her, making sure she’s taking her pain medication and eating, and soothing her through the terrible memories that are sure to pop up at the most unexpected moments.

“She’s going to be okay,” Enzo adds, his expression sobering as he meets my gaze. “Winter will call if there’s a problem. You know she will.”

“I know.” At least, my brain does. My heart, on the other hand, is still stubbornly unconvinced. I keep seeing Lark in the woods, bloody, crying, collapsing into my arms. I keep seeing her face when the policeasked me to leave her room in the hospital, like she was desperate for me to stay. And I can’t forget how she asked me to hug her, and how damn perfect she felt felt in my embrace.

Just friends?

Who am I kidding? I think that ship has sailed.

“Alright.” Enzo sits up straight, squaring his shoulders and lifting his chin. “Let’s get this meeting started.” A corner of his mouth pulls up. “So we can let Knox get back to Lark. He’s going to be worrying until he does.”

“I’m not—” I start.

“It’s cool,” Gage says, speaking for the first time since he sat down at the table. He casts a quick glance in my direction. “She’s important to you. If it were me, I’d be worried, too.”

I nod at him. “Thanks, man.”

“Okay.” Enzo looks down at the tablet in front of him. “So, the main reason we’re here is to discuss Lark’s case. Obviously. But since we’re meeting, we can run through some of our upcoming jobs as well. Given that Lark is staying here, I think we’ll want to reassign some of the jobs.”

Turning to me, he asks, “I’m assuming you want to be on site to help with Lark’s protection? Unless you feel like you’re too close to it?—”

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